Got a file you emptied from the Recycle Bin by mistake?
You deleted a folder of photos or an important spreadsheet, then realized a minute later that you needed it. Or a drive got formatted, or a virus wiped files out. File Recovery Assist from Sondle is a Windows program built for exactly this: it scans a drive and brings deleted files back.
Quick facts
- Version: 3.0.0.57
- File size: 2.14MB
- Platforms: Windows 8, Windows 7, Vista, XP, Windows 2008, 2003 and 2000
- Price: $29.95 (listed as reduced from $39.95)
- License: lifetime license for one computer, with free updates and free technical support for life
- File systems: FAT16, FAT32 and NTFS
Key features
Get files back even after the Recycle Bin is emptied
The program recovers deleted files, including ones removed from the Recycle Bin. It also handles loss from a hard drive crash, a virus infection, or a formatted or damaged drive.
Recover from formatted, repartitioned or corrupted partitions
It can pull data from formatted, repartitioned, deleted or corrupted Windows partitions, so a drive that no longer opens normally isn't necessarily a lost cause.
Check files with a preview before you recover them
You can preview files first, so you only restore what you actually need.
Save the scan result and come back to it
With Save Scan, the scan result is saved automatically, so you don't have to rescan a large drive from scratch.
Read-only recovery that leaves the drive untouched
The program is read only. It recovers data without rewriting to the drive, so the scan itself doesn't change what's on it.
Works with common file types and storage media
It supports all major file types, including text, Excel, PDF, BMP, EXE, HTML, JPG, AVI and MP3. It works on hard drives, floppy disks, pen drives and USB storage media.
Who it's for
It suits home users and small-office users who lost a few files and want a simple tool to scan for them. It's a small download at about 2 MB, and it is aimed at Windows PCs and common removable media.
Pros and cons
Pros
- One payment gives a lifetime license with free updates.
- Previewing files before recovery saves time.
- Read-only scanning doesn't write to the drive being scanned.
- Covers FAT16, FAT32 and NTFS, plus USB media.
Cons
- The license covers one computer only.
- It runs on Windows only.
- The vendor lists support up to Windows 8, so check compatibility on newer systems.
- Deleted files that have been written over can't be brought back. The vendor's own release notes carry a caution about this.
FAQs
Does it recover files after the Recycle Bin has been emptied?
Yes. Recovering files emptied from the Recycle Bin is one of its main jobs.
Which file systems does it handle?
FAT16, FAT32 and NTFS.
Can I use it on a USB stick or floppy disk?
Yes. It supports hard drives, floppy disks, pen drives and USB storage media.
Will scanning damage my drive?
The program is read only and recovers data without rewriting to the drive.
Do I pay again for updates?
No. The license is lifetime for one computer, with free updates and free technical support.
System requirements
- Operating systems: Windows 8, Windows 7, Vista, XP, Windows 2008, 2003 and 2000
- Download size: 2.14MB