Data Recovery Assist: getting deleted files back
You emptied the Recycle Bin, then realized one folder in there mattered. Or an SD card suddenly shows up empty. Data Recovery Assist from Sondle is a Windows program that scans a drive for deleted or lost files and lets you restore them.
Quick facts
- Version: 3.0.0.54
- 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 technical support
- File size: about 2.15 MB
Key features
Restore files after the Recycle Bin is emptied
The program recovers deleted files even after the Recycle Bin has been emptied. It also handles data lost to a damaged partition, software crash, virus infection or unexpected shutdown.
Recover from formatted, repartitioned or corrupted partitions
You can pull data from formatted, repartitioned, deleted or corrupted Windows partitions, and from a crashed hard drive. It supports FAT16, FAT32, NTFS and other file systems.
Work with hard disks and removable media
It covers local and network drives plus USB drives, SD cards, MMC cards and Sony Memory Sticks.
Preview a file before you restore it
You can preview a deleted file first, so you only restore what you need. Scan results are saved automatically, and recovery doesn't write back to the drive being scanned.
Tip
Once a file is deleted, anything you save to that drive can overwrite it. The program warns about deleted files being written over, so stop using the drive as soon as you notice the loss.
Who it's for
It suits home users who lost photos, documents, email or media files from a PC, camera card or USB stick and want a simple scan-preview-restore process. It handles common file types such as text, PDF, BMP, JPG, AVI, MP3, HTML, email and Word files.
Pros and cons
- Pro: small download of about 2.15 MB.
- Pro: one-time price with lifetime updates and support.
- Pro: preview before recovery.
- Con: Windows only.
- Con: the license covers one computer.
- Con: files already overwritten can't be recovered.
FAQs
Can it recover files after I empty the Recycle Bin?
Yes, that is one of its listed uses.
Which drives does it scan?
Local drives, network drives and removable media such as USB drives and memory cards.
Does it work on Windows 8?
Yes. Windows 8 is in the supported list, along with Windows 7, Vista, XP, 2008, 2003 and 2000.
Do I pay for updates?
No. The license is lifetime for one computer, with free updates and support.
System requirements
Windows 8, Windows 7, Vista, XP, Windows 2008, 2003 or 2000. The installer is about 2.15 MB.