You deleted a folder of photos, then emptied the Recycle Bin, and now you need them back. Or you're about to sell an old PC and want your private files gone for good, not just hidden. FileWing from Abelssoft handles both jobs: it recovers deleted files and it overwrites files so they can't be recovered.
Quick facts
- Platforms: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 and 10, 32-bit and 64-bit
- Edition: a free version and a paid Pro version
- Pro price: 19.90 EUR
- Trial: a test version is available to download
Key features
Get deleted files back into a folder you choose
You name a folder where the recovered files should go, and FileWing does the rest. Windows only "forgets" where a deleted file sits on the disk, so files that haven't been overwritten can often be restored.
Erase files with 7 overwrite methods
You can pick from 7 deletion algorithms. They overwrite the files with different patterns, from 1 to 35 passes, so the data doesn't come back.
Scan internal drives, external drives and USB sticks
FileWing checks internal and external hard disks and USB drives for files it can identify as deleted. The vendor also says it works with digital camera memory cards.
Pro: recover damaged files with Deep Scan
The free version only finds files it can recover without problems. Deep Scan in Pro also goes after damaged files, so you may salvage some text from a partly overwritten document.
Pro: wipe free space, filter results, Crypto-Format
Pro can overwrite free space to destroy remains of files you deleted without FileWing. Filters let you search for documents, pictures, video or music only, or enter your own file extensions. Crypto-Format applies the deletion algorithms when you format a drive.
Who it's for
It suits you if you've lost files by accident and want a simple tool to try first. It also suits you if you want to dispose of a drive or card and need the old data overwritten.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free version covers basic recovery and secure deletion
- Several overwrite algorithms to choose from
- Works on internal drives, external drives, USB sticks and camera cards
Cons
- Damaged-file recovery, free-space wiping and filters need the paid Pro version
- The free version only finds files that can be recovered without problems
- Recovery depends on the files not having been overwritten already
What users say
"I have used your program FileWing to restore some deleted photo files, program works good!" (user comment on the Abelssoft site)
FAQs
Can FileWing recover any deleted file?
No. It can restore files that haven't been overwritten on the disk. Once new data replaces them, they're gone.
Is FileWing free?
There is a free version. Pro adds Deep Scan, free-space overwriting, filters and Crypto-Format.
Can it securely erase files?
Yes. You choose from 7 algorithms that overwrite files 1 to 35 times.
Does it work with USB drives and memory cards?
Yes. It scans internal and external hard disks and USB drives, and the vendor says camera memory cards work too.
System requirements
Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 or 10, in 32-bit or 64-bit versions.