Only 3 that I would recommend, and 2 I didn’t test.
Found yourself in the “Oh crap, I’ve just delete some files by mistake” moment? I did recently, and it spurred me on to update this list I created in 2008.
Some terminology
I’d use it | Yes means it found all 19 jpg files I accidently deleted. No means it didn’t find all those files and/or the program crashed. |
Free | Free as in Free and/or Free, but the developer accepts donations. |
Have to install? | Do you have to install the program onto your computer. No is preferred. |
I’d use it
Program | Free? | Have to install? | Quick Review |
Recuva | Yes | Yes | 19 Feb 2010 |
File Scavenger v3 | No | Yes | 23 Feb 2010 |
Active@ Undelete | No | Yes | 23 Feb 2010 |
Not tested
Program | Free? |
CD Recovery Tool – CD, DVD, HD DVD, Blu-Ray etc. | Yes |
NTFS Undelete | Yes |
Ekkk, wouldn’t use any of these
Program | Free? | Have to install? | Quick Review |
DiskDigger | Yes | No | 4 Aug 2010 |
GetDataBack | No | Yes | 25 Feb 2010 |
PC Inspector File Recovery | Yes | Yes | 25 Feb 2010 |
PC Inspector – Smart card Recovery | Yes | Yes | 25 Feb 2010 |
PhotoRec | Yes | No | 19 Feb 2010 |
Recover FIles 3.21 | No | Yes | 25 Feb 2010 |
Recover My Files v4.5.2 | No | Yes | 25 Feb 2010 |
Restoration | Yes | No | 19 Feb 2010 |
SoftPerfect File Recovery | Yes | No | 25 Feb 2010 |
Undelete Plus | No | Yes | 25 Feb 2010 |