When files are lost.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH FIRST
Whether it was deleted, overwritten, corrupted, or the device failed.
WHY
Each requires a different response.
WHAT TO DO IMMEDIATELY FOR A DELETED FILE
Stop using the drive.
WHY
The data remains until overwritten, and continued use overwrites it.
WHAT TO CHECK
Recycle bin Version history Backups Temporary and autosave files
WHAT TO DO FOR A FAILING DRIVE
Stop using it, and image it if the data matters.
WHY IMAGE IT
So recovery attempts work on a copy, not on a deteriorating original.
WHAT MAKES RECOVERY LESS LIKELY
Continued use Installing recovery software onto the same drive Repeated attempts on a failing device
WHAT PHYSICAL FAILURE REQUIRES
Specialist recovery, which is expensive.
WHAT TO ADVISE A USER
That recovery is not guaranteed, before attempting it.
WHAT PREVENTS ALL OF THIS
Backups, tested.
WHAT TO DO AFTERWARDS
Establish why there was no backup, and fix that.
