Recuva - An Easy Way to Recover Deleted Files

Recuva is effective software for recovering accidentally or intentionally deleted (lost) files on computer hard drives, as well as on removable media.

Recuva is simple but effective data recovery software. It doesn't matter where the files were or in what format. The tool automatically displays all lost objects. You only need to specify the disk and the type of analysis. Supported file systems include ntfs, fat, fat32, exfat, etc.

Recuva will help you recover deleted files from the Recycle Bin, individual folders, and restore information that was on removable media, portable drives: ext4, ext3 partitions from digital cameras, mobile phones, etc.

At first glance, a basic deleted file recovery software is capable of bringing order even to a superficially formatted hard drive. So with its functionality, recovering accidentally deleted files won't be too difficult. But that's not all. Recuva can not only recover deleted files but also permanently delete unnecessary information and remnants of found files.

Please note that the sooner you start using Recuva, the more likely you are to recover all your files. You should not install the application on the same drive where the data was deleted. Overwrites may occur in the clusters, and your accidentally deleted photos, unsaved documents, or other damaged data may disappear forever.

Lesser-Known Features of Recuva:

Folder Structure Recovery

Recuva not only finds individual files but also restores the original tree-like folder structure, including nested subfolders. This is crucial when working with projects where the organizational hierarchy is important.

Advanced MFT Handling

The program performs a deep analysis of the NTFS Master File Table, recovering data even when the MFT is partially damaged. This method allows file recovery when other tools are powerless.

Virtual RAID Reconstruction

Recuva allows you to create virtual RAID arrays from individual disk images, enabling data recovery from damaged RAID systems without the need for physical reconstruction.

Cluster Analysis

A sector-by-sector scan mode with manual clustering parameter settings allows file recovery in the most challenging cases where standard methods fail.

Metadata Recovery

Preserves not only file contents but also all attributes: creation and modification timestamps, NTFS access permissions, and attributes of hidden and system files.

Extended Signature Database

The database contains over 2000 unique file signatures, including specialized CAD system formats, scientific data, and rare media formats unavailable in other programs.

Email Recovery

Specialized algorithms recover not only Outlook PST and OST files but also preserve the internal structure of emails, attachments, and system folders.

Support for Exotic File Systems

Through a plugin architecture, it supports ReFS, HFS+, Ext2/3/4, and other niche file systems used in specialized devices.

Recovery from Memory Images

Analysis of RAM dumps and page files allows extraction of temporary data, cached passwords, and unsaved documents that were never written to disk.

File Erasure:

Method 1: Simple One-Pass Overwrite

This method performs a single overwrite of sectors containing deleted data. The erasure principle is based on filling sectors with zeros (0x00) or random data. In the Recuva interface, this method is labeled as Simple overwrite (1 pass). The technical implementation involves direct access to the disk clusters where the file data was previously stored, followed by their complete replacement. This approach effectively prevents data recovery by standard means and software tools but may be vulnerable to specialized hardware analysis methods.

Method 2: DoD 5220.22-M Standard (3 passes)

The algorithm complies with the US Department of Defense standard and implements a three-stage overwrite process. The erasure principle consists of sequential execution: first pass - writing zeros (0x00), second pass - writing ones (0xFF), third pass - writing random data followed by result verification. In Recuva, this method is activated via the secure deletion settings. The technical feature of this method is its combined approach, which eliminates the possibility of data recovery even in the presence of residual magnetic traces on traditional hard disk drives.

Method 3: NSA R7 Method

Standard deletion in Windows only marks data as deleted in the MFT, leaving it physically intact. For guaranteed information destruction, Recuva implements the NSA R7 algorithm, designed for magnetic drives. The method includes seven overwrite cycles: sequentially filling sectors with ones (0xFF), zeros (0x00), two pseudo-random sequences, and complementary patterns followed by verification. Multiple alternations of deterministic and random patterns prevent data recovery, including methods of analyzing residual magnetization. The algorithm is not used for solid-state drives due to architectural features of wear-leveling, which require the use of the ATA Secure Erase command.

Method 4: Gutmann Algorithm (35 passes)

Developed by Peter Gutmann, this method uses 35 overwrite cycles with different data patterns. The erasure principle is based on using specially designed sequences intended to neutralize various encoding technologies used in older drive models. In Recuva, this method is available through advanced secure deletion settings. The technical implementation involves alternating patterns specifically designed to counter the possibilities of microscopic analysis of magnetic surfaces. For modern drives, this method is considered excessive but remains relevant when working with legacy equipment.