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Factory reset is a feature available on most devices that allows users to restore their devices to its original settings. This can be a useful tool when faced with issues such as sluggish performance or persistent software glitches. However, one major drawback of factory reset is that it erases all data and files stored on the device. This can be devastating if you have not backed up your important files. In this blog post, we will discuss various methods that can help you restore files after factory reset in Windows 10.
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What’s Needed
Before we dive into the methods, let’s take a moment to understand what you will need in order to restore your files after a factory reset. Firstly, you will need an external storage device such as an external hard drive or a USB flash drive. This is where you will save your recovered files. Additionally, you will need a reliable data recovery tool. There are plenty of options available online, both free and paid, that can help you recover your lost files. Lastly, you will need patience and perseverance. The process of recovering files after a factory reset can be time-consuming and may require multiple attempts.
What Requires Your Focus?
When it comes to restoring files after a factory reset, there are a few key areas that require your focus. Firstly, you should immediately stop using the device after the factory reset. This helps to prevent new data from being written over the old files, potentially making them unrecoverable. Secondly, you should avoid installing any new software or making any changes to the device until you have successfully restored your files. This reduces the risk of overwriting your lost data. Lastly, it is important to follow the recovery methods carefully and patiently. Rushing through the process may lead to errors or unsuccessful recoveries.
Method 1. How to Use File History Backup
File History Backup is a built-in feature in Windows 10 that allows you to automatically back up your files to an external storage device. If you had this feature enabled before the factory reset, you can easily restore your files using the following steps:
Step 1: Connect your external storage device to your computer.
Step 2: Click on the "Start" menu and go to "Settings".
Step 3: In the Settings menu, click on "Update & Security" and then select "Backup".
Step 4: Under the Backup section, click on "Go to Backup and Restore (Windows 7)".
Step 5: In the File History window, click on "Restore personal files".
Step 6: Select the files or folders you want to restore, and then click on the "Restore" button.
Pros:
1. Easy and straightforward process to restore files using File History Backup.
2. Allows you to recover specific files or folders.
3. Works well for files that were backed up prior to the factory reset.
Cons:
1. May require regular backups to ensure that all important files are protected.
2. Can be time-consuming to recover large amounts of data.
Method 2. How to Use a Data Recovery Tool
If you did not have File History Backup enabled or if it does not contain the files you need to recover, you can rely on third-party data recovery tools to restore your lost files. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Download and install a data recovery tool of your choice.
Step 2: Launch the software and select the drive where your files were stored before the factory reset.
Step 3: Start the scanning process to search for recoverable files.
Step 4: Once the scan is complete, you will be presented with a list of recoverable files. Select the files you want to restore.
Step 5: Choose a location on your external storage device to save the recovered files.
Step 6: Click on the "Recover" button to begin the file restoration process.
Pros:
1. Wide range of data recovery tools available with different features and capabilities.
2. Can recover files that were not backed up using File History Backup.
3. Allows for deep scanning and recovery of deleted or formatted files.
Cons:
1. Some data recovery tools may have limitations on the amount of data that can be recovered for free.
2. Deep scanning and recovery processes can be time-consuming.
Method 3. How to Use Previous Versions
Windows 10 has a feature called "Previous Versions" that allows you to restore previous versions of files and folders. If you had this feature enabled before the factory reset, you can try using it to restore your files by following these steps:
Step 1: Locate the folder where the file or folder that you want to restore was stored.
Step 2: Right-click on the folder and select "Restore previous versions" from the context menu.
Step 3: In the Previous Versions window, you will see a list of available versions of the folder. Select the version that contains the files you want to restore.
Step 4: Click on the "Restore" button to restore the selected files or folders to their original location.
Pros:
1. Quick and easy way to restore previous versions of files and folders.
2. Works well for individual files or folders that were not backed up using File History Backup.
3. Allows you to recover older versions of files if the new versions were lost after the factory reset.
Cons:
1. Previous Versions may not always be available for all files or folders.
2. Only works if this feature was enabled and regularly creating previous versions.
Method 4. How to Use Data Recovery Services
If the above methods fail to recover your important files or if the files have significant value to you, you may consider using professional data recovery services. These services specialize in recovering lost or damaged data from various devices, including those that have undergone a factory reset. Here are the general steps involved in using data recovery services:
Step 1: Research and choose a reputable data recovery service provider.
Step 2: Contact the service provider and explain your situation and requirements.
Step 3: Ship your device or storage media to the service provider securely.
Step 4: The service provider will assess the device and provide you with a quote for the recovery service.
Step 5: Once you approve the quote, the service provider will proceed with the data recovery process.
Step 6: You will receive the recovered files either on a new storage device or via secure online download.
Pros:
1. Professional expertise and specialized equipment for advanced data recovery.
2. Can recover data from physically damaged devices or heavily corrupted files.
3. Provides a higher chance of successful data recovery in complex scenarios.
Cons:
1. Can be expensive, depending on the size and complexity of the recovery.
2. Requires trusting a third-party with your sensitive data.
3. Recovery time may vary depending on the workload of the service provider.
Why Can’t I Restore Files After Factory Reset? Fixes and Solutions
Q1: Why can’t I restore files after factory reset?
A: Factory reset erases all data and files on the device, which includes your personal files. If you did not back up your files or use any data recovery methods, it may not be possible to restore your files after a factory reset.
Q2: Can I retrieve files from a formatted drive?
A: Yes, it is possible to retrieve files from a formatted drive using data recovery tools. However, the success rate may vary depending on the extent of formatting and usage of the drive after the factory reset.
Q3: I accidentally restored my device to factory settings. What should I do?
A: If you have not overwritten any data on your device since the factory reset, you can try one of the data recovery methods mentioned in this blog post. It is important to act quickly and avoid using the device to increase the chances of successful file recovery.
Pros:
1. Provides explanations and solutions for common issues related to file restoration after a factory reset.
2. Helps users understand the reasons behind unsuccessful file recovery attempts.
3. Offers potential fixes and solutions for different scenarios.
Cons:
1. Some issues may require advanced technical expertise or professional help.
2. Success rates may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the factory reset and file recovery attempts.
Implications and Recommendations
1. Regularly back up your important files to minimize the impact of a factory reset. Use reliable backup methods such as File History Backup or cloud storage services.
2. Enable and configure File History Backup or similar features to automatically back up your files on a regular basis.
3. Consider using a combination of backup methods to ensure redundancy and maximize the chances of successful file recovery after a factory reset.
5 FAQs about Restoring Files After Factory Reset Windows 10
Q1: Can I recover deleted files after a factory reset?
A: Recovering deleted files after a factory reset can be challenging, but it is not impossible. Employing data recovery tools or services may help recover some or all of the deleted files.
Q2: Will a factory reset erase all my files?
A: Yes, a factory reset will erase all the files and data on the device, returning it to its original state.
Q3: Can I restore deleted files using File History Backup?
A: File History Backup can only restore files that have been backed up prior to the factory reset. Deleted files that were not backed up will not be recoverable using this method.
Q4: How long does it take to recover files after a factory reset?
A: The time taken to recover files after a factory reset can vary depending on the size of the files and the method or tool used for recovery. It can range from a few minutes to several hours or even days.
Q5: What precautions should I take to prevent data loss after a factory reset?
A: To prevent data loss after a factory reset, it is recommended to regularly back up your important files, enable features like File History Backup, and avoid using the device until the file recovery process is completed.
Final Words
Restoring files after a factory reset in Windows 10 can be a challenging task, but it is not impossible. By following the methods and recommendations outlined in this blog post, you can increase your chances of successful file recovery. Remember to act quickly, be patient, and avoid using the device until you have successfully recovered your important files.{"@context":"https://schema.org”,"@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":" Can I recover deleted files after a factory reset?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":" Recovering deleted files after a factory reset can be challenging, but it is not impossible. Employing data recovery tools or services may help recover some or all of the deleted files."}},{"@type":"Question","name":" Will a factory reset erase all my files?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":" Yes, a factory reset will erase all the files and data on the device, returning it to its original state."}},{"@type":"Question","name":" Can I restore deleted files using File History Backup?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":" File History Backup can only restore files that have been backed up prior to the factory reset. Deleted files that were not backed up will not be recoverable using this method."}},{"@type":"Question","name":" How long does it take to recover files after a factory reset?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":" The time taken to recover files after a factory reset can vary depending on the size of the files and the method or tool used for recovery. It can range from a few minutes to several hours or even days."}},{"@type":"Question","name":" What precautions should I take to prevent data loss after a factory reset?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":" To prevent data loss after a factory reset, it is recommended to regularly back up your important files, enable features like File History Backup, and avoid using the device until the file recovery process is completed."}}]}
