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Mistakes can happen to anyone and we can often accidentally delete important files while cleaning up our device. PDF files are one type of file that often holds important data. Unfortunately, once these files are deleted, they cannot be easily retrieved from the trash bin. If these files are recent or were not backed up, a sense of panic may arise.
Fortunately, there are ways to restore temporary deleted PDF files on a Mac. The following methods will guide you through the process of recovering your lost PDF files.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
To recover temporary deleted PDF files on a Mac, you will need a few things:
1. A Mac computer
2. A reliable recovery software application, such as Disk Drill, EaseUS, or Stellar Data Recovery
3. An external storage device to save the recovered files (optional)
What requires your attention is…?
Before you begin to recover your lost PDF files, there are some things you need to keep in mind.
Firstly, stop using your device once you realize that files are deleted. This will prevent the operating system from overwriting the deleted files, which makes recovery more difficult. Secondly, if the PDF files were in an external storage device, stop using it and disconnect it from your device to avoid overwriting the data. Finally, choose a reliable recovery software application to ensure the safest and most effective recovery process.
Method 1: Using Disk Drill
1. Download and install Disk Drill on your Mac.
2. Launch the application and select the drive that the PDF files were stored on.
3. Click the “Search for lost data” button to begin the scanning process.
4. Once the scanning process is complete, you will see a list of all the files that can be recovered. Select the PDF files you wish to recover and click the “Recover” button.
5. Choose a location to save the recovered files.
Pros:
– Easy to use.
– Supports multiple file systems.
– Quick scanning process.
Cons:
– The free version only allows a limited amount of data recovery.
Method 2: Using EaseUS
1. Download and install EaseUS on your Mac.
2. Launch EaseUS and select the drive that the PDF files were stored on.
3. Click the “Scan” button to begin the scanning process.
4. Once the scanning process is complete, you will see a list of all the files that can be recovered. Select the PDF files you wish to recover and click the “Recover” button.
5. Choose a location to save the recovered files.
Pros:
– Supports multiple file systems.
– Allows previewing and selecting specific files for recovery.
– Easy to use.
Cons:
– The free version only allows a limited amount of data recovery.
Method 3: Using Stellar Data Recovery
1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery on your Mac.
2. Launch Stellar Data Recovery and select the drive that the PDF files were stored on.
3. Click the “Scan” button to begin the scanning process.
4. Once the scanning process is complete, you will see a list of all the files that can be recovered. Select the PDF files you wish to recover and click the “Recover” button.
5. Choose a location to save the recovered files.
Pros:
– Supports multiple file systems.
– Offers different scanning options.
– Allows previewing and selecting specific files for recovery.
Cons:
– The free version only allows a limited amount of data recovery.
Why Can’t I Recover Lost PDF files on Mac?
1. PDF files are overwritten by other data.
2. The disk is physically damaged.
3. The files were lost due to emptying trash bin or formatting the disk.
4. The file is too old to be recovered.
5. Mac OS upgrade or update can affect the file system, leading to data corruption.
Fixes:
1. Stop the usage of your device immediately to avoid overwriting deleted files.
2. Choose a reliable data recovery software to maximize the possibility of successful recovery.
3. Ensure regular backup of important files.
Implications and Recommendations
Losing important files due to accidental deletion can be frustrating and stressful. However, there are a few things you can do to prevent it. Firstly, ensure the regular backup of important files to avoid permanent loss. Secondly, choose a reliable recovery software application to ensure a safe and trustworthy recovery process. Finally, stop using your device immediately if you realize files are lost.
FAQs
Q: Can I recover lost PDF files on Mac without a software application?
A: It is possible to restore files manually through Time Machine, but it is not as reliable as using a professional data recovery software.
Q: How long does the recovery process take?
A: The duration of the process depends on the amount and size of files to be recovered, as well as the scanning options and hardware performance.
Q: Can I recover permanently deleted PDF files?
A: Permanently deleted files are not recoverable through conventional methods. However, they might still be recoverable through a forensic analysis or advanced data recovery service.
Q: How do I prevent accidental deletion of PDF files in the future?
A: Ensure regular backup of important files and avoid unnecessary file handling. Also, use a reputable antivirus software to prevent malware infections.
Q: Can I recover lost PDF files from an external storage device?
A: Yes, as long as the drive is not physically damaged and it is connected to a compatible device.
Conclusion
Losing important PDF files can be a nightmare, but with the help of reliable data recovery software, it is possible to retrieve them. The above methods can effectively recover temporary deleted PDF files on Mac. However, always ensure that you select a reputable and reliable data recovery software to avoid further damage to your files.