Top 12 Data Recovery Software for Windows 7
Updated on Nov 11, 2023 | by Jeremy
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If you accidentally press the Delete key or fall victim to a virus or software bug, you may lose important files and data from your Windows 7 hard disk or USB drive. In such situations, a reliable data recovery software for Windows 7 can be a lifesaver, helping you retrieve your lost data and files without a hassle. With numerous recovery tools available, choosing the right one can be daunting, but this article lists down some of the best recovery software/tools for Windows 7 that can help you recover your lost data and files with ease.
Part 1: Best Recovery Software for Windows 7
1. Deep Data Recovery
If you're looking for powerful recovery software for Windows 7, Deep Data Recovery is the tool for you. With its user-friendly interface and intuitive navigation, it's incredibly easy to use and can recover files in various formats. This software is ideal for restoring lost files after emptying the recycle bin, deleting data or partitions, formatting drives, or recovering from system crashes, virus attacks, and other data loss scenarios.
- Recover software for Windows 7 supports a wide range of file types, including graphics (PNG, JPG, GIF, TIFF, BMP, CRW, etc.), audio files (M4A, MP3, WAV, AIF, WMA, OGG, etc.), documents (DOC, DOCX, PPT, PPTX, XLS, XLSX, PDF, HTML, CWK, etc.), videos (AVI, MP4, MOV, 3GP, FLV, MPG, ASF, etc.), emails (PST, EMLX, DBX, etc.), and other file types (EXE, RAR, etc.).
- This software supports recovering deleted files of various types, including videos, photos, audios, documents, archives, and emails, on Windows 10, 8, and 7 operating systems.
- It is the most efficient and reliable data recovery tool for Windows 7, capable of recovering files from a variety of devices including PCs, laptops, hard drives, memory cards, external disks, digital cameras, and USB drives.
- It offers quick scan and deep scan modes to facilitate successful file undeletion and drive unformat in Windows.
- This software supports Windows 10/8/7 and can undelete data from various storage devices, including hard disks, solid-state drives, memory cards, USB flash drives, digital cameras, pen drives, and players.
Pros:
- Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- Streamlined file recovery
- Support for virtually all disk-based storage devices
- Sophisticated scanning algorithms that can recover hard-to-find files
- Free data protection tools
Cons:
- Only email technical support
2. Recuva
The top-ranked tool is the most reliable data recovery software for Windows 7, capable of restoring files from various sources, including DVDs, CDs, hard disks, external drives, and memory cards. This makes it the best file recovery software, distinguished by features that set it apart from others.
- Easy to understand user interface
- Advanced features for deep scanning
- Superior file recovery
- Options to recover files from recently formatted or damaged files
- The secure overwriting technique works by writing a pattern of data over the original data, ensuring that it is completely erased and cannot be recovered. This process is designed to counteract military and industry standard deletion techniques, making it a reliable method for securely deleting sensitive information.
Pros:
- Reliable
- Easy to use
- Powerful recovery features such as deep scan
Cons:
- Most recovery features are limited to paid version only.
3. TestDisk
TestDisk is an open-source data recovery tool that was created to fix non-booting disks and retrieve lost partitions. Its file recovery system and user-friendly interface make it a top choice among experts and novices alike. With a range of features that set it apart from other recovery tools, TestDisk is a valuable addition to any Windows 7 system, offering a powerful solution for recovering lost data.
- K3b is a free and open-source CD/DVD burning software that is available on various platforms, including Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows, and multiple Linux Live CDs.
- This tool allows users to rebuild or recover the boot sector, which is a crucial part of the computer's boot process.
- Provides a reliable way of accessing deleted files from NTFS, ext, exFAT, and FAT file systems.
- Recovers or fixes partition tables that have been deleted.
Pros:
- Enables users to recover partition tables and boot sectors, too.
- This software is reliable and powerful, allowing it to work seamlessly with all types of file systems.
- Cross platform support.
Cons:
- The command line interface makes it very complex to use, requiring users to have skills with computer systems, limiting its usability to those who are familiar with this aspect.
4. Stellar Data Recovery
The Stellar Data Recovery tool lives up to its name, offering a stellar data recovery experience for Mac and Windows PC users. If you've deleted files and are unsure what to do, this tool is a reliable rescue option. It's risk-free and allows recovery from various storage devices, including smartphones, hard disks, memory cards, and USB drives. The simplicity of the tool makes it a good choice, requiring only a download, scan, and wait for recovered files.
Pros:
- Clean, intuitive user interface.
- Easy to install and set up – simple recovery process.
Cons:
- Limited file type support.
- Not as powerful as some of the other data recovery tools.
5. Undelete 360
Undelete 360 is a Windows 7 recovery software that has a typical Office application look and feel. It uses a fast algorithm that efficiently undeletes files, making it a powerful tool for recovering lost data. Its distinctive features include a user-friendly interface and a fast recovery process, making it a reliable choice for those who need to recover deleted files.
- A Hex Viewer, a data-wiping tool, and the option of previewing data files before recovering them are some of the features of the software.
- The feature allows for data transfer and access across various devices, including memory cards, USBs, digital cameras, computer hard drives, smartphones, and more, facilitating seamless data management and sharing.
- This software is more efficient in recovering files compared to many other free data recovery tools.
Pros:
- Before recovering any files, you can preview them to see which ones you want to restore. This allows you to carefully select the files you need to recover.
- Supports a wide variety of file types.
- Simple and easy-to-understand user interface.
Cons:
- Very slow scanning speed.
- The recovery process can be a little complicated to understand.
6. PhotoRec
PhotoRec is considered one of the best data recovery software due to its strong and efficient file recovery capabilities, functioning on various devices such as hard disks and digital cameras. This recovery tool, designed for Windows 7, is specifically tailored to recover files like documents, videos, and pictures from CD-ROMs and computer hard disks. Its features make it a reliable option for file recovery.
- Ability to recover 440 plus different file formats.
- The software is compatible with almost all popular and widely used platforms, including Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows.
- The software provides helpful options, including the ability to add custom file types and utilize the 'unformat' function.
Pros:
- Powerful and reliable.
- Supports wide range of file types and devices.
- You can even add your own custom file types!
Cons:
- No graphical user interface (GUI) – not recommended for beginners.
- The recovery process can be a bit slow.
7. Pandora Recovery
Pandora is another extremely effective and reliable data recovery software that offers a range of features for its users, including.
- Before recovering files, show a preview of the deleted files if they are image or text files.
- A very easy-to-understand interface.
- Options to recover fata from NTFS and FAT-formatted volumes.
- Options to recover hidden, archived, compressed, and encrypted files.
Pros:
- Portable due to the small size of the tool.
- The user interface is designed to be user-friendly, featuring an intuitive explorer-like view that makes it easy to navigate and interact with the system.
Cons:
- Not as reliable as other data recovery tools.
- Does not support custom file types.
8. MiniTool Partition Recovery
If you've lost files, standard programs like Pandora or Recuva can help recover them. However, if you've lost an entire partition, a specialist tool like MiniTool Partition Recovery is a better option. This expert application has features that set it apart from other standard programs, making it a more suitable choice for recovering lost partitions.
- The Windows 7 data recovery software features a user-friendly interface with a simple wizard to guide users through the recovery process.
- It specializes in recovering data from an entire partition.
- Data recovery cannot be performed on a bootable disk. The disk that the operating system is installed on, which is used for booting the computer, cannot be used for data recovery.
- This specialist application will scan the drive containing some problems and automatically detect the missing partition.
- A recovery report has been generated by the MiniTool Partition Recovery tool, which helps you understand what the program has found and can help you recover your data.
Pros:
- The user interface and recovery process are designed to be simple and easy to understand, making it accessible to a wide range of users, including those who may not be tech-savvy. The design prioritizes clarity and simplicity, reducing the likelihood of confusion or frustration during the recovery process.
- Designed for recovering an entire partition that has been corrupted/deleted.
- Recovery reports provide a detailed analysis of the scan results, allowing for a thorough examination of the data.
Cons:
- Limited support for file types.
- Not very reliable when you want to recover a few deleted files only.
9. Wise Data Recovery
A quick and simple data recovery tool offers reliable and efficient data recovery, with additional features that enhance its functionality. Its speed and efficiency make it a valuable asset for users who need to recover data quickly. The tool's features, though not explicitly listed, contribute to its overall effectiveness and user-friendliness.
- Unlike other recovery tools for Windows 7, this software boasts an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate and use.
- The deleted files can be recovered from various storage devices, including USB drives, local drives, cameras, removable devices, and memory cards.
- The fastest search filter is achieved by selecting inbuilt file extension groups based on the file's type.
Pros:
- Quick and reliable recovery process.
- Deep scan recovery mode allows a more thorough scanning process.
- Portable version of the tool does not require installation.
Cons:
- Limited file type support.
10. Puran File Recovery
1) Quick Recovery, 2) Advanced Recovery, and 3) Raw Recovery. Each mode caters to different scenarios and file system types, ensuring the best chance of recovering lost data. The Quick Recovery mode is ideal for minor data loss due to file deletion or corruption, while the Advanced Recovery mode is suited for more severe data loss cases, such as partition loss or system crashes.
- The default Quick Scan looks for files that have been deleted from the recycle bin, among other things, by simply reading the FAT or NTFS system file.
- Deep Scan (all free space which is available is scanned)
- Full Scan (all space on device is checked for great likelihood of recovery)
Using the "Find lost file" option converts Puran File Recovery into a tool that can recover files from a broken or lost partition on Windows 7. Additionally, it can be used to edit the custom scan list, allowing for the saving of file signatures for more accurate recovery of damaged data.
Pros:
- The recovery modes allow you to choose between efficiency and speed of the scan, with Full Scan showing the best results for recovery.
- The software has a powerful partition recovery feature that enables users to restore a lost or damaged partition, allowing them to recover their data and get back to work quickly.
Cons:
- The user interface and design of the tool can be improved to make it more user-friendly, visually appealing, and efficient in accomplishing its intended purpose. This could involve simplifying navigation, enhancing the layout, and incorporating intuitive features that guide users through the process.
- Better for partition recovery than individual file recovery.
11. PC Inspector File Recovery
PC Inspector File Recovery effectively recovers data from FAT and NTFS drives, even in cases where the boot sector is broken or erased, showcasing its robust capabilities. The software's impressive features include its ability to recover data from damaged or corrupted systems.
- Simple search dialog will facilitate find files by name.
- Files that are recovered can be restored to either a network drive or a local hard disk.
- The Cluster scanner is used to scan specific areas of the disc.
- Various file types, including videos and images, can be recovered in formats such as AVI, DOC, XLS, GIF, HLP, JPG, MID, MP3, PNG, RTF, TIF, ZIP, ARJ, BMP, DXF, EXE, HTML, LZH, MOV, PDF, TAR, and WAV.
Pros:
- Search "by name" feature is helpful for recovering specific files.
- Supports a wide range of file types.
Cons:
- The user interface is confusing and can be difficult to understand. This can be frustrating for users and may lead to them abandoning the system or website.
12. Restoration Data Recovery
The Restoration Data Recovery Program is a top tool for great data recovery, ranking among the best undeleted specialist applications. Despite holding the 10th position, it has some notable features that make it stand out, including those that make it a great option for Windows 7 users.
- Very easy and straightforward to use.
- The process of recovering a file is straightforward and easy to follow.
- Data and files can be recovered from various storage devices, including USB drives, memory cards, hard drives, and other external drives.
- Data recovery can be done from a USB drive without needing to save or install anything.
Pros:
- Very easy to use with a simple recovery process.
- Supports a wide range of devices.
- No installation required.
Cons:
- Not as reliable as other data recovery tools.
- Scanning can be quite slow at times.
Part 2: How to Data Recovery from Windows 7 with Best File Recovery Tool for windows 7
To recover deleted files in a Windows 7 PC or lost data, ownload and install Deep Data Recovery software by running the setup and following the on-screen instructions.download and install Deep Data Recovery software by running the setup and following the on-screen instructions.
1. In the main window of the recovery software, you can select the file types you want to recover, with all types checked by default, but you can refine the search by only choosing the types you're looking for. Once you've chosen the desired file types, click "Next" to proceed to the next step.
2. A window will open displaying the partitions/drives on your system, allowing you to choose the one from which you want to recover files. Select the partition that contains the files you accidentally deleted, such as the "C:/" partition. Once you've chosen the partition, click the "Scan" button at the top right of the window.
3. The best file recovery software for Windows 7 will now perform a Quick Scan of the selected partition, displaying all deleted/recoverable files that can be restored. These files are organized in a tree-directory in the left-hand panel, allowing you to select the desired files by checking the box next to them. Once chosen, click the "Recover" button to initiate the recovery process.
If you can't find the files you're looking for, you may need to perform a "Deep Scan". To do this, click on the "Deep Scan" option at the top of the window. This will start the scan process, and once it's complete, you'll be able to preview all the deleted/recoverable files again in a tree-directory. From there, you can select the files you want to restore and click "Recover" to start the recovery process.
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