TOP 10 DATA RECOVERY SOFTWARES FOR MEMORY CARD

THE TOP 10 DATA RECOVERY SOFTWARES

There are plenty of free data recovery software available today to help you get back those files you really do not want to lose. These recovery software will “undelete” these files (recover them) from the depths of your computer. When a file is deleted, it is sent to your Recycle Bin, which can then be emptied to be completely rid of the files. But data from a recently emptied Recycle Bin might still be hanging out on a hard drive, USB flash drive, or SD card. That data can still be recovered. “Undelete” those precious files you thought you had lost forever with any of the following 10 free recovery programs.

Recuva

Recuva is undoubtedly the best free data recovery program available. Super easy to use, it features a host of optional tools, making this the superior program. Recover files from memory cards, external and internal hard drives, and BD / DVD / CD – you can even recover files lost on an iPod! Moreover Recuva currently works for all of the most recent Windows OS, as well as some older versions, from 2000 all the way back to NT. You can get a portable Recuva version from Piriform.

Glary Undelete

Here we have another fantastic free recovery program. Easy to use, it uses one of the best UIs I have had the pleasure of using. One of the biggest advantages to Glary Undelete is its “Folders” view, its Windows Explorer feel, and a “State” of every file which allows you to see the likelihood of a given file being recovered. Recover your files from both internal and external media, including memory cards and USB flash drives. This software is recommended for use with Windows7, XP, and Vista, but should also work for both pre-Windows XP and Windows 8 versions.

Puran File Recovery

This is another excellent program for retrieving lost files. Easy to use, this software scans any drives visible to Windows and comes packed with lots of advanced options. With Puran, you can even recover lost partitions (given that they have not been overwritten). You will need to install this one, as opposed to it being online. It currently supports Windows XP to 8.

Pandora Recovery

This excellent data recovery program is super easy to use and gets the best help wizard I have ever seen in this field. With a “Surface Scan” even more developed by the one available with the File Recovery of Puran, you can recover even more files than ever (so long as they are in a popular format). With the ability to recover files from a wide variety of media, you can “undelete” files from nearly anything that you can connect to a PC. This program works best on older versions of Windows (Server 2000, Vista, XP, and 2003), it worked just fine for me with Windows 7.

Restoration

Similar to many other free recovery applications, Restoration is simple to use – no complicated procedures or confusing buttons. All things you need can be found in one simple window. Recover data from hard discs, memory cards, USB flash drives, and more. While it said to support Windows XP and older, I was successful in testing it using Windows Vista. One great benefit with Restoration – it does not require an install, allowing you to keep in handy on an external drive and bring it with you wherever you go.

SoftPerfect File Recovery

SoftPerfect is another great, simple way to recover lost files. Even the most inexperienced among us should be able to use this program without trouble. Recover files from all of your internal and external devices (except from the CD/DVD drive). Currently supporting Windows XP and older, is a very small file (around 500KB) and is extremely portable, ideal for all of your recovery emergencies.

FreeUndelete

The name says it all! This free program will help you “undelete” files with ease. Similar to other software on this list, Free Undelete has a “drill down folders” method that makes it unique. As with other recovery tools, this works with a wide variety of internal and external devices.

RecoverMyFile

Install this program, and you are just a click away from being able to see all of the deleted files in the drive of your choice. You are also only a click away from recovering any one of these files. RecoverMyFile’s answer to data recovery works with several storage devices. According to RecoverMyFile, this program works with Windows XP and 2000 Pro, though I was successful in testing it on Windows Vista.

CD Recovery Toolbox

This recovery software is unique from all of the previous programs covered in this list, in that it specializes in corrupted and damaged discs (CD, Blu-Ray, DVD, etc.). According to the publisher, this program should allow you to recover data from discs with chips, scratches, or surface spots. Unfortunately, this program supposedly does not allow you to recover files from hard drives or external memory drives. I have not tested this fact, however.

ADRC Data Recovery Tool

Looking for a recovery program that is simple and easy to use by just about anyone? Try ADRC Data Recovery Tool. This program should allow you to delete of a range of internal and external devices (except for CD/DVD). Officially, this program supports Windows 95, 2000, and XP, however I have tested it with Windows Vista, and it worked just fine. This program is around 132KB, making it lightweight and highly portable. Perfect for those “oops” moments that happens to the best of us.