Home/ Questions/Q 16159
Next
In Process

askthedev.com Latest Questions

Asked: 2024-09-27T09:22:14+05:30 In:

What methods can I use to retrieve files that have been permanently removed using the rm command in Ubuntu?

So, I’ve accidentally deleted some important files on my Ubuntu system using the `rm` command, and I’m freaking out a bit! You know that moment when you think everything’s fine, and then you realize you just wiped out something crucial? Yeah, that’s me right now. I was in a rush, doing some cleanup, and I must have typed `rm -rf some_folder` instead of `mv`, thinking I could always restore it later. Now, I’m kicking myself for being so careless.

I’ve tried looking for recovery options online, but there’s just so much information out there, and quite frankly, I’m feeling overwhelmed. I keep hearing that files deleted with the `rm` command are “permanently gone” and can’t be easily retrieved, but I’m hoping there are some tricks up someone’s sleeve!

I’ve read a bit about using tools like TestDisk and PhotoRec, but I’m not exactly sure how to set them up or if they’ll even help me with files deleted this way. Do those programs really work for recovering files that were permanently deleted? Or are they better suited for other types of recovery, like from corrupted drives?

Also, I heard that if you act quickly enough, there’s still a chance to get the files back because the data might still be hanging around on the disk until it gets overwritten. Is there any truth to that? What’s the best course of action once you realize you’ve deleted something you need?

If anyone has been in this situation and found a reliable way to get back their lost files, I’d love to hear your experiences. Any advice or step-by-step methods would be super helpful. I’m really hoping to salvage this situation without having to redo all my work. Thanks in advance for the help!

Share

    Leave an answer

    You must login to add an answer.

    Need An Account,

    2 Answers


    1. Accidentally using the rm command to delete files can be distressing, especially when you realize the gravity of the situation. Unfortunately, when files are deleted using rm, they are not sent to a trash bin and can indeed feel “permanently gone.” However, the data may still be recoverable if you act quickly and avoid writing new data to the disk. Tools like TestDisk and PhotoRec can be valuable for this purpose. TestDisk is primarily used for recovering lost partitions and fixing boot issues, while PhotoRec specializes in file recovery. They both scan the disk for recoverable data, so there’s a fighting chance that you can salvage those files.

      To maximize your chances of recovery, immediately stop using the affected disk or partition to avoid overwriting any data. You can install TestDisk and PhotoRec by using the following commands in the terminal: sudo apt install testdisk. After installation, run sudo testdisk to explore your recovery options. You should follow the on-screen instructions carefully. If you’re unsure about any steps, there are many tutorials available that provide detailed guidance. Remember, the sooner you begin the recovery process, the better your chances of success. Keeping regular backups in the future can also help you avoid similar situations.



    2. Recovering Deleted Files on Ubuntu

      Hey there, I totally get how you feel! Losing important files can be super stressful, especially when it happens unexpectedly. First off, try not to panic too much—there are a few things you can do!

      Understanding `rm` Command

      So, the `rm` command in Linux really does delete files permanently, but here’s the deal: when you delete a file, the space it used is marked as available for new data, but the actual data isn’t gone right away. If you act quickly, you might still recover it before it gets overwritten. Just be careful not to write any new files to your disk!

      Using Recovery Tools

      You mentioned TestDisk and PhotoRec, which are pretty popular recovery tools. Here’s a quick rundown on how to use them:

      Installing TestDisk and PhotoRec

      1. Open a terminal.
      2. Run: sudo apt update
      3. Then install them with: sudo apt install testdisk

      Running PhotoRec

      1. Launch it by typing: sudo photorec in the terminal.
      2. Select the disk where you deleted the files.
      3. Choose the file system type (usually it’s ext4 for Ubuntu).
      4. Select the directory to save recovered files (make sure it’s on a different drive if possible!).
      5. Follow the prompts to start the recovery process.

      Tips for Best Chances of Recovery

      1. **Stop Using the Disk:** As I mentioned, try not to write anything else to that disk until you’re done recovery attempts. Every new file could overwrite what you’re trying to find.

      2. **External Drive:** If you can, consider using an external drive for the recovery process. This prevents further overwriting on your main disk.

      3. **Regular Backups:** In the future, think about setting up a backup solution (maybe using tools like Deja Dup or rsync). It can save you a lot of headaches!

      Community Help

      If you still have trouble or feel stuck, don’t hesitate to ask online communities like Stack Overflow or Reddit. There are plenty of users who’ve been in your shoes and can share tips!

      Hope you can recover your files! Remember, acting quickly is key!


    Related Questions