Recovering Lost Files with Handy Recovery

Handy Recovery is another product by Soft Logica, I previously reviewed their Back-Up Platinum software, and now I'm going to try out their data recovery software in this sponsored review*.

I just decided to jump in and give the application a try instead of talk about their website. If you like, you can visit their website and browse around to your hearts content.

I screened the site using SiteAdvisor, a FF plugin, and saw that the download files tested OK for not containing adware, spyware and other unwanted programs.

The application itself is only 876 KB, which took a couple of seconds for my broadband to download, and installation took another minute. By the way I would like to thank Handy Recovery for the free license key. The trial download is free for only 30 days, during which you can only recover 1 file a day. The retail price of the application is $39, buy it here. Even though it is not packed with features it works out good enough for a home user.

User Interface

Very simple and to the point. I like it when UI's are kept clean and simple, it kinda puts everybody in the same intellect level. Which means it's easy to use even for a total beginner.

Analyzing

I set it to find my disk partitions, after doing so you click the analyze button and it shows you all the files, including deleted ones in a directory tree format. So this is from you will locate and retrieve any of the files you wish to get back. You can target specific files with the "Find File" button.

If you're trying to recover files from the recycling bin, you will have to look for the "Recycler" folder and find your file or folder within there. Your files get renamed by your system when it gets deleted from the recycling bin, so it is a bit tougher to find. Once found right click and hit "Recover" choose a location, preferably a USB drive or a CD-R/W, and your files are back in working order again.

This makes me think, my data is never safe anymore. Anybody can see it if they know how to use programs like these! I need to find a solution to really clean up my disk, I'm thinking hydrochloric acid?

Filtering

There is a one-click button that let's you filter out to only show deleted files, a handy feature if you don't want to see everything in your system.

As you can expect while trying to recover files they always advise against recovering it on the same disk. Just in case you don't end up destroying any other data present on your system. Don't say later they didn't warn you.

The application also comes with documentation, though I have to point out it is poor in regards to telling users that files get renamed when deleted from the recycling bin. You can also contact them online for technical support. The application is Windows Vista ready by the way.

One more feature

Showing a probability of success to recover files the tool can also be used to create disk images for deferred recovery.

I'm sure this tool could come useful to me in the future if I ever lose any data or accidentally delete something.

Try it for yourself, Handy Recovery.

*Order your sponsored review here.

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