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Can You Recover Deleted Files from A Server?
Can you recover deleted files from a Server? If you and your team confront accidentally data remove, it’s not late to make up the mistake. Read this post, try mentioned ways quickly!
By Lucas / Updated on December 11, 2024
Scenario: Can files deleted on a server be recovered?
“One of my colleagues misunderstood the instructions and was given the task of deleting old files from the server, as well as the entire project, file by file. The server host told us that it was not recoverable. Is there anything that can be done to locate the data and retrieve at least some of it, given that this was a massive effort with project financing and they have now lost it all? Starting from zero will be nearly impossible. Thanks!”
--User from Reddit
Can you recover deleted files from a Server?
Every user may encounter data loss in Windows systems, it’s a very common problem, and many users want assistance recovering lost files on Windows. However, data loss on Windows Server can be far more catastrophic. Microsoft's Windows Server is a set of operating systems intended primarily for managing many devices on servers.
As our scenario shows, sometimes, data loss on Server may still have chance to recover. But there are some points you should know.
⭐ Tips: Before data recovering, you need to know:
1. Stop using the data loss drive
Avoid saving any new data to the disk where the data was lost. Overwriting the disk can make recovery impossible.
2. Identify the cause of data loss if you can
Determine if the loss was due to accidental deletion, disk formatting, virus attacks, hardware failure, or corruption. This helps in selecting the right recovery method.
3. Avoid disk checks or repairs
Do not run CHKDSK or other repair utilities on the affected drive until you've assessed recovery options. These tools might modify or overwrite critical file structures.
How to recover deleted files from a Server
The user's recycle receptacle is not the destination for deleted files; rather, they are promptly removed from a shared network folder.
If users inadvertently delete files from a shared folder, they may resort to actions such as utilizing the Audit Policy to identify the individual responsible for the deletion, relying on backups, or employing a potent Windows data recovery utility, which is significantly simpler.
Way 1. Try Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) on Server
The Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) is a feature in Windows Server that enables the creation of consistent snapshots, or shadow copies, of data on a disk volume at a specific point in time.
it enables file versioning, allowing users to recover previous versions of files or folders using the "Previous Versions" feature in Windows. This capability is particularly useful for recovering accidental deletions or file modifications without restoring entire backups.
Administrators can manage VSS through Windows Server Manager, command-line tools like vssadmin and diskshadow, or backup software that supports VSS integration.
Step 1. Go to the shared folder > right-click the parent folder that contains the deleted files > Properties.
Step 2. Previous Versions > choose an earlier or the latest version > click Open to view it > copy and paste the wanted files to get them back.
📑 Note: Use Command-Line Tool
*Make sure you use correct commands.
▶ Using vssadmin:
- Open Command Prompt with administrative privileges. Then run vssadmin list shadows to display a list of available shadow copies. Use the shadow copy ID to mount or access the snapshot for file recovery.
▶ Using diskshadow:
- Open Command Prompt with administrative privileges. And run diskshadow and use commands like list shadows and expose to access the snapshot as a temporary drive letter.
Way 2. Choose a professional data recovery tool to recover deleted files from Windows Server
While the VSS feature may be beneficial, the Shadow Copy feature must be enabled in order to locate any missing files. Do not be concerned; it is still possible to retrieve deleted files with the help of a reliable Windows Server data recovery tool, such as AOMEI FastRecovery. This application is intended for Windows users and is compatible with Windows Server 2025, 2022, 2019, 2016, and 2012 (Windows 11/10/8/8.1/7 are also supported).
Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI FastRecovery. Choose the exact partition or disk where your data lost and click Scan.
Step 2. Then, the recovery tool start to scan and search. lt will execute the “Quickly Scan" first to find your deleted data fast, and then execute the “Deep Scan" for searching other lost data.
Step 3. Once the scan is completed, all deleted files, recycle bins and other missing files will be displayed. Please select the file you would like to recover and then click "Recover".
Step 4. Then, select a folder path to save your recovered files.
Step 5. Wait patiently for this process of recovering ends.
Suggestions for preventing accidental deletion of files on a Windows Server computer
▍ 1. Enable and Configure Backups
Regular Backups
Set up scheduled backups using tools like Windows Server Backup, third-party software, or cloud-based solutions. And store backups on separate drives or offsite locations for added protection.
Test Restorations
Periodically test your backups to ensure they are working and restorable.
▍ 2. Enable Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS)
- Configure VSS to create regular snapshots of critical volumes.
- Ensure sufficient disk space is available to store shadow copies.
- Use the Previous Versions feature to allow users to restore accidentally deleted or modified files.
▍ 3. Monitor and Alert for Critical Changes
- Set up real-time monitoring tools to detect and alert on significant file operations, such as deletions or modifications.
- Use Windows Server Event Viewer or specialized file activity monitoring software.
Conclusion
Can you recover deleted files from a Server? Yes! So, don’t hesitate when an accident happens. You can try Windows Volume Shadow Copy Service but also there is AOMEI FastRecovery.
