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How to recover permanently deleted files

Anonymous
2025-05-08T16:32:07+00:00

Hi, I accidentally deleted some files from my Documents folder a couple days ago without sending them to the recycle bin. I have tried several different recovery methods I've found online from using recovery softwares to using Windows File Recovery. None of them seem to be working. A couple of the missing files are Word documents. I haven't done anything new on Microsoft Word, so those files shouldn't be overwritten yet. The missing documents still show up on the list of documents in the "open" folder on Word. Is there any other method that will work for me? I'd really like to recover the files.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Recovery and backup

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-05-11T05:06:47+00:00

    Do you know how I might recover those .prel files? It's not a huge deal if I can't recover them but it would be convenient.

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  2. Udit Tanwar 3,375 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-05-11T01:18:14+00:00

    Congratulations for the success on recovering deleted documents. please let me know if you need further assistance with anything.

    Take care

    Udit

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-05-10T20:32:12+00:00

    Hi. So good news, I was able to recover the document I was most worried about from searching for backup word files with the file type you suggested. It looks like most everything else done on word is saved in my OneDrive.

    Now that this issue is resolved, there are a couple other files I accidentally deleted that I'd like to try and recover. They are project files for Adobe Premiere Elements. .Prel files to be specific.

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  4. Udit Tanwar 3,375 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-05-10T11:49:07+00:00

    I’d appreciate it if you could share your thoughts on the guidance I provided—did it resolve the issues, and is there anything else I can assist with?

    Looking forward to your feedback!

    Best regards,

    Udit

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  5. Udit Tanwar 3,375 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-05-08T18:18:20+00:00

    Hello Tyler,

    Thank you for reaching out, I am Udit an independent advisor and I am glad to assist you today.

    Please try these steps.

    1. Try Opening the Document from Word’s Recent Files List

    Open Word.

    Go to File > Open > Recent

    If the file appears there, right-click it and choose Open File Location

    If this opens a folder but the file isn’t there, proceed to the next steps.

    1. Check for AutoRecover and Temporary Files

    Word saves temporary backup copies you might be able to restore:

    AutoRecover:

    Open Word.

    Go to File > Info > Manage Document > Recover Unsaved Documents.

    Check the list that appears. If your document is there, open and Save As immediately.

    Search Temp Files Manually:

    Open File Explorer and paste the following into the address bar:

      
  %localappdata%\Microsoft\Office\UnsavedFiles

    Also check:

      
  C:\Users\<YourUserName>\AppData\Local\Temp

    (You can sort by date and look for .asd or .wbk files)

    1. Search for Backup Files

    Word can create .wbk backup files if enabled:

    In File Explorer, search:

    .wbk

    * Also try:

    .asd

    These are AutoRecover files.

    1. Use the “Previous Versions” Feature (File History or Restore Point)

    If File History or System Protection was enabled:

    Right-click the Documents folder.

    Select Properties > Previous Versions.

    If available, choose a version from before the deletion date and Restore or Open to browse the contents.

    1. Check OneDrive (if Enabled)

    If you had OneDrive syncing Documents:

    Go to onedrive.live.com

    Check the Recycle Bin or version history of the specific folder or file.

    1. Professional Recovery Option (Last Resort)

    If the documents are crucial and nothing has worked:

    Stop using the drive immediately to avoid overwriting data.

    Use professional data recovery services. They have tools beyond what's available to consumers.

    Please let me know if you need help with something else. I am here to help.

    Regards

    Udit

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