Restoration 3.2.13

Overview

Restoration is an older data recovery tool that is intended to attempt the recovery of files that have recently either been deleted in a regular manner or via the recycle bin. The importance of this emphasis is that the longer a file has gone since being removed from the file index, the more likely it is that the operating system has already overwritten some (or all) of the data making it partially or fully unrecoverable.

The software supports the following drive formats: FAT12, FAT16, FAT32 and non-encrypted NTFS. Compressed files on NTFS are supported, but encrypted files on NTFS are not.

Search and restore can work with folders and its contents. If not all original files are contained in the recovered folder, then searching again for individual file names that were previous contained in the folder may still locate them.

Restoration also has a secure deletion feature which can delete confidential documents and other files that are not needed again. This feature will overwrite the data so that another utility cannot recover the data because it is then just garbage.

The software does not need to be installed directly, so it is portable and can be placed on a USB thumb drive or other portable storage for access on another Windows PC later.

Installation

The software does not need to be installed because it is designed to be used on a Windows computer and not leave a trace it was there. The package can be added to a USB flash drive or other portable storage.

There was no adware, toolbar or other unwanted software included with Restoration.

Detailed information about the product can be found here.

Restoration requires a Windows OS. It has been tested with earlier versions like Windows 95, 98, Me, NT, 2000 and XP.

Interface

The interface is fairly simple. Nothing flashy, but perfectly functional.

On the right side are the main controls. First, drive selection. Then the search box where the user can search for part or all of a file name.

The search can include searching inside drive clusters that are known to also be used by other applications. There is also the option to search inside files that have a zero size.

Once the search is complete, the number of located files will be indicated and shown in the left pane. There is then the “Restore by Copying” button to proceed with the restoration feature.

Pros

• Recover files that were not deleted a long time ago via a regular deletion process or through the Recycle Bin
• Recover whole folders and files inside the folder; Can run second search for any missing files from recovered folders
• Supports the following drive formats: FAT12, FAT16, FAT32 and non-encrypted NTFS
• Compressed files on NTFS are supported, but not encrypted files on NTFS
• Secure delete feature included to delete data that the user doesn't want recovered in the future

Cons

• Not stated as supported on Windows 7 or 8.x.
• Basic interface that doesn't match the latest data recovery software.

Alternatives

Recover My Files Data Recovery Software is a good alternative with a modern GUI and extensive options for recovering lost, damaged or deleted files and folders.

Recuva is even better.

Conclusion

Restoration is an older data recovery tool that lacks the depth and finesse of the more modern ones. For users who are unable to get a newer data recovery tool to work on their older Windows OS, Restoration may be one option.