Undelete Plus 4.0.24.918

Overview

Undelete Plus is a file recovery utility that looks for ways to pull back files that were previously deleted from a computer system or portable storage.

When “deleted” files are usually not actually overwritten immediately and a short time period exists between the "deletion” to recovery, the higher the likelihood that the file can be recovered successfully before the space where the data is still stored has been overwritten.

The software can access hard drives, floppy drives and portable media like Secure Digital cards, SmartMedia, MultiMedia and CompactFlash that use NTFS, NTFS5, FAT12, FAT16 or FAT32 file systems.

Whether the file(s) were deleted via the Recycle Bin, through a DOS window file process, via Windows Explorer or through a network drive, the package can usually do its best to help recover some or all of the data involved.

Installation

The installation goes as one would expect and sets up in record time. There is no unwanted bundled adware or toolbar that comes with Undelete Plus.

It is advisable that the software is not installed on the same physical disk that the data is located that is to be recovered because the Undelete Plus installation could actually end up overwriting some of this stored data. The program warns about this during the installation phase.

Interface

The interface is pleasingly simple with attractive use of color and shading. There is a two step process with buttons at the top for 1. Start Scan, and 2. Recover File. There is also a toolbar near the top of the window.

Below this area is the Drive pane on the left which displays all the hard drives or partitions found within the computer system. Each drive has a little checkbox next to it which can be selected to include it in the attempted search for files to recover. To the right is the files list that may be able to be recovered. This includes columns for Filename, Path, Status, Size, Date created, and Date modified. The columns are also adjustable in size.

The Status pane at the bottom indicates the progress that has been made with any scan or undelete procedure.

Pros

• Recover files previously accessible on NTFS, NTFS5, FAT12, FAT16 and FAT32 partitions
• Recover images from Secure Digital cards, SmartMedia, MultiMedia, and CompactFlash
• Good, clear interface with simple two step process to get started
• Status area indicates what action is being taken and how far the software has gotten
• Wizard to help new users.
• Filters to narrow down file recovery searches.

Cons

When closing the application, it promotes other software. The close confirmation is hidden in the top-right corner as a text link which many users probably will struggle to find and not be able to exit the application. Not cool.

Alternatives

Recuva, Glary Undelete.

Conclusion

Undelete Plus does a good job at recovering files that have previously been deleted but not already overwritten. It supports several NTFS and FAT file partition types, but not Mac or Linux file types. Supports hard drives, memory cards and other portable media.