Recover My Files Data Recovery Software 5.1.0.1872

Overview

Recover My Files has been around since 2002 and have built up a following of over 400,000 users during this time. The package can recover data from drives that have been formatted and even when formatted and Windows has already been reinstalled. Files removed when the Recycle Bin was emptied can be recovered too. Sometimes a hard drive can see data as RAW data only with individual files non-locate-able; in such a circumstance the Recover My Files application may also be able to be of some assistance there.

The software can work with different types of formatted drives including FAT, eXFAT, Windows NTFS, Mac HFS, and RAID file systems. Whether files are being stored on platter hard drives, camera SD memory cards, USB flash drives or USB hard drives, it is likely that this software can help in some way.

The initial trial period for evaluation purposes can be changed to a paid version which can be used on two separate computers like a laptop for work and a desktop at home.

Installation

Following agreeing to the license for the software, the setup package confirms that 9.4 MB is needed to install the software. A default folder location is suggested for the installation location but the user can also change this if they wish to. A Start menu item and desktop icon are offered for setup. Once the installation is complete, the application will offer to open for you.

No toobars, adware or other unwelcome addition were included with the installation.

Interface

The main application window is initially overlayed with a secondary window. This window has two selections: Recover Files or Recover a Drive.

For recovering file, lost, damaged, recycle bin losses and a system crash can all cause files to go missing and this option for that. To recovery a drive, here the software is looking at mistaken formatting, System restore, corrupt or missing hard drive letter, Windows re-install, and other issues that have caused files to go missing.

The user can click the Next button, and scan the drives for possible files to recover. Alternatively, they can close the window and focus on the main application window.

The main interface uses buttons that are a little like the buttons and layout with newer versions of Microsoft Word. Unless the window is maximized, several of the button text is occurred which makes it unclear what function they perform. This part of the interface is not that clear and will take the user a while to learn to understand it better.

Pros

• Recover files that have been lost, deleted, corrupted or worse
• Recovery partitions that have been removed
• Even recover files when Windows has been reinstalled
• FAT, eXFAT, Windows NTFS, Mac HFS, and RAID file systems are all supported
• Hard drives, camera SD memory cards, USB flash drives or USB hard drives can all have files recovered from them

Cons

• Confusing interface with some button text obscured when window is too small

Alternatives

LogicSight Data Recovery offers some of the same functionality but with an easier to understand interface.

Conclusion

Recover My Files is an effective file recovery tool with a history dating back to 2002. The latest interface is modern, but it is also a bit confusing. Users may get the benefit from the feature set if they persevere.