Are you frustrated and worried after accidentally deleting important files from your computer while using Avast Antivirus? Don’t panic! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of recovering deleted files from Avast Antivirus, helping you to restore your valuable data and breathe a sigh of relief.
Why Do Files Get Deleted by Avast Antivirus?
Before we dive into the recovery process, it’s essential to understand why Avast Antivirus might delete files in the first place. Avast, like any other antivirus software, is designed to detect and eliminate potential threats to your computer’s security. Sometimes, this can lead to false positives, where legitimate files are mistakenly identified as malicious and deleted.
Additionally, Avast Antivirus may delete files during the following scenarios:
- Virus and malware scans: During a thorough scan, Avast might detect and remove infected files to protect your system from potential harm.
- Quarantine and deletion: If Avast identifies a file as malicious, it will move it to the quarantine folder. If you forget to restore the file from the quarantine folder, it will be permanently deleted after a set period.
Recovering Deleted Files from Avast Antivirus
Now that we’ve covered the reasons behind file deletion, let’s explore the various methods to recover deleted files from Avast Antivirus.
Method 1: Check the Avast Quarantine Folder
The first and simplest method is to check the Avast Quarantine folder. This is where Avast stores suspected malicious files before deleting them permanently.
Follow these steps:
- Open Avast Antivirus and navigate to the Virus Chest or Quarantine section, depending on the Avast version you’re using.
- Look for the deleted file in the list of quarantined files.
- If you find the file, select it and click the Restore button to move it back to its original location.
Method 2: Use Avast’s Built-in File Recovery Feature
Avast offers a built-in file recovery feature that can help you recover deleted files. This feature is available in the Avast Premium and Avast Ultimate versions.
Follow these steps:
- Open Avast Antivirus and navigate to the Data Shredder section.
- Click on the Recover Deleted Files option.
- Select the location where you want to recover files from (e.g., desktop, documents, or a specific folder).
- Choose the type of files you want to recover (e.g., documents, images, or videos).
- Click the Scan button to initiate the recovery process.
- Once the scan is complete, you’ll see a list of recoverable files. Select the files you want to recover and click the Recover button.
Method 3: Use Third-Party Data Recovery Software
If the above methods don’t work, you can try using third-party data recovery software. These tools are designed to scan your hard drive and recover deleted files.
Some popular data recovery software includes:
- Recuva
- EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
- Disk Drill
Follow these general steps to use third-party data recovery software:
- Download and install the data recovery software of your choice.
- Launch the software and select the location where you want to recover files from (e.g., desktop, documents, or a specific folder).
- Select the type of files you want to recover (e.g., documents, images, or videos).
- Click the Scan button to initiate the recovery process.
- Once the scan is complete, you’ll see a list of recoverable files. Select the files you want to recover and click the Recover button.
Method 4: Check System Restore Points
If you have System Restore enabled on your Windows operating system, you can try using System Restore points to recover deleted files.
Follow these steps:
- Type “System Restore” in the Windows search bar and select the System Restore option.
- Click the System Restore button.
- Select a previous restore point from a date when the deleted file still existed.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the System Restore process.
- Once the restore process is complete, check if the deleted file has been recovered.
Preventing Future File Deletions
To avoid accidental file deletions by Avast Antivirus in the future, follow these best practices:
Configure Avast’s Scanning Options
Avast provides various scanning options to help you customize the scanning process. You can adjust these settings to reduce the risk of false positives and accidental file deletions.
Follow these steps:
- Open Avast Antivirus and navigate to the Settings section.
- Click on the Scanning option.
- Select the Custom Scans option.
- Choose the types of files you want to exclude from scanning (e.g., system files, operating system files, or specific folders).
- Save your changes.
Use Cloud Backup Services
Backing up your important files to a cloud storage service can provide an additional layer of protection against file loss. Even if Avast Antivirus deletes a file, you can restore it from your cloud backup.
Popular cloud backup services include:
- Google Drive
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Dropbox
Regularly Back Up Your Data
Regular backups can help you recover deleted files even if Avast Antivirus deletes them. Make sure to back up your data regularly using an external hard drive, USB drive, or cloud storage service.
Conclusion
Accidental file deletions by Avast Antivirus can be frustrating, but they’re not irreversible. By following the methods outlined in this article, you can recover deleted files and breathe a sigh of relief. Remember to configure Avast’s scanning options, use cloud backup services, and regularly back up your data to prevent future file deletions.
By being proactive and taking the necessary precautions, you can ensure that your valuable data remains safe and secure. Happy recovering!
What happens when Avast Antivirus deletes a file?
When Avast Antivirus deletes a file, it doesn’t immediately erase it from your computer. Instead, the file is moved to the virus chest, a quarantined area where suspected malware is isolated from the rest of your system. This allows you to review the file and decide whether to restore it or permanently delete it.
However, if you have configured Avast to automatically delete detected malware, the file may be permanently erased without giving you the opportunity to review it. In such cases, recovering the deleted file becomes more challenging, but not impossible.
Can I recover deleted files from Avast Antivirus Virus Chest?
Yes, recovering deleted files from Avast Antivirus Virus Chest is possible. The Virus Chest is a quarantine folder where Avast stores suspected malware, allowing you to review and restore files that have been incorrectly identified as malicious. To recover a file from the Virus Chest, open Avast, navigate to the Virus Chest section, select the file you want to restore, and click the “Restore” button.
Make sure to exercise caution when restoring files from the Virus Chest, as they may still pose a threat to your system. Only restore files that you are certain are safe and essential for your computer.
What if I have emptied the Virus Chest?
If you have emptied the Virus Chest, recovering deleted files becomes more challenging. When you empty the Virus Chest, Avast permanently deletes the quarantined files, making it more difficult to recover them. However, there are still methods to recover deleted files, such as using third-party data recovery software or searching for backups of the deleted file.
Third-party data recovery software can scan your hard drive for deleted files and recover them if they are still present on your system. Backup and recovery options, such as the Windows System Restore feature or cloud backup services, may also contain copies of the deleted file.
How do I use the Windows System Restore feature to recover deleted files?
The Windows System Restore feature creates snapshots of your system at regular intervals, allowing you to revert to a previous point in time when the deleted file was still present. To use System Restore, open the Start menu, search for “System Restore,” and select the result. Follow the wizard to choose a restore point, and Windows will revert your system to that point in time.
After reverting to a previous restore point, you should be able to find the deleted file in its original location. Note that System Restore only works if you had enabled the feature before the file was deleted, and it may not always be successful in recovering deleted files.
What data recovery software can I use to recover deleted files?
There are several third-party data recovery software options available that can help recover deleted files, including Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Disk Drill. These software programs scan your hard drive for deleted files and recover them if they are still present on your system.
When choosing a data recovery software, consider factors such as the type of files you need to recover, the operating system you are using, and the reputation of the software. Be cautious when using data recovery software, as they may also recover malware and other unwanted files.
How long does it take to recover deleted files?
The time it takes to recover deleted files depends on several factors, including the size of the file, the type of storage device, and the method you are using to recover the file. If you are recovering a file from the Avast Virus Chest or using System Restore, the process is usually quick and takes only a few minutes.
However, if you are using third-party data recovery software, the process can take longer, ranging from a few minutes to several hours or even days. This is because the software needs to scan your entire hard drive to locate and recover the deleted file.
Can I prevent Avast Antivirus from deleting files in the future?
Yes, you can configure Avast Antivirus to prompt you before deleting suspected malware, giving you the opportunity to review the files and decide whether to keep or delete them. To do this, open Avast, navigate to the “Settings” section, and select “Protection” from the left-hand menu.
In the “Virus Scans” section, toggle the switch next to “Enable Auto-decision” to the off position. This will prompt Avast to ask for your permission before deleting any detected malware, allowing you to review and restore files that have been incorrectly identified as malicious.