Using Attrib Command To Recover Files

Serba Viral    November 07, 2023    attrib , command , files , recover    Comment   

Have you ever accidentally deleted an important file or folder from your computer? It can be a frustrating experience, but luckily there are ways to recover those files. One such method involves using the attrib command in the command prompt. In this article, we'll explore how to use the attrib command to recover files.

What is the attrib command?

The attrib command is a built-in command in the Windows operating system. It's used to display or change the attributes of a file or folder. Attributes are properties of a file or folder that determine how it can be accessed or used. For example, read-only, hidden, system, and archive are all attributes that can be assigned to a file or folder.

How does the attrib command help with file recovery?

When a file or folder is deleted from a computer, it's not actually removed from the hard drive. Instead, the space it occupies is marked as available for new data to be written over it. As long as that space hasn't been overwritten, the file or folder can be recovered. However, it may be hidden or have its attributes changed, making it difficult to find.

This is where the attrib command comes in handy. By using the command, you can view and change the attributes of a file or folder, including its hidden attribute. This can make it visible again and easier to recover.

How to use the attrib command to recover files

Here are the steps to use the attrib command to recover files:

1. Open the command prompt by typing "cmd" in the Start menu and selecting the Command Prompt app.
2. Navigate to the directory where the deleted file or folder was located using the "cd" command.
3. Type "attrib -h -r -s /s /d *" and press Enter. This will remove the hidden, read-only, and system attributes from all files and folders in the current directory and its subdirectories. It may take some time to complete if there are many files and folders.
4. Use the "dir" command to list all files and folders in the current directory and check if the deleted file or folder is visible.
5. If the file or folder is visible but still can't be accessed, try changing its attributes with the "attrib" command. For example, if it's a read-only file, type "attrib -r filename" and press Enter.
6. If the file or folder still can't be recovered, try using file recovery software such as Recuva or EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard.

Conclusion

The attrib command can be a useful tool in recovering deleted files and folders on a Windows computer. By using the command to remove hidden attributes and change file attributes, you may be able to recover a file or folder that was previously hidden or inaccessible. However, it's important to remember that the success of file recovery depends on many factors, such as how much time has passed since the file was deleted, how much new data has been written over it, and the type of file recovery software used.