Can you restore files after thorough reset?


  1. Posts : 32
    Windows 10 21H1
       #1

    Can you restore files after thorough reset?


    I have a very quick question that need a answer. I tried google searching, but I wasn't able to find the answer to the problem I'm trying to refer.

    So, let's say that you need to reset your Windows 10. There are two options for resetting; quick and thorough reset. I know that with quick reset you erase all data and restore Windows 10, but you can recover files using third party programs. But the problem refers the most to the thorough reset. If you do a thorough reset, can you still recover files like the quick reset? If the answer is no, what is the actual process for making all files unrecoverable with the thorough reset?
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  2. Posts : 32
    Windows 10 21H1
    Thread Starter
       #2

    I hate to repost again, but I found the information about these two type of resetting from some sites. Some sites said that there are two paths you can try with Resetting: quick deleting everything and reinstalling Windows, or thorough deleting everything and reinstall. In the first situation you can still restore files, but for the second option, I don't know about it. What is actually the process for making files unrecoverable?

    Before you ask me though, I'm not looking to reset my Windows 10. I simply came to ask a question.
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  3. Posts : 2,075
    Windows 10 Pro
       #3

    In windows 10 there is no quick or thorough reset. Just a reset with 2 options; 1 to reset and keep your files which I assume you mean quick and 2 to reset and completely wipe all your data which again I assume you mean thorough. Both options reinstall windows.

    Can you restore files after thorough reset?-reset.png
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  4. Posts : 32
    Windows 10 21H1
    Thread Starter
       #4

    It's not the answer I was looking for but thanks anyways.

    The answer I'm looking is different. I've read in some sites that there are two paths you could use when completely formatting Windows 10. The first is quick, which would delete all files and reinstall Windows, but the files could be restored using a third party program. The second is thorough, it's kinda like the first only it's more slower, and the answer I'm looking for is: can you recover files after the thorough path?
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  5. Posts : 2,075
    Windows 10 Pro
       #5

    First, you have to get your word choices right. In your case your word choices are backwards.....quick = rest 1 and thorough = reset 2. In reset one there is no need to recover you files as they are saved. In reset 2 your file are erased. In theory, reset 2 your files are unrecoverable. In that scenario you might be able to recovery your files by using some 3rd party recovery software.
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  6. Posts : 117
    windows 10 Education Build 16299 x64
       #6
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  7. Posts : 1,621
    Windows 10 Home
       #7

    One thing you might try to make files very difficult to recover: safe mode boot [if possible] and run ccleaner's "wipe free space" function AFTER doing full image backups of your OS and Data partitions onto external media.
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  8. Posts : 31,596
    10 Home x64 (22H2) (10 Pro on 2nd pc)
       #8

    Are you trying to ensure no data can possibly be recovered after a reset (of any type)? The only way to be sure is to wipe the free space afterwards, as RolandJS suggested.
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  9. Posts : 1,621
    Windows 10 Home
       #9

    Just before free space wiping, one can use any one of several secure-delete utilities that will zero-fill the sector(s) formerly occupied by any file deleted by an end-user. Once the free space of both occupied and un-occupied sectors has been wiped, that part of security is done. I mention occupied sectors because I believe OP will be saving the OS and some 3rd party programs.
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  10. Posts : 15,477
    Windows10
       #10

    Michele said:
    It's not the answer I was looking for but thanks anyways.

    The answer I'm looking is different. I've read in some sites that there are two paths you could use when completely formatting Windows 10. The first is quick, which would delete all files and reinstall Windows, but the files could be restored using a third party program. The second is thorough, it's kinda like the first only it's more slower, and the answer I'm looking for is: can you recover files after the thorough path?
    No - the thorough reset writes 1s and 0s or something like that overall data. Files are gone forever.
      My Computer


 

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