How to Recover Deleted Files from Network Drive Shared Folder

Eleanor Reed

Dec 16, 2024 • Filed to: Recover Files • Proven solutions

Losing your data shared on your network by deleting in error is not that nice. There could be work, play, or even family pictures on your home network. This article will guide you through how to recover deleted files from shared networks and drives using very simple steps. We will go through the possibilities of data recovery over shared networks, various methods to recover deleted files from shared networks and quick tips to get the best results during these processes.

You should have fun learning and applying these tips, let’s get at it!

Is It Possible to Recover Deleted Files from the Network Drive Shared Folder?

This is not a straightforward yes or no question. There are various methods of recovering your data from the network drive dependent on whether or not your PC is connected to the remote server. This is because when you delete a file from the network drive, you are issuing a command to the server to delete the file. Thus, it does not go to the recycle bin on your PC. But don't worry, here we provide you with the most effective 3 ways to recover deleted files from the network drive shared folder, keep reading.

How to Recover Deleted Files from the Network Drive Shared Folder?

There are 3 methods explained here. You can try method 2 if your system cannot access the remote server and methods 1 & 3 if it can.

Method 1: Recover Deleted Files from Network Drive Using Recoverit

Using Recoverit is the first choice to recover deleted files from a Network drive. With this method, you need to have accessibility to the remote computer. Access to the remote computer will allow you to use recovery software such as Recoverit to check the drive for the files. Wondershare Recoverit is a great free application for regaining files deleted in error. It is effective, accessible, and very easy to use.

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Your files can be recovered using Recoverit by following these steps:

1. Download Recoverit. Install it on your PC and run the application.
2. In the locations, select the network shared folder as the location to be recovered. Click on Start after selecting the network folder.

3. The Recoverit application searches the network folder for the files as you can see below.

4. Once the scan is complete, you can view the files and select the exact ones you want to recover. Once you finish choosing, click on the “Recover” button on the bottom right corner of the screen, and immediately, your files are returned to their original location.

Method 2: Recover Deleted Files from a Shared Folder from the Previous Version

To get your files back from your home or local network, you can get it back by restoring a previous version of the document or file. It is important to know that if the file has been deleted for more than 7 days, you need to submit a request ticket. This method is great if you are not connected to the remote server or do not have access to it.

1. Go to the file location, right-click on the file and click on ‘Restore previous versions’.

2. You must choose a version of the file that was available before the deletion and select ‘Open’. A folder opens that shows you all the previous files.

3. Scroll to the deleted file, right-click, and select ‘Copy’. Paste the file on a location on your PC.

Recover Deleted Files from network drive shared folder (If you have access to the remote server)

You may not know that performing a deletion operation on the shared folder just sent a command to the remote server instead of deleting a file in your local computer. So the easier way to recover deleted files from the network drive shared folder is to get access to the remote server and perform data recovery on the remote server. If you have access to the remote computer on that network, you can follow the below methods to achieve the aim.

There are 2 methods to recover data if you have access to the remote computer.

Method 3: Check the Recycle Bin of the Remote Computer

The remote computer is the lead computer in a shared network. Files deleted on the network shared will be found in the recycle bin of the computer. Opening the recycle bin and right-clicking the file will give you the option to ‘restore’ the file to its original location. Once this is done, the file is back to its original location on the network shared folder.

Bonus: How to Extend Recycle Bin Coverage to Include Mapped Network Drives?

As stated earlier, when a file is deleted on the network drive, the file does not go to the local computer’s recycle bin. It was later discovered that the file does not go to the server’s recycle bin. This guide will show you how to remap the recycle bin’s coverage to cover all network drives. This method is very simple but must be done with utmost care.

1. Map one network drive to the network shared folder you are using. You have to make sure that the device is connected upon logging in.
2. Open your File Explorer and navigate to C:\Users\'your username'
3. Right-click on any folder in this location and select Properties.
4. Choose the location tab
5. Select ‘Move’, scroll to the drive you mapped in step 1 and then choose ‘Select Folder’.
6. Select ‘OK’. A dialogue box appears, click on ‘Yes’.
7. Repeat steps 1 to 7 for each user on the network.

To confirm that the recycle bin can be used by all network drives, right-click on the recycle bin and select Properties. Click on Locations to see the network drives using the recycle bin.

Bonus: How to Map a Netword Drive?

If you mapped a network drive, you will be able to access the drive from File Explorer directly without typing the network address. In case you need, here we will show you how to map a network drive on your computer.

Step 1. Turn on Network Discovery

1. Type Control Panel in the search box next to the Windows icon and press Enter.
2. Locate the Network and Internet section, then click on Network and Sharing Center.
3. Click on the Change advanced sharing settings from the left sidebar.
4. Ensure that the Turn on network discovery option is enabled, then, click Save changes.

Step 2. Map a Network Drive

1. Open File Explorer and go to This PC.
2. Select the Computer tab from the top banner.
3. Click the Map network drive option, and select Map network drive from the drop-down menu.
4. After that, choose the drive letter you like and type in the folder path. Then, click on the Browse button to select files from the listed devices.

Bottom Line

If you read up to this point, you should have seen that the easiest method is using a data recovery tool. Recoverit is very smooth and works seamlessly to get you your lost files in no time. You need it as a stay software on your pc for accidents such as erratic file deletion. Go get it now!

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