Question about files erased with command-line deletion

Using TestDisk to undelete files
Forum rules
When asking for technical support:
- Search for posts on the same topic before posting a new question.
- Give clear, specific information in the title of your post.
- Include as many details as you can, MOST POSTS WILL GET ONLY ONE OR TWO ANSWERS.
- Post a follow up with a "Thank you" or "This worked!"
- When you learn something, use that knowledge to HELP ANOTHER USER LATER.
Before posting, please read https://www.cgsecurity.org/testdisk.pdf
Locked
Message
Author
theKaz
Posts: 3
Joined: 29 Nov 2013, 22:03

Question about files erased with command-line deletion

#1 Post by theKaz »

When I delete a file in Windows or Linux from the GUI, be it delete, empty trash, or shift-delete, I can use TestDisk immediately to at least find the file if not outright recover it. But why is it if I delete something from the command-line/DOS prompt, it's likely gone for good?

I ask because I often do a "del *.*", and with a lot of my portable drives (FAT32 flash-drives, or FAT32 USB hard-drives), nothing shows up under recovery software even if I don't re-write over the drive. Is this a "feature" of command-line deletion?

User avatar
cgrenier
Site Admin
Posts: 5432
Joined: 18 Feb 2012, 15:08
Location: Le Perreux Sur Marne, France
Contact:

Re: Question about files erased with command-line deletion

#2 Post by cgrenier »

When using "del" to delete a file, TestDisk should be able to list and recover the files when you navigate to its original directory, the filename will be listed in red. If the filename isn't shown, you can always try PhotoRec.

Locked