For users in the USA preparing a Windows data recovery download, protect the source before installing software. Missing data on the system drive needs particular care because Windows and applications can continue writing while the computer is in use.
Prepare the computer before the scan
Use another computer or a prepared recovery environment where practical if the missing files were on the active system drive. Confirm the current product requirements instead of assuming that an old download button labelled 32-bit, 64-bit or portable is the right package. XRecovery 3.1.6 runs on Windows; check the official support information for the specific setup.
Connect a separate destination device before starting and identify both disks by capacity and purpose. For a removable source, cancel format prompts. If Windows cannot boot, do not assume a recovery application can run on that machine without a suitable working environment or appropriate help.
Evaluate XRecovery before exporting everything
XRecovery 3.1.6 runs on Windows and can scan partitions, disks and external devices that Windows recognises. The ordinary scan starts with a quick scan and then proceeds automatically to a deep scan. Preview is available for some mainstream file formats; it is not a complete compatibility test for every result.
The confirmed free recovery allowance is 2GB in total. Use it to check representative files before deciding whether more recovery is worthwhile. File names, thumbnails and scan counts alone are not proof of complete recovery.
Scan, save and verify
- Preserve the source and prepare a different physical device for recovered files. Check backups first, and avoid formatting or repair writes while the missing files are needed.
- Select the intended source by its capacity and identity. Stop if it becomes unstable; scanning software cannot fix physical damage.
- Review available results and previews. Save selected files to the separate destination, then open them with their usual applications and check the important contents.
XRecovery scanning is read-only, but exporting writes data to the destination. Its default warning against saving to the scanned partition can be overridden, so keep the destination separate yourself. No software can guarantee recovery of data that is no longer readable.
Should I install directly onto the drive with missing files?
Avoid doing so. Installation and ordinary system activity can write to that device. Prepare a recovery setup and a separate destination before attempting a scan.
Before choosing a download or licence
Use the official product information to check the current package, requirements and terms. For users in the USA, also check that the available interface and support arrangements fit your needs; this article does not establish a separate local edition or local service coverage.