For Windows users in Japan, start a file recovery attempt by identifying what is actually missing. Check the Recycle Bin, previous application saves and existing backups before scanning. A misplaced file and a deleted file need different actions.
Verify documents and filenames after export
Record the original folder and the expected file type before starting. A scan can produce files with reconstructed or generic names when directory information is missing. Keep output in a new destination folder so you can compare it with existing copies without overwriting them.
Open recovered documents in their usual applications and check all relevant pages, sheets or embedded images. When filenames contain Japanese characters, check that names and folder organisation are usable, but judge the document itself separately from its name. A correct-looking filename does not establish that the contents survived intact.
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.
Can recovery software undo ransomware encryption?
Ordinary file recovery is not decryption. A recovered encrypted file may remain encrypted; use unaffected backups or an appropriate incident-recovery route rather than assuming scanning removes encryption.
Before choosing a download or licence
Use the official product information to check the current package, requirements and terms. For users in Japan, 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.