HEY QUESTERS,

        Let me start by asking you guys a question. Do you guys know what happens to the data you delete from your smartphone or PC? Is it really deleted? Let's find out everything in detail.

WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT DELETION?

Whenever we delete a file, it does into the Recycle Bin/Trash. Then we go to the Recycle Bin/Trash and Empty it, hence the file is deleted. But is it actually deleted?

WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS TO THE FILE WHEN WE DELETE IT COMPLETELY?

As the dialog box says “This will Permanently Delete the file”, which is mostly correct, but actually it means it isn't impossible to recover the file rather it can't be accessed easily. Both of them have different meanings.

EXPLANATION

Bits of data i.e. 0 or 1 make up any kind of file. These bits are stored at random locations and are only accessible via a Master Table. This Master Table knows where are all the bits and are accessed and hence shows the file to you. But whenever we permanently delete a file, actually the Master Table is deleted not the actual bits and those bits are declared empty by the OS such that the OS can overwrite those bits. Hence the file is still possible to be recovered.

IN WHICH CASE CAN THE FILES BE RECOVERED?

It is recommended that just after deletion of the file or formatting the storage it's best to recover the file. The file is recoverable as long as any other data is not overwritten upon it.

PRO-TIP

Whenever you want to permanently want to delete a file or before selling your smartphone or a PC, first delete the file and then fill the entire storage with random data and then delete the files. This will overwrite the actual data making your data practically impossible to be retrieved. For best results try filling the entire storage with random data 2-3 times.

       This was a small thread explaining what actually happens when you delete something. I hope I was able to explain in simple terms. Like/Dislike the way you felt about the same. Feel Free to comment down below if you have any suggestions or queries.

REGARDS

RHITWEEK SANTRA