Losing data in Google Drive can be frustrating and stressful. Google Drive data loss can occur due to various reasons such as accidental deletion, corrupted files, or synchronization issues.
The most common cause of Google Drive data loss is accidental deletion, which can happen when you delete a file or folder without realizing it. This can be prevented by regularly backing up your files and being cautious when deleting items.
Google Drive offers a feature called Google Drive File Stream, which allows you to access your Google Drive files directly from your computer, but it can also lead to data loss if not used properly.
Preventing Data Loss
Human error is a leading cause of data loss in Google Drive, with employees permanently deleting files due to overlooking the 30-day period before permanent deletion.
To prevent this, adjust permissions to ensure only you can see and edit your data.
It's essential to keep a backup of your data, both on Google Drive and a safe external hard drive. This way, should either of them become compromised, you'll have access to your data on the other.
Double-check the data you're deleting before hitting the "delete" button, as mistakes can still happen even with precautions in place.
Don't delete data from your Trash folder, as it will get permanently erased after 30 days in any case.
Here are some key practices to prevent data loss:
- Adjust access permissions
- Keep a backup of your data
- Double-check data before deleting
- Don't delete data from your Trash folder
The average time to detect a data breach is 206 days, by which time your data is permanently deleted from Trash. Backup is the only way to recover data easily and ensure quick disaster recovery and seamless business continuity.
Recovering Data
You can recover deleted Google Drive files using Google Takeout, but note that it's not a recovery tool, it's a service that allows you to export and download a copy of your data. This process can be time-consuming and may not preserve metadata.
If the file owner is your coworker and your company uses third-party backups like SpinOne, you can request your Google Admin to recover the file from the backup or archive to your account.
To restore overwritten Google Drive files, use the Manage Versions feature, which allows you to recover data entry that has been overwritten. This feature is available in SpinOne, a third-party backup and file recovery program.
Professional data recovery solutions like Wondershare Recoverit can also help recover deleted or lost files in 500+ data loss situations, including deletion, formatting, and disk corruption.
Recovering from Takeout
Google Takeout is a service that allows you to export and download a copy of your data from various Google services, including Google Drive.
You can use Google Takeout to recover deleted files by following these steps: Go to Google Takeout, choose which services you want to include, select the file format and delivery method, and wait for Google to notify you that your files are ready.
However, keep in mind that Google Takeout is not a recovery tool, but rather a service that allows you to export and download your data.
Some common technical issues you may encounter when restoring files via Google Takeout include data not being importable without proper software or conversion tools, large archives being challenging to download or store, metadata not being preserved, and a time-consuming restoration process.
To minimize the chances of these issues, make sure to use a file extraction tool, such as WinRAR or 7-Zip, to extract the files from the downloaded archive.
Here are some common issues you may encounter when using Google Takeout:
- Data exported may not be importable without the proper software or conversion tools.
- Large Google Takeout archives are challenging to download, extract, or store.
- Metadata may not be preserved when files are exported.
- The restoration process can be time-consuming.
Restoring Overwritten Files
If you've accidentally overwritten a file in Google Drive, don't worry, there's a way to recover it.
You can use the Manage Versions feature to restore the overwritten file.
There are two ways users can recover overwritten files in Google Drive.
To start the recovery process, log in to SpinOne using your Admin account.
You can quickly migrate data between accounts by choosing a destination in the pop-up window.
Choose any user or Shared Drive in your organization as the destination.
Click Start Restore and wait for the recovery to complete.
Can You?
Can You Recover Deleted Google Drive Files?
You can recover deleted Google Drive files if the owner has deleted the file, but the owner can still restore it using methods listed in this article.
The time and other limitations apply here too, such as if the owner has deleted the Trash folder, recovery will be impossible.
If the file owner is your coworker and your company uses third-party backups like SpinOne, you can request your Google Admin to recover the file from the backup or archive to your account.
There are two key types of deletion: soft and hard. Soft deletion means the file ends up in a Recycle Bin, and you can easily recover it from there.
If you've uploaded important files to Google Drive from a local storage device and then deleted them from both locations, professional data recovery solutions like Wondershare Recoverit could have your back.
Recoverit is a powerful recovery expert with over 20 years of experience in the field, supporting thousands of file formats and being compatible with Mac and Windows OS, boasting 98% recovery rates.
Here are the steps to retrieve data with Recoverit:
- Download and launch Wondershare Recoverit on your computer;
- From the main menu, select a location to start recovery (if your data was stored on an external device, use a USB cable to connect it);
- Wait for Recoverit to scan the location and filter through the results by time, file status, type, size, or tag;
- Pause or stop the scan without progress loss at any time;
- Preview the files that can be recovered and click Recover to retrieve them.
To recover permanently deleted files, you can use third-party backup and file recovery programs, such as SpinOne, which offers cloud-to-cloud backup.
Using Tools and Services
Using tools and services can help prevent and recover from Google Drive data loss. SpinBackup is a recommended tool for automated backup and recovery of Google Workspace services, including Gmail, Drive, Calendar, Contacts, and more. It offers advanced security features, including ransomware protection and anomaly detection, and provides granular recovery options across all Google Workspace services.
SpinBackup allows you to recover deleted data with all its settings, sharing permissions, and folder structure, and offers point-in-time restore. It also provides automated daily backup, secure storage in various cloud providers, and encryption in transit, at rest, and in use. Using SpinBackup for data backup and recovery is as easy as using a well-designed, automated tool.
You can also use Google Takeout to export and download a copy of your data from various Google services, but keep in mind that it's not a recovery tool and may encounter technical issues during the restoration process. Another option is CloudAlly's G Suite backup, which provides automated backup of Gmail, Sites, Calendars, Contacts, Tasks, and Metadata, apart from Google Drive/Team Drive.
Recovering Shared Files
If you're a shared file recipient, you can ask the owner to restore the file if they've deleted it from Google Drive. They can do this using one of the methods listed in this article.
The time and other limitations mentioned in this article apply here too, so it's essential to act quickly. For example, if the owner has deleted the Trash, recovery will be impossible.
If the file owner is your coworker and your company uses third-party backups like SpinOne, you can request your Google Admin to recover the file from the backup or archive to your account.
This can bypass many of the limitations mentioned earlier, but it's still subject to the file owner's will to recover the deleted file.
To minimize data loss, implement regular backups, like using tools like SpinBackup to automate the process for Google Workspace. Organize files efficiently by developing a logical and consistent folder hierarchy.
Implement access controls based on user roles to prevent unauthorized changes or deletions. Use anomaly detection tools to identify and respond to unusual activities that might indicate data corruption or security issues.
Here are some best practices to maintain data integrity and minimize data loss in SaaS:
- Implement regular backups to ensure your data is consistently protected.
- Organize files efficiently by developing a logical and consistent folder hierarchy.
- Implement access controls based on user roles.
- Use anomaly detection tools to identify and respond to unusual activities.
- Provide regular training on data management best practices.
- Establish clear policies for data retention and deletion.
- Ensure compliance with regulations and keep up-to-date with relevant data protection regulations.
Restoring PCs with Software
Recoverit is a powerful recovery expert with over 20 years of experience in the field. It uses patented tech to seamlessly recover data without quality loss.
This software supports thousands of file formats and is compatible with both Mac and Windows OS. It boasts an impressive 98% recovery rate.
To use Recoverit, you'll need to download and launch it on your computer. From the main menu, select a location to start recovery. If your data was stored on an external device, use a USB cable to connect it.
You can pause or stop the scan without losing any progress at any time. This is especially useful if you're dealing with large amounts of data.
Here are the basic steps to recover your data with Recoverit:
- Download and launch Recoverit on your computer
- Select a location to start recovery
- Wait for Recoverit to scan the location and filter through the results
- Preview the files that can be recovered and click Recover to retrieve them
Recoverit can handle over 2,000 different storage devices and 500 data loss scenarios. It's a reliable tool to have in your toolbox.
Solution Options
If you've permanently deleted files or need to recover data from Google Drive, there are several solution options available.
You can use third-party tools like SpinBackup, which offers automated daily backup, secure storage, and granular recovery options. This tool is particularly useful for Google Workspace users, providing comprehensive backup and recovery for Gmail, Drive, Calendar, Contacts, and more.
Another option is to use CloudAlly's Backup for G Suite, which enables flexible recovery options, including historical snapshots and advanced search and filter capabilities. This service also allows you to recover Google Drive files from any point-in-time and export them to your own storage.
Alternatively, you can use professional data recovery solutions like Wondershare Recoverit, which boasts a 98% recovery rate and supports over 2,000 different storage devices. This tool is particularly effective for recovering data from accidental deletions, formatting, and disk corruption.
If you're looking for a more DIY approach, you can use Google's native recovery tools, which include manual file restoration and restoring deleted items from Trash. However, these options are limited and may not meet the needs of modern businesses.
In terms of cost, third-party tools like SpinBackup and CloudAlly offer cost-effective solutions for Google Workspace users, with a focus on automation and security features. On the other hand, professional data recovery solutions like Wondershare Recoverit may be more expensive, but offer advanced features and high recovery rates.
Here are some key features to consider when choosing a solution:
Ultimately, the best solution for you will depend on your specific needs and requirements. Be sure to evaluate the features and costs of each option carefully before making a decision.
Sources
- https://spin.ai/blog/how-to-recover-deleted-files-from-google-drive/
- https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/google/google-shares-fix-for-deleted-google-drive-files/
- https://www.cloudally.com/blog/recover-deleted-google-drive-drive-files/
- https://recoverit.wondershare.com/file-recovery/recover-deleted-files-google-drive.html
- https://www.modernmanagedit.com/how-do-i-protect-my-data-on-google-drive/
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