File recovery, sometimes called file repair, software is used to retrieve or repair lost or damaged files. Traditional storage mechanisms do not completely erase files upon deletion; they simply reallocate that storage once new memory is required. File recovery software works by accessing the components of deleted files, reconnecting these components, and then saving them for future access. In the case of corrupted or damaged files, repair can be more complicated. But many of these tools also help users repair damaged information in the form of various file types.
To qualify for inclusion in the File Recovery category, a product must:
Provide tools to repair files or recover deleted files
Provide an interface to help navigate and select files for recovery
Rebuild or reconstruct desired files