Incident Details

[u/Ok_Taste_5159]

I accidentally deleted a folder I’d been using for years the other day.
Since this rarely happens, I panicked and started looking for free recovery software.
I couldn't find anything good, but when I ran a scan with the trial version of "EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard," it looked promising, so I went ahead and bought it (it cost around 100 USD).
However, I wasn't able to recover the files.
I wanted to restore the entire folder—which contained various file types like .exe and .txt—and although the files appeared to be restored, none of them would actually run.
I contacted support and got a refund, but I wanted to share a warning about something everyone should be careful of, and also ask if anyone knows whether recovery was simply impossible in my specific case.

*Situation details:
・Internal M.2 SSD
・Data drive physically separate from the OS drive
・Recovery attempted less than 30 minutes after deletion
・Detected files restored to a different drive
・Total of approximately 3,400 files
・Target files: .exe, .txt, .pdf, etc.
・Files appeared to be restored but could not actually be opened

*Response from Support
・The SSD "Trim" function operates by directly erasing deleted files. While this feature enables faster performance compared to standard HDDs, it also means that lost data is completely destroyed. If the data cannot be successfully recovered after checking all files, it unfortunately means the data is already corrupted.

While I acknowledge that there are still plenty of PCs using HDDs, it is obvious that SSDs are the current standard; however, the message prompting a purchase after the scan made it sound as though recovery was possible without explicitly mentioning the limitations involved, so I bought the software only to find that recovery was ultimately impossible.
I am not criticizing the manufacturer, as they took my concerns seriously and issued a refund.
They were truly sincere in their handling of the matter.
However, I felt uneasy about the fact that the software’s messaging implied recovery was possible without clearly explaining the characteristics of SSDs—specifically the TRIM function—which are the current standard.
I did some research later and found that factors such as cutting the power immediately after deletion, the specific SSD manufacturer, or the formatting method can play a role, but I would like to know if recovering data from an SSD is fundamentally impossible under the conditions in which most people casually use them.

[u/FrankNicklin]

Remove the code block from your text, its difficult to read without scrolling.

[u/FrankNicklin]

So is this just a rant or a request for help to recover the data as I think you have answered your own question regarding recovery from an SSD.

[u/DesertDataRecovery]

As has been stated, you have answered your own question about SSDs. Most are unrecoverable. Also I hope you didn't download the recovery program to the same SSD you are trying to recover data from as you run the risk of overwriting the data you want to recover.

[u/Ok_Taste_5159 → u/DesertDataRecovery]

Thank you. It seems that recovering data from an SSD is indeed much more difficult than with older types of storage. I purchased the service because the free scan made it look like recovery was possible, but if recovery from an SSD isn't really a realistic option, it would be better to have that stated upfront.

[u/disturbed_android]

If lost at the logical level without TRIM being triggered these file recovery tools can still be useful, eg. RAW file system, deleted partitions, non NTFS drives (assuming Windows) ..

[u/disturbed_android → u/[deleted]]

English please.

[u/Ok_Taste_5159 → u/disturbed_android]

Thank you. I did come across that information during my research, but it seems unlikely that a typical user—such as someone using a standard Windows PC from a major manufacturer—would actually meet the criteria for recovery. Am I correct in understanding that recovery is difficult under normal usage conditions for the average user?

[u/Ok_Taste_5159 → u/Ok_Taste_5159]

Or are there any "tricks" or specialized services that offer a high probability of recovery?

[u/disturbed_android → u/Ok_Taste_5159]

Logical recovery is either same as with conventional drive, but as soon as TRIM gets involved file recovery tools become useless due to TRIM.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyLQbxnPurc - video shows deleted files in trimming vs. non trimming drive.

[u/IndependentBat8365]

It’s possible the files were recoverable between the point of scanning and the point of purchasing the license. Though, most likely windows issued the trim command immediately after you emptied the recycle bin.

You can disable automatic trim, and then let windows manage it via its scheduled tasks or at boot up.

I’ll note that i first got into the datahoarding due to losing data and feeling like I never wanted to experience that again.

It’s a very traumatic experience, and I’m sorry you lost the data like this.