Linux Undelete
If all of the following conditions applies to your situation then this is the correct resource:
- You deleted a file or directory by accident or otherwise and you wish to have it back again.
- You wish it to be a simple process that can be accomplished without rebooting or using other boot media. You are looking for something as straightforward as the Windows Recycling Bin, except on linux.
- You are running Ubuntu, Mint, or equivalent.
If not, then please view the RELATED section for other situations.
Contents
File Manager
The file manager, example N=emo or PCManFM, has the equivalent to a rubbish bin or recovery directory
Files or directories deleted other ways, such as by software like qBittorrent bypass the rubbish bin or equivalent.
testdisk
This utility is useless for file recovery despite all the air headed guides that appear in an Internet search. The limitation is in the file systems that testdisk supports for file recovery. For example on a contemporary Mint Linux installation with default install options the file system type is not supported for undelete file recovery.
extundelete
This flaming turd can not undelete or otherwise recover a file or directory on a mounted partition. Since basic default Ubuntu or Mint installations done by ordinary users tend to have the root and home partition along with most everything else on the same partition, it can not be unmounted while the system is booted unless you boot to independent boot media or other partition.
