Free PDF Recovery: Restore Lost, Unsaved, and Damaged PDF Files

PDF (Portable Document Format), as per Wikipedia, was developed by Adobe to present documents, encompassing text formatting and images. A PDF file retains all the fonts, formatting, graphics, and color of any original document, regardless of the application and operating system used to generate it.

It has become one of the most widely utilized formats. However, numerous businesses, organizations, and individual users are unaware of how to recover PDF files when they are accidentally deleted or closed without being saved.

If you're experiencing a similar issue, follow along to learn how to restore deleted, unsaved, or corrupted PDFs on your own.

注意: 如果您已经为丢失的 PDF 创建了备份，恭喜。您可以停止在这里，从 PDF 备份中恢复丢失的文件。如果您没有备份，请继续阅读并找到解决方案。

Part 1: Recover Deleted or Lost PDF Files

Applies to: Restore lost PDF files due to deletion, formatting, RAW drive, or other reasons.

随着PDF文件的普及，PDF文件丢失成为一个突出的问题。即使你采取了各种预防措施来避免它，但那一天可能终究会到来，你需要面对PDF文件恢复的需求。通常，人们非常需要PDF文件恢复服务。

Here, we've compiled two reliable methods to assist you in recovering a lost PDF:

Undelete PDF from Recycle Bin

大多是时候，当你不小心删除了PDF文件或将其拖到回收站时，你可以直接从回收站恢复它：

Step 1. Go to the Recycle Bin. Check if the deleted PDF file is present there.

If you're unsure of the name, look for files with the .pdf extension.

Step 2. Select the PDF file and right-click on it. Choose "Restore" to recover the file.

If you didn't find the PDF file in the Recycle Bin, don't worry. Free file recovery software can help you retrieve the lost file.

Restore Lost PFD with Free File Recovery Software Recovering lost PFD (Portable Document Format) files can be a daunting task, but with the help of free file recovery software, it becomes a more manageable process. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to restore your lost PFD files using such software: 1. **Select a Reliable Software**: First, choose a reputable and reliable free file recovery tool. Some popular options include Recuva, tools Data Recovery Wizard Free, and TestDisk. Make sure to download it from a trusted source. 2. **Download and Install**: Download the chosen software onto your computer and follow the installation instructions. Ensure that you install it in a location different from where the lost PFD files were stored to avoid overwriting them. 3. **Launch the Software**: Once installed, open the file recovery program. The interface should be intuitive and user-friendly, guiding you through the process. 4. **Select the Location**: Identify the drive or folder where your lost PFD files were originally saved. In the software, choose this location as the target area for the scan. 5. **Deep Scan**: Most file recovery tools offer both quick and deep scan options. Since you're looking for a specific file type (PFD), it's recommended to perform a deep scan, which may take longer but will search more thoroughly. 6. **Scan Process**: Initiate the scanning process. The software will analyze the selected drive, searching for deleted or lost files. Be patient, as this can take some time depending on the size of the drive. 7. **Preview and Select Files**: After the scan is complete, the software will display a list of recoverable files. Look for your lost PFD files by filtering or searching for the file extension (.pdf). Preview the files if possible to ensure they're the ones you need. 8. **Recover the Files**: Once you've identified the lost PFD files, select them and click on the 'Recover' or 'Restore' button. Choose a safe location to save the recovered files, ideally a different drive or an external storage device. 9. **Backup Your Data**: To prevent future data loss, it's crucial to regularly back up important files. Consider using cloud storage services or external hard drives to keep your documents safe. 10. **Verify the Integrity**: After the recovery process, open the restored PFD files to verify their integrity and ensure that all the content is intact. Remember, not all lost files can be recovered due to various reasons, such as overwriting or physical damage to the storage device. However, following these steps increases the chances of successfully restoring your lost PFD files using free file recovery software.

When the recycle bin recovery fails, typically, a reliable and potent file recovery program is the optimal solution.

The Data Recovery Wizard tool can effortlessly retrieve deleted, formatted PDF files, and more. Even if you have lost your hard disk drive partition on your PC, this magical recovery program can still salvage your PDF file.

Aside from PDF recovery, it also boasts numerous other powerful features:

Supports all types of file recovery, including Word recovery and Excel recovery, etc. Supports both basic and dynamic disks, RAID drives. Supports FAT32, NTFS, EXT2/EXT3 file systems. Supports all Windows Operating Systems (from Windows XP to Windows 10).

It offers easy and rapid data recovery solutions (in just three steps):

Step 1. Select the location

Select the drive where you lost your PDF/PPT/Word/Excel files and click "Scan".

Step 2. Scan for lost documents

Upon completion of the scanning process, click "Documents" on the left panel. You can locate the desired documents by sorting them according to file type. Alternatively, you can perform a direct search using the filenames. Once you find the document, click "Preview" to verify if it is the one you are looking for.

Step 3. Recover Lost Documents

Select the desired PDF/PPT/Word/Excel/TXT/ZIP documents and click the "Recover" button to save them to a different secure location.

Part 2: Recover Unsaved PDF Files

Applies to: Restore lost or closed PDF files without saving. This translates to: Applies to: Recover lost or closed PDF files without saving.

Most PDF applications have the functionality to create temporary files. When you're editing a PDF on your computer, the application generates a temporary file to serve as a backup for any unsaved changes.

When a PDF is closed unexpectedly due to sudden hardware failure, power outage, or an unanticipated application error, there's still hope.

You can attempt to restore it from a temporary file. Here, we'll use Adobe Reader as an example to demonstrate how to recover an unsaved PDF:

Step 1. Locate the file path of PDF temporary files

Here is the path of Adobe PDF temporary files:

1. C:\Users\Tracy\AppData\Local\Adobe\Acrobat\DC
2. C:\Users\Tracy\AppData\Roaming\Adobe\Acrobat\DC
3. C:\Users\Tracy\AppData\Local\Temp

Step 2. Locate and find temporary files of unsaved PDF.

Note: The extensions of temporary files might not be the same as the original PDF files. They could be saved with different extensions.

Step 3. Copy the temporary files to another secure location and change the file extensions to .pdf.

Step 4. Open the PDF file in Adobe Reader.

After this, you can open the PDF file for viewing and editing again.

If the method provided in this section doesn't work or if Adobe Reader or other PDF editing tools continue to corrupt your files, proceed to the next part.

You will learn how to fix corrupted PDF files and applications on your own.

Part 3: Repair Corrupted PDF

Applies to: Resolving PDF file corruption, PDF application corruption along with error messages, etc.

If you encounter these error messages, your PDF or PDF files are corrupted:

• PDF file cannot be read with your software
• The root object is invalid or absent
• The file is corrupted or damaged
• It contains information not recognized by the viewer
• Format error - Not a valid PDF file or corrupted

通常，这类错误可归因于软件故障，包括浏览器、邮件程序、操作系统、防病毒软件或防火墙。那么，如何解决这个问题，修复损坏的PDF及其应用程序呢？请继续阅读，查看解决方案：

Repair Corrupted PDF Files

Here are two methods you can opt for to repair corrupted PDF files:

1. Restore corrupted PDF from temporary files (as mentioned in Section 2).

2. Seek assistance from a PDF repair tool.

Although tool software currently lacks PDF repair tools, we have compiled a selection of recommended online resources to assist you.

Hope these tools can fix your PDF:

• Kernel for PDF Repair
• Stellar Repair for PDF
• SysTools PDF Recovery

Note: If these recommended tools also don't work, please contact the Adobe or PDF application producers for assistance.

Repair Corrupted PDF Application

Sometimes, when PDF files become corrupted, it's not because the PDF document itself is damaged but due to an issue with the PDF application.

When the PDF application is corrupted or displays error messages, you can attempt the following solutions to fix the corrupted PDF:

• Download and reinstall the PDF application once more
• Check for updates and install the latest version of Adobe Acrobat/Adobe Reader

Open Adobe Acrobat > Help > Check for Updates...

Translation: "Check for Adobe PDF editor update to fix a corrupted PDF application."

Utilize third-party services to repair the PDF application.

To fix a corrupted Adobe Acrobat DC or Adobe Reader PDF:

If you're an Adobe Reader user, you can attempt to repair a corrupted Adobe PDF using the following steps:

Step 1. Open Adobe Acrobat Reader DC.

Step 2. Click "Help" from the top menu, and select "Repair Adobe Reader Installation".

If this advice is unhelpful, your best option is to contact Adobe Corporation, the PDF producer, or Adobe's support center for assistance.

Bonus Tips for Protecting PDF Files

Aside from understanding how to restore and repair PDF files, it is also essential to learn techniques to protect them from deletion, formatting, or even virus infections.

Here are some additional tips to help you fully protect your computer, device, and valuable files, including PDFs:

1. Enable the firewall, run antivirus software, and regularly scan and remove viruses and malware.

It's obvious that the best way to prevent viruses and malware from infecting your programs or deleting or encrypting your valuable files, such as PDFs, Words, Excels, etc., is to

2. Establish a regular backup routine for PDF files

The other method, although simpler, is also very useful for preventing PDF loss issues. You can manually copy the saved PDF files or utilize reliable file backup software to create an automatic backup to another device.

Todo Backup provides a 3-step backup mode to assist you in efficiently backing up your desired files:

Step 1. Click the "Select backup contents" button to initiate the backup process.

Step 2. There are four data backup categories: File, Disk, OS, and Mail. Click on File.

Step 3. Both local and network files will be listed on the left. You can expand the directory to select the files to back up.

Step 4. Follow the on-screen instructions and choose the location where you want to save the backup.

Click "Options" to encrypt the backup with a password under "Backup Options", set the backup schedule, and choose to initiate the backup at a specific event under "Backup Scheme". You can also explore various other options to customize the backup task as per your requirements.

Step 5. You can save the backup to your local drive, the tool's cloud service, or a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device.

Step 6. Todo Backup allows users to back up data to both third-party cloud drives and its own cloud drive.

If you want to back up data to a third-party cloud drive, select Local Drive, scroll down to add a Cloud Device, then add and log in to your account.

You can also opt for the tool's proprietary cloud drive. Click on 'Tools Cloud,' sign up with your Tools Account, and log in.

Step 7. Click "Backup Now" to initiate the backup process. Once the backup task is completed, it will be displayed as a card on the left side of the panel. You can right-click on the backup task to manage it further.

3. Install compatible versions of a PDF editor on your computer

Although we recommend installing the latest version of PDF on your computer, we urge you to consider the importance of system and software compatibility.

PDF File Recovery FAQs 1. What is PDF File Recovery? - PDF file recovery refers to the process of restoring or salvaging damaged, corrupted, or inaccessible PDF documents to their original, usable state. 2. Why do PDF files get corrupted? - PDF files can become corrupted due to various reasons such as sudden power outages, virus attacks, software glitches, improper closure, or file system errors. 3. Can every corrupted PDF be recovered? - Not all corrupted PDFs can be fully recovered, as the extent of damage determines the possibility of successful recovery. However, many tools and methods can help recover a significant portion of the content. 4. How does PDF File Recovery work? - PDF recovery tools scan the damaged file for readable data, repair the structure, and attempt to restore lost content. Sometimes, it involves extracting data from backup copies or using an earlier version of the file. 5. Are there any free PDF recovery tools available? - Yes, there are free PDF recovery tools available online, but their effectiveness may vary. Paid software often offers more advanced features and higher recovery rates. 6. How long does PDF recovery usually take? - The time taken for PDF recovery depends on the size of the file, the severity of corruption, and the speed of your computer. It can range from a few minutes to several hours. 7. Can I recover deleted PDF files? - If you have accidentally deleted a PDF and it's not in the recycle bin, you may still be able to recover it using data recovery software that can search for deleted files on your hard drive. 8. Is it safe to use third-party PDF recovery software? - Most reputable recovery software is safe to use, but it's essential to choose a trusted source and ensure the tool is updated to avoid further damage or potential security risks. 9. Will the recovered PDF retain its original formatting and quality? - In many cases, PDF recovery tools strive to maintain the original formatting and quality. However, some loss might occur, especially if the corruption is severe. 10. Can I prevent PDF file corruption? - Regularly backing up your files, keeping your software updated, using reliable antivirus protection, and avoiding abrupt system shutdowns can significantly reduce the chances of PDF corruption.

Here are 3 additional questions regarding PDF file recovery. Find the answers here.

1. How do I recover a PDF file?

You can utilize the tool Data Recovery Wizard to effortlessly recover deleted, lost, or formatted PDF files through a simple three-step process: scanning, previewing, and recovering. This efficient tool assists in retrieving your PDF file.

You can recover PDF files from a Windows PC, memory card, USB drive, SD card, and other external hard drives using file recovery software tools.

2. Can Adobe Acrobat files be recovered?

The answer is indeed yes. Using the Adobe Autosave tool, you can attempt to restore lost Adobe Acrobat files. If you previously saved PDF files but lost them due to an error or a virus attack, you can recover them with the help of Adobe applications and the Data Recovery Wizard. Please continue reading to learn more about recovering PDF files.

3. Where did my PDF file go?

Here are a few possible locations where you could find the PDFs you've downloaded: 1. Download folder: By default, most web browsers save downloaded files in a "Downloads" folder within your user directory. 2. Desktop: If you chose to save the file directly to your desktop during the download process, they should be visible there. 3. Document folder: Some users may have set their download location to the "Documents" or "My Documents" folder. 4. Browser's download history: Check the downloads tab in your browser (usually found in the menu bar or right-click context menu). It will show a list of recent downloads, and you can access them from there. 5. Temp folder: Occasionally, files may be temporarily saved in a "Temp" or "Temporary Internet Files" folder, but these are usually cleared regularly. 6. Specific folder: If you were downloading from a specific application or website, it might save the files in a dedicated folder within its program files. 7. Cloud storage: If you use cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive, check your respective account online or the local sync folder on your computer. To locate the PDFs more easily, try using the search function on your operating system (e.g., Windows Search or Spotlight on macOS) by typing the name of the PDF or relevant keywords.

• My Files app (sometimes referred to as File Manager).
• OneDrive or Google Drive.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader Android app.
• Another PDF reading app for mobile devices.