How to Recover Deleted 7-ZIP File (such as .7z file)?

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Compressed files have become a staple of digital file storage, and among the various formats, 7-ZIP (.7z) stands out for its high compression ratio and strong encryption support. However, like any digital file, a 7-ZIP archive can be accidentally deleted or lost due to unforeseen circumstances. When that happens, the need to recover these files becomes urgent - especially if the archive contains crucial documents, project data, or media files.

In this article, we'll take a comprehensive look at how to recover deleted 7-ZIP files, explore different methods and tools, and provide tips to avoid data loss in the future.

What is a 7-ZIP File?

A 7-ZIP file uses the .7z extension and is created by the 7-Zip utility, an open-source file compression tool. This format supports high-compression algorithms and can contain one or more files/folders in a single, compressed package. It's often used to:

• Share large files via email or cloud storage
• Archive important data
• Protect data with password-based encryption

Losing a 7-ZIP file can be problematic, especially if it's the only copy of a large project, client data, or sensitive personal files.

Why 7-ZIP File Get Deleted or Lost?

Understanding how these files are lost can help in choosing the most suitable recovery method. Some common reasons include:

1. Unintentional Deletion

You may have accidentally deleted the file while cleaning your download folder or organizing your desktop.

2. Permanent Deletion

Files deleted using Shift + Delete bypass the Recycle Bin entirely, making traditional recovery harder.

3. Emptying Recycle Bin or Trash

Once the Recycle Bin or Trash is emptied, files are no longer easily accessible unless recovered using third-party tools.

4. Virus or Malware Attack

Some malicious programs delete or corrupt archive files, especially those stored in system directories.

5. Disk Formatting

Accidentally formatting a drive that contains 7-ZIP files can result in total data loss unless proper recovery steps are taken.

6. Corrupt File System or Crashes

System crashes, bad sectors on a hard drive, or an unstable OS update can lead to missing or inaccessible .7z files.

Can You Recover a Deleted 7-ZIP File?

The short answer is: Yes, you can - but timing matters. When a file is deleted, the operating system doesn't erase its data immediately. Instead, it removes the file pointer and marks that space as available for reuse. Until that space is overwritten by new data, the deleted 7-ZIP file remains on the disk and is recoverable.

However, if you continue to use the device or save new data, you risk overwriting the deleted file, making recovery impossible. So it's crucial to stop using the affected device or partition immediately after data loss.

Methods to Recover Deleted 7-ZIP Files (.7z Files)

Let's explore several effective methods to recover your deleted .7z files.

Method 1. Recover Deleted 7-ZIP File from Recycle Bin/Trash

If you simply used the "Delete" key, the 7-ZIP file might still be in the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (macOS).

How to Restore from Recycle Bin:

1. Open Recycle Bin from the desktop.
2. Look for the deleted .7z file.
3. Right-click and select Restore.

How to Restore from Trash on Mac:

1. Open Trash from the Dock.
2. Locate the .7z file.
3. Right-click and choose Put Back.

💡 Note: If the file was deleted using Shift + Delete or from a USB drive, it bypasses the Recycle Bin/Trash.

Method 2. Recover 7-ZIP Files from Backup

If you have File History (Windows), Time Machine (Mac), or cloud backups enabled, you may be able to retrieve your deleted 7-ZIP file.

Windows File History:

1. Go to the folder where the 7-ZIP file was stored.
2. Right-click and select Properties > Previous Versions.

3. Choose the version with your 7-ZIP file.
4. Click Restore.

macOS Time Machine:

1. Open the folder where the file was saved.
2. Launch Time Machine from the menu bar.
3. Use the timeline to find the .7z file.
4. Click Restore.

Cloud Backup (Google Drive, OneDrive, etc.):

1. Check your cloud service's trash or deleted files folder.
2. Restore the file if available.

Method 3. Use Data Recovery Software to Recovery Lost 7-ZIP Files

If the file isn't in the Recycle Bin or backed up, your best chance is using a reliable data recovery tool. These tools scan your drive for recoverable data and allow you to restore deleted files.

Donemax Data Recovery is one of the best data recovery tools. It can recover 2000+ file formats including .7z. If you are going to recover deleted, formatted or lost 7-ZIP files, just download and install this tool on your computer.

Follow the steps below to recover deleted or lost 7-ZIP files:

Step 1. Download and install Donemax Data Recovery on a different partition to avoid overwriting data. Launch the software and select the drive where the 7-ZIP file was located.

Step 2. Click Scan. Let the scan complete (deep scans may take time).

Step 3. Filter by file type (search for .7z files). Preview and select the file(s) you want to recover. Click Recover and choose a safe location for saving the restored files.

⭐ Important: Never install recovery software on the drive where you lost the file, as this may overwrite recoverable data.

What If the File Isn't Listed?

If you don't see your deleted 7-ZIP file after the initial scan:

• Try a Deep Scan option (available in most tools).
• Check under Lost Partitions if your drive was reformatted or partitioned.
• Look through all categories (e.g., Documents, Archives, Unknown) as sometimes file extensions are not correctly recognized.

Extra Tips for Better Recovery Results:

• Act quickly: The longer you wait, the more likely the data will be overwritten.
• Minimize usage: Avoid writing new files to the affected drive.
• Use external storage for recovery: Always recover files to a different location to prevent overwriting more lost data.
• Repair disk: If the drive gets damaged, you can use Donemax Data Recovery or other tools to repair it.

When to Use Professional Help:

If your deleted 7-ZIP file is extremely valuable and software recovery fails, consider taking your drive to a professional data recovery service. These services can work in clean-room environments and often succeed where DIY tools fail, especially for physically damaged drives.

What If the Recovered 7-ZIP File is Corrupted?

Sometimes, even if you're able to recover a deleted file, it may be damaged or corrupted, especially if partially overwritten. In such cases, you can attempt to repair it.

1. Use 7-Zip's Built-in Repair

7-Zip doesn't have a traditional repair option, but it can sometimes partially extract damaged archives.

Steps:

1. Right-click the corrupted .7z file.
2. Choose 7-Zip > Open Archive.

3. Attempt to extract what's available.
4. If errors occur, try "Extract" > Keep broken files to salvage usable content.

2. Use WinRAR's Repair Tool

WinRAR has a built-in repair tool that can sometimes fix damaged .7z files.

Steps:

1. Open WinRAR and locate the .7z file.
2. Click Tools > Repair Archive.

3. Choose output location and let it run.
4. Try opening the repaired file.

3. Use Dedicated Archive Repair Tools

• Stellar File Repair
• DataNumen Archive Repair
• Recovery Toolbox for Archive

These tools offer better chances for complex damage scenarios, though they often come with a price.

How to Prevent 7-ZIP File Deletion in the Future?

Avoiding data loss in the first place is the best strategy. Here are some effective preventive measures:

1. Always Keep Backups

Use external hard drives, cloud storage, or backup software to regularly back up important files, including compressed archives.

2. Enable File History or Time Machine

These built-in tools provide automatic versioning and recovery for files deleted or overwritten by mistake.

3. Use Cloud Storage with Sync & Restore

Services like Dropbox, OneDrive, and Google Drive offer trash recovery and file version history.

4. Double-Check Before Deleting

Be careful when using Shift + Delete or cleaning up system folders. Review the files before confirming permanent deletion.

5. Install Antivirus Software

Viruses and ransomware can delete or encrypt your files. Use updated antivirus software to safeguard against malicious attacks.

6. Avoid Untrusted Optimization Tools

Some system cleanup or "optimization" tools can delete archive files deemed unnecessary. Choose only reputable utilities.

Conclusion

Losing a 7-ZIP file can be frustrating, especially if it contains essential documents or data. Fortunately, with the right tools and quick action, you can recover deleted 7-ZIP files successfully in many cases.

To recover lost or deleted 7-ZIP Files:

• First, check the Recycle Bin or your backups.
• If those don't work, use trusted data recovery software (such as Donemax Data Recovery).
• If the file is corrupted, try using 7-Zip, WinRAR, or specialized archive repair tools.
• And finally, develop a strong backup and prevention strategy to avoid future data loss.

The sooner you act, the better your chances of recovering your deleted archive. Don't wait - start the recovery process now and safeguard your files moving forward.