Recover Deleted M2TS File – Complete Guide

PAGE CONTENT:

High-definition video content, especially from Blu-ray discs or AVCHD camcorders, often comes in the form of M2TS files. These files preserve exceptional video quality and are widely used in professional and consumer-grade cameras alike. However, due to their large size and dependence on external storage media like SD cards or USB drives, M2TS files are vulnerable to accidental deletion, formatting, or corruption. Fortunately, in most cases, M2TS files can be recovered - if timely and appropriate steps are taken.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explain what M2TS files are, how they're typically lost, and the most effective methods to recover them using data recovery software, backups, and professional services.

What is an M2TS File?

M2TS stands for MPEG-2 Transport Stream, and it is used to store high-definition video content on Blu-ray discs, AVCHD camcorders, and other HD digital video formats. The file extension is .m2ts, and it is commonly seen in folders such as BDMV/STREAM on Blu-ray media.

Key Characteristics of M2TS Files:

• High-definition content: Supports 720p, 1080p, and even 4K resolutions.
• Compression: Typically uses H.264/AVC or MPEG-2 codecs.
• Usage: Common with Sony, Panasonic, Canon AVCHD camcorders, and Blu-ray authoring.
• Playback support: Requires compatible media players or codecs.

Due to their high-quality nature, these files are often large in size, which makes them susceptible to corruption during transfers, storage failures, or even simple accidental deletion.

Common Reasons for M2TS File Deletion

Understanding how your M2TS files got deleted can help in choosing the best recovery approach. Here are the most common scenarios:

1. Accidental Deletion

You might have mistakenly deleted the video files while cleaning up your camcorder storage or PC folders.

2. Formatting the Storage Device

Formatting SD cards or USB drives without backup often results in loss of all M2TS files.

3. Virus or Malware Attacks

A virus infection might corrupt or delete M2TS files, especially if the storage device was connected to an infected system.

4. Power Outage or System Crash

Unexpected shutdowns during file transfers may cause data corruption or incomplete file writes.

5. Transfer Errors

Disruptions while copying files from a camcorder or card reader to a computer could leave M2TS files missing or unreadable.

Is It Possible to Recover Lost M2TS Files?

Yes, M2TS files can be recovered, provided that the data has not been overwritten. When you delete a file, it isn't immediately erased; only the reference to the file is removed from the file system. Until the storage space is reused (i.e., overwritten by new data), the original file content remains recoverable.

Important Recovery Tips:

• Stop using the device immediately.
• Do not write new data or install recovery tools on the same drive.
• Use reliable recovery software or services.

Methods to Recover Deleted M2TS Files

Method 1. Recover Lost M2TS Files from Recycle Bin or Trash

If you deleted the file from your PC and haven't emptied the Recycle Bin or Trash, recovery is straightforward.

Recover Deleted M2TS File on Windows:

• Click Recycle Bin icon on desktop to open Recycle bin.
• Find the deleted M2TS file.
• Right-click the file and choose Restore.

Recover Deleted M2TS File on macOS:

• Click Trash icon on Mac's Dock.
• Locate your deleted .m2ts file.
• Right-click and choose Put Back.

Best for recently deleted files from a local disk.

Method 2. Use Backups for M2TS File Recovery

If you regularly back up your files using system tools or third-party software, this method is ideal.

Windows File History:

• Find the folder containing the deleted M2TS file.
• Right-click the folder and choose Restore previous versions.

• Select the version that contains the M2TS file.
• Click Restore.

Mac Time Machine:

• Connect your Time Machine drive.
• Open the folder where the M2TS file was stored.
• Launch Time Machine and restore the file.

Best for users who back up regularly.

Method 3. Use Data Recovery Software to Recover Deleted M2TS File

For permanently deleted M2TS files or files lost due to formatting, recovery software is the best DIY solution.

Features to Look For in M2TS Recovery Software:

• Support for HD video formats: Ensure the tool supports .m2ts and other AVCHD/Blu-ray extensions.
• Preview before recovery: Allows you to confirm it's the correct video before restoring.
• Deep scan mode: Helpful when a quick scan fails to find the file.
• Device compatibility: It should support internal drives, external hard drives, SD cards, USB sticks, and camcorder memory.
• File filtering: Lets you sort results by file type, size, or deletion date for quicker identification.

Step-by-Step: Recover Deleted M2TS Files Using Donemax Data Recovery

Here's how to use one of the most popular tools - Donemax Data Recovery - to restore your M2TS files.

Step 1: Install Donemax Data Recovery

Click Download button below to download Donemax Data Recovery. Then install this software on your Windows PC or Mac.

⭐ Important: Install it on a different drive than where the M2TS files were deleted to prevent overwriting them.

Step 2: Select the Drive

Launch the software. Choose the drive (e.g., your SD card or external HDD) where the M2TS files were lost.

Step 3: Begin the Scan

Click Scan to start the process. The software will run two scans:

• A Quick Scan for recently deleted files.
• A Deep Scan to search deeper, especially after formatting or file corruption.

Step 4: Filter and Preview

• Use the search bar to enter ".m2ts".
• You can also filter by "Video" file type.
• Click to Preview a file and confirm it’s the right one (if preview is supported).

Step 5: Recover the M2TS File

• Select the desired M2TS files.
• Click Recover and choose a different storage location to save the restored files safely.

💡 Tip: Avoid saving recovered files on the same drive they were deleted from - it may overwrite other lost data still waiting to be recovered.

★ Why Choose Paid vs. Free Recovery Software?

Feature	Free Tools (e.g., Recuva)	Paid Tools
Recovery Cap (Limited GB)	Yes	No
Advanced Scan Modes	Often Basic	Yes
File Previews	Partial	Full previews
File Format Support	General formats	Specialized formats like M2TS
Support	Limited or none	Full support and updates

If you're trying to recover high-value or large .m2ts videos (e.g., wedding footage, film projects), investing in a paid tool significantly boosts success chances and recovery quality.

★ Recover from SD Card or Camcorder Storage

M2TS files are often stored on removable SD cards or camcorder internal storage.

Steps:

• Remove the SD card and insert it into a card reader.
• Run a recovery tool (like Donemax Data Recovery).
• Choose the SD card as the target drive.
• Scan, preview, and recover the M2TS files.

Do not attempt recovery directly from the camcorder if it's not detected as a drive. Use an SD card adapter instead.

★ Tips to Maximize Recovery Success

• Stop Using the Device Immediately: Prevents overwriting deleted data.
• Save Recovered Files Elsewhere: Restore to a different drive or folder.
• Avoid Suspicious Freeware: Stick to well-reviewed, secure tools to prevent further data loss.

How to Open and Play M2TS Files?

After recovery, you might encounter playback issues. Here's how to open .m2ts files properly:

Compatible Media Players:

• VLC Media Player – Free and supports all M2TS codecs.
• PotPlayer – Lightweight and optimized for HD files.
• 5KPlayer – Good for large M2TS/Blu-ray files.

Conversion (Optional):

If your player struggles, convert M2TS to MP4, AVI, or MKV using:

• HandBrake
• Any Video Converter
• Wondershare UniConverter

Conversion also reduces file size for sharing or editing.

Prevent M2TS File Loss in the Future

Here are some best practices to protect your valuable video files:

1. Regular Backups:
   • Use Time Machine (Mac) or File History (Windows).
   • Schedule cloud backups (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox).
2. Safely Eject Devices:
   • Always use the "Eject" option before unplugging SD cards or camcorders.
3. Antivirus Protection:
   • Keep your system protected from malware and ransomware.
4. Use Reliable Storage:
   • Avoid low-quality SD cards or drives for storing HD files.
5. Power Backup:
   • Use a UPS when transferring large files to prevent sudden loss.

When to Contact a Professional Recovery Service

If:

• The storage device is physically damaged,
• The M2TS file structure is severely corrupted,
• Or the recovery software fails,

...you should consult a professional data recovery service.

What to Expect:

• Diagnosis of the device (often free).
• Specialized equipment for physical recovery.
• High success rates but often expensive ($100 ~ $1000+).

Ideal for critical, irreplaceable video files.

Conclusion

Accidentally deleting M2TS files - whether from your camcorder, SD card, or computer - doesn't have to be a permanent loss. With the right tools and timely action, you can recover these high-definition videos successfully. Start with simple methods like checking the Recycle Bin or restoring from a backup. If those don't work, advanced data recovery tools offer a powerful and user-friendly solution for recovering lost .m2ts files.

Finally, remember to always back up your important files, handle devices safely, and be proactive in preventing future data loss.