help please

New mac user, I moved "Documents" folder onto my desktop from the harddrive, realized I didn't want it there and dragged the desktop "Documents" item to trash. emptied trash. now ALL my documents are gone, when I thought I was just deleting the desktop "Documents" item, any way to recover? Does mac have a recently deleted space? ANYWAY TO RECOVER?!

 

My understanding is you can not recover files you deleted unless you use third party recovery software. Maybe some can suggest a Mac program that will allow you to recover deleted files.

 

i have NOT yet performed "Secure Empty Trash" so apple does say I can retrieve the files using a data/file recovery software. can someone PLEASE recommend a software designed for this purpose?

 

FileSalvage.

I really think your files are gone though.

 

I think the files are recoverable unless the deleted files location or sector are over written with files, then that's impossible to retrieve the data.

 

Generally HFS+ volumes doesn't write over freed space immediately, so you might be in luck...but...

well good luck...the faster you do this (and the less activity you do on your system in the meantime), the better your chances are

 

Not being helpful , but this is where Time Machine will really be a lifesaver .

 

hmn.. he didn't erase his documents folder.. he just erased his DOCUMENT'S FOLDER SHORT ACCESS.. look up for it in the finder and you will find all your stuff for sure.. hehe

 

Well, I assumed when he said 'move' he meant move...

but it's worth a try:
if you did simply create an alias or something on your desktop to your documents folder and deleted that by accident, the default location of your "Documents" folder for each user account is in /Users/%username%/Documents

 

I don't think that is what happened in this case. If you move a folder from Macintosh HD to the Desktop, that does not create an alias (shortcut). The folder and it's contents are moved from Macintosh HD to the Desktop.

If you try to move the Documents icon from the Sidebar, it will only be removed from the Sidebar and not affect the actual folder or files.

In the future, first make an Alias (Open-Apple + L) of the folder then drag the alias to the Desktop. If you accidentally delete the alias, it will not affect your files.

Good luck with your data recovery.

 

thanks for all the help guys, but Xander is right in this case unfortunately. which basically means I'm retarded. i don't feel like dropping the $90 or so to get the registered software to recover my files, so they're gone. the free trials (of all the software i could find) only allows to search/find the recoverable files, but doesn't actually let you recover unless paying for the software. anyone know any freeware that might do this?