Accidentally deleted file

[Sol]

I accidentally deleted a file from the finder. Does anyone know a way to recover it from the hard drive? I have read that trashing items simply deletes a pointer to the data on the hard drive so the file should still be there right? Somebody please help me with this.

[Wes]

Norton utilities could probably recover it. If you take this route, it is essential that you use your computer to a minimum until you un-erase it. If you create a new file now you may over-write the file you are trying to recover.

[Sol]

I do have a program called Data Rescue X which is currently scanning through the 80GB hard drive the file was on prior to being deleted. this process takes a few hours so I will know if it found anything later in the night. I was hoping someone had a keyboard shortcut for undoing Finder actions like that.

[King Cobra]

You will have to purchase software to get that file back, as well as many others, if you want.

The software I see to hold a more positive light above others (although I haven't tried it) is Rewind (http://www.dealtime.com/xPP-Software_Utilities~KW-rewind~CR-3) (review) (http://www.cnet.com/software/0-806180-1204-5045216.html?).

Is your computer able to boot in OS 9? Do you also have between 5 and 10 percent of your Hard Drive left to use? If this test passes, you should have no problem with the software.

EDIT: I see you already have a software utility running.

[alset]

I read this tip in the days of MacSecrets First Edition, so I have no idea if modern Macs have worked around it.... If you delete a file by accident unplug the machine. Don't shut it down, unplug it. The machine may not have committed the file to be overwritten, and with luck you will have it back when you reboot.

This is not the best thing you can do to your machine, but when you have some important data to retrieve.... Well, we all know how that goes.

Best of luck!
Dan