How to Retrieve Files in USB Using CMD

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Many users use cmd to recover usb files. File transfer, backup, and data sharing are common using USB flash drives, sometimes known as pen drivers. Flash drive files might be lost due to viruses, file system corruption, software faults, or user errors.

What Is Command Prompt (CMD)?

Windows uses Command Prompt as its default command interpreter. Most users use a graphical user interface, however CMD offers powerful capabilities for flash drive recovery and other commands. This document covers CMD file repair methods.

4 Methods to Retrieve Files in USB Using CMD

Method 1: Recycle the tank.

This method is the best way to retrieve files in usb using cmd that still appear in the recycle tank. To access the recycling tank using CMD, follow the following steps:

  • Open the Start menu and type “cmd” and then press Enter.
  • In the Command Prompt window, enter “start shell:RecycleBinFolder” and press Enter.
  • Select the file you want to recover from the recycle box. Right click on the selected file and click Restore. Another way you can drag it back to the desired flash drive or location.

It is important to note that this method only works with files that are in the recycling cistern. If the files are not there, this method will not be able to recover them.

Method 2: ATTRIB command.

The ATTRIB command is useful for recovering file access after a malware infection. Malware can change the properties of files in the flash drive, making them look like they are missing. However, the files remain, but are hidden from view. You can use CMD and the Attrib command to fix this problem:

  • Open the Start menu and type “cmd” and then press Enter.
  • Enter the specified character on your USB flash drive followed by a column (e.g. “E:” or “D:”) and press Enter.
  • Enter the command “attrib -h -r -s /s /d” in the Command Prompt window (replace “DRIVE_LETTER” with the specified letter on your flash drive) and press Enter.
  • Open the file detector and navigate to your flash drive. The missing files should be visible and accessible again.

The ATTRIB command deletes the properties of the hidden and read-only system file so that you can access the file again.

Method 3: CHKDSK command.

The CHKDSK command is useful to retrieve files in usb using cmd. When the data of the Flash drive is corrupted, access to the file may be difficult. To use CHKdSK for file repairs, follow these steps:

  • Open the Start menu and type “cmd” and then press Enter.
  • Enter the command “chkdsk DRIVE_LETTER: /r” (replace “DRIVE_ LETTER” with the character specified on your flash drive) and press Enter.
  • Soon, CHKDSK will scan and repair.

CHKDSK scans the flash drive’s file system and metadata for errors and tries to fix them. If it detects any missing files, it saves them as CHK files on the Flash drive. You can use utilities such as UnCHK, FileCHK or CHK-Mate to recover these CHK file.

Method 4: Windows File Recovery

For permanently deleted file recovery, Microsoft provides a CMD program called Windows File Recovery, which can be downloaded for free from the Microsoft Store. Here’s how to use it:

  • Install Windows File Recovery from Microsoft Store
  • Open the Start menu and type “cmd” and then press Enter.
  • Enter the command “winfr DRIVE_LETTER: C: /x” (replace “DRIVE_ LETTER” with the character specified on your flash drive) and press Enter.
  • Soon, Windows File Recovery will finish scanning your flash drive.
  • Open the file survey and go to the destination folder to access the recovered files.

A Smoother Alternative to Retrieve Files in USB Using CMD: WinfrGUI

It is important to note that Windows File Recovery is still in its early stages and may have limitations in terms of supported file formats and recovery results. For more comprehensive data recovery solutions, consider using modern programs such as WinfrGUI.

WinfrGUI is an easy-to-recover USB file graphical interface. It supports various file formats and works with any flash drive file system. By downloading and installing WinfrGUI, you can easily scan and retrieve files in usb using cmd. Here are step by step instructions:

  • Download and install WinfrGUI from official source
Download WinfrGUI Free
  • Start an application from the desktop icon or the Start menu.
  • Select your USB flash drive in the interface and start the scanning process.
  • Call through the recovered file and select the file you want to recover.
  • Click the Recover button and select the destination directory outside the flash drive to prevent duplication.
  • The recovery process is over.
  • Access recovered data via Explorer file

WinfrGUI is a smooth and easy-to-use alternative to CMD for USB file recovery. It makes the process easier and eliminates the need to use complicated commands. It allows you to find your data easily.

Also Read: [SOLVED] How to Restore Windows 10 With Recovery Flash Drive