Updated 21 May. 2023

Recover deleted TAR (Windows + Mac)

TAR recovery

Best 5 data recovery software for TAR, Consolidated Unix File Archive

Disk Drill
Free version, Pro version $89
Free recovery: Free recovery - 500 MB for Windows
Download
rateDisk Drill
666762
SysTools
Demo version, Full Version $39
Free recovery: Free file recovery evaluation
Download
rateSysTools
107321
EaseUS
Free, Pro $89.95, Technician from $299.00
Free recovery: Free recovery - 500 MB, or up to 2 GB if you click the share button
Download
rateEaseUS
3793460
Mac Data Recovery Guru
$89.73
Free recovery: Free scan
Download
rateMac Data Recovery Guru
1499
iBeesoft
Personal License $55.95, Family License $89.95, Company License $$299.95
Free recovery: Free scan & preview
Download
rateiBeesoft
43515

Summary review

windows icon Our Windows version Windows 11
time icon How long we tested 3 weeks
exam icon Number of tested tools 16

What to consider when choosing TAR recovery software

Ease of use

Not everybody is tech-savvy and knows their way around a command prompt or advanced menus. Choose a data recovery program that has a user interface and flow that fits your technical expertise. That way, you’ll be able to recover your files with minimal hassle. Some apps are even designed to accommodate both novice and expert users.

Storage media compatibility

There’s no telling when data loss can strike and you may end up having to recover files from any kind of storage medium, such as SD cards, SSDs, hard drives, RAID setups, and more. It’s important that your chosen data recovery software is fully compatible with the ones you use.

Wide file type support

Whether it’s pictures, documents, audio, or file types, it’s a good idea to select a recovery program that supports the retrieval of a wide range of file extensions. Once you’re done recovering your files this time around, you may need to use the program again in the future for a different file type.

Simple steps to recover deleted TAR, Consolidated Unix File Archive on Windows & Mac

Step 1:

Download and install the program to the Mac or Windows platform

Step 2:

Start the recovery software and choose the disk you want to scan for lost data

Step 3:

Select the Recover button in order to start scanning the disk for recoverable files

Step 4:

Select the files to be recovered and click Recover again to restore them

3 simple things you can do to prevent TAR loss

1 Tip

Create an image at the first sign of storage failure. If you notice that your storage device is starting to fail, you should immediately create a backup image of the medium so that you can attempt data recovery later. That way, you can preserve whatever information is currently on the drive before it incurs further data loss.

2 Tip

Password protect your machine. If you live in a household with multiple people, then it’s a good idea to put a strong password on your computer or laptop. You never know when a child or another unauthorized person might try to make their way into your machine and fiddle with your files. Better safe than sorry.

3 Tip

Invest in a surge protector. A major power surge can do heavy damage to your computer. A strong enough one could fry the components in your computer, taking all of your important files along with it. So if you live in an area with unpredictable electric currents, spending some money on a surge protector can be a lifesaver.

FAQ

Deleted TAR files that cannot be found in the Windows Recycle Bin or Mac Trash can still be recovered using an effective data recovery program. Just make sure you stop using the drive they were in right away to avoid overwriting the deleted file. Alternatively, if you had File History enabled or created a System Restore point beforehand, you can use those methods.

The best way to recover TAR files from a memory card is to leverage a top-notch data recovery program, as it’s the most flexible and accessible retrieval method around. It’s worth noting, however, that this is ineffective if you used a “full” format on the card or it has become heavily damaged/compromised. For that, you’ll need to seek out a data recovery service.

For TAR files that were accidentally deleted using the Delete key or right-click > Delete command, they should be available for restoration from the Windows Recycle Bin tool. Other forms of data loss may be recovered using the File History feature, provided it was enabled beforehand. Otherwise, you’ll need a quality data recovery program.