Updated 30 May. 2023

Recover deleted DDS (Windows + Mac)

DDS recovery

Best 5 data recovery software for DDS, DirectDraw Surface

Disk Drill
Free version, Pro version $89
Free recovery: Free recovery - 500 MB for Windows
Download
rateDisk Drill
666762
321Soft
Free Trial, Paid $29.95
Free recovery: Free scan & preview
Download
rate321Soft
116
GetData
Free, Standard $69.95 , Professional $99.95, Technician $349.90
Free recovery: Free scan & preview
Download
rateGetData
109918
Ontrack
Free, Home $79.00, Professional $139, Premium $159, Technician $499
Free recovery: Free recovery - 1GB
Download
rateOntrack
102486
EaseUS
Free, Pro $89.95, Technician from $299.00
Free recovery: Free recovery - 2GB
Download
rateEaseUS
3793460

Summary review

windows icon Our Windows version Windows 10
time icon How long we tested 2 weeks
exam icon Number of tested tools 15

What to consider when choosing DDS recovery software

Price tag

While there are a few genuinely free data recovery programs out there and some with a decent trial version, they’re often either overly complex, ineffective, or have recovery limits. So if you’re willing to invest, you should find a program that fits your price range. Also, consider whether you’d prefer a program with subscriptions or a one-time payment.

File preview

There’s a good chance that when you attempt to recover files from a particular storage medium, there will be a whole lot of recoverable files to sift through on the results page. That’s why it helps if the program is equipped with a preview feature that allows you to get a glimpse of a file before recovering it.

Free version with data recovery

A lot of data recovery solutions out there offer a free trial that only gets you as far as previewing recoverable files. Once you attempt to retrieve them, you’ll get hit with a message asking you to purchase the full version. Check if the software has a free version that allows actual recovery.

Simple steps to recover deleted DDS, DirectDraw Surface on Windows & Mac

Step 1:

Download the app and install it on a Windows or Mac computer

Step 2:

Fire up the app and select the disk where the lost files were located

Step 3:

Hit Recover to scan the selected disk for files that can be restored

Step 4:

Pick the files to be restored and then click Recover a second time to begin the recovery process

How can DDS loss be prevented - 3 tips

1 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.

2 Tip

Do routine maintenance on your computer/laptop. Neglecting your computer or laptop can lead to dust build-up, ventilation issues, and other hardware pitfalls. In turn, this could cause your device to abruptly fail, resulting in data loss. So make sure to always perform regular maintenance on your machine to ensure that it stays in tip-top shape.

3 Tip

Back up files regularly. While backing up files can sometimes be time-consuming and a hassle, it’s a vital part of keeping important files safe from unforeseen data loss. After all, you can never tell when you might accidentally delete a file or encounter device failure. One missed backup session could set you back hours, days, or even months of work.

FAQ

When DDS files are deleted from a computer, they are not permanently erased just yet. So long as they’re not overwritten by new data, these files remain out of sight on the storage media and can be recovered through quality data recovery programs. Backup tools like File History, System Restore, and Timeline can also be used to recover lost data.

Backups are the easiest way to recover DDS files that were saved over. Windows machines also have a built-in feature that allows you to retrieve older versions of X files, as long as you enabled the tool before the overwriting occurred. Mac has a similar feature called Time Machine. Alternatively, you can use Windows System Restore to return your PC to a previous point in time, but you’d need to have created a backup prior.

For DDS 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.