Search and Recover for Windows

By iolo
Paid
User Rating

Used Search and Recover for Windows?

Editors’ Review

Download.com staffMay 22, 2020

Like a rescue team for your hard drive, Search and Recover restores files accidentally deleted or lost due to reformatting or disk corruption (using the new StrongScan search).

Finding files is Search and Recover's strongest point. You can filter files by name, type, size, or restoration probability, and save searches for later use or perform another search from the results of the previous one. Search and Recover offers the useful ability to search deleted files by text, and it displays found items as raw data, text, HTML, or image files.

Although it can also restore deleted files from CD and DVD and external devices such as digital cameras or Zip drives, its interface doesn't make it convenient to pick several files for recovery. Besides recovering the files you want and using disk imaging to prevent file loss, Search and Recover lets you permanently erase unnecessary or embarrassing files and folders.

The trial version lets you recover only three files, but that's more generous than most similar programs. Considering its price and its bevy of features, Search and Recover is worth a look.

What’s new in version 5.4.12

Version 5.4.12 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.

Search and Recover for Windows

By iolo
Paid
User Rating

Used Search and Recover for Windows?

Explore More

Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: July 25, 2013

Latest update: May 22, 2020

Version: 5.4.12

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Windows

Operating System

Windows 2000
Windows XP
Windows Vista
Windows 10

Additional Requirements: None

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 115,393

Downloads Last Week: 2

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Last Updated

User Reviews

2/5

27 User Votes

The install CD might make a decent Frisbee,
slimbuttermilkJune 4, 2016
Pros
There are none. This product doesn't deliver, doesn't work, and was a total waste of money. If you're looking to waste your hard earned money on something, Iolo's Search and Recover is the way to go.
Cons
Installs malware, even when attempting to run the tool from the CD. Then when I remove the malware, and try to run the tool again, it crashes my computer, and dumps my files.
Summary
This product is a real let down. Only hoodwinks poor unsuspecting consumers, and was a total waste of time and money. It's amazing how the companies can stay in business by selling garbage. I wouldn't recommend this product to my worst enemy (fearing that they would try to get back at me.) Thanks Iolo
Waste of money
Ray989872January 10, 2015
Pros
I experienced none
Cons
I accidentally deleted a folder in my external WD mybook, other recovery software was able to see the folder I deleted but not this garbage software. Should have been very straight forward easy recovery because nothing was damaged just a simple undo delete.
Summary
Not the best product for the job.
Geoff SjostromNovember 12, 2013
Pros
Relatively easy to use, not that expensive.
Cons
Not as effective as File Scavenger, which costs the same.
Summary
I recently had a severe computer crash, and in trying to recover data I ham-handedly managed to damage the disk that had an excellent backup of all my information. I tried three disk recovery programs in succession: VirtualLab Client, Iolo Search and Recover, and File Scavenger. All have similar marketing schemes: They will scan your damaged disk and identify recoverable files for free, but to actually recover those files, you have to purchase a license. That seems fair enough to me. The Iolo and File Scavenger products cost about $50 each, and VirtualLab cost about $100. VirtualLab recovered a handful of files, randomly named and including many duplicates and damaged files. Iolo recovered a smaller handful of files, in similar condition. File Scavenger recovered about 80% of my files, completely intact, correctly named. Another 10-15% were recovered with random names, but were otherwise undamaged and completely useful. I wish I'd found File Scavenger before I wasted my money on those other programs. It wasn't quick: It took over 24 hours to scan my 2Tb disk, and about ten of those hours were spent as the progress indicator moved from 72% to 75%. So if you try it, don't assume that it's crashed just because things appear to be going slowly. And since File Scavenger doesn't alter the disk that it's scanning (which could cause more damage) you will need a separate disk to receive the files that it recovers. Needless to say, I highly recommend the program. If you've had a disk disaster or are anticipating one, go to quetek.com and get File Scavenger. It will be the best fifty bucks you ever spent.
Worked well to recover deleted movie from phone sd card
briankangarooMarch 8, 2011
Pros
Fast and easy recovery. Free trial to recover 3 files.
Cons
Interface is lacking. Button colors look grayed out. Didn't realize they were active till referencing the help section. No preview of video files.
Summary
I just downloaded the first 4 results from cnet in file recovery. Only one of them actually found the file I desired. This one did found them and very quickly with a nice filter feature (which could stand an easier button oriented interface). The thing I'd really want is a pay as you go option. I have some family videos I may or may not want to recover. If I could pay a buck a piece to recover the 5 files I desire, I'd do it. 25 or 30 bucks for software I don't really need and will likely never use again... not so much.
Decent program
cneticaJuly 19, 2010
Pros
IGenerally, I liked the UI, it was pretty self explanatory, user-friendly, and helpful.
Cons
The UI seemed a bit dated. Firefox 3.6.6 froze during download of the installer file. See more information in my summary.
Summary
This product claims to be able to find emails. I attempted to have it find them for Windows Mail, to no avail. Apparently, it will only find emails from the four mail programs: Outlook,Outlook Express,Thunderbird and Eudora, if I remember correctly. The features seem to be somewhat standard for a program like this. I used the product with ease, as I believe even a first-time recovery tool user would also. As for Firefox freezing, I attempted to end the program, but I eventually had to perform a hard reboot to clear the problem. This is not to say that there is something wrong with the file. Upon reboot, I scanned with MBAM and two others, no malicious code detected, including the registry. I use Vista SP2, max RAM on an 845GV P4 mobo with a fresh OS install. I found the uninstall utility to be pretty standard. It claims to need a reboot to complete, but I was able to bypass that using Revo Uninstaller. I liked the program, for the little time I used it. My main goal is to recover my Windows Mail emails. My next stop is Recuva.
Warning! This program is not worth the problems
freedoms48June 12, 2010
Pros
none. I can't think of a single thing that would make somebody want the headaches this program will cause
Cons
I downloaded and installed this program AND IT COMPLETELY DESTROYED my Outlook .pst - and without warning. I lost all of my emails, and I've been forced to spend hours trying to correct the problem. THIS PROGRAM WAS A NIGHTMARE
Summary
Couldn't even "see" my floppy drive
mjbeardenDecember 24, 2009
Pros
Program looked professional and offered good features.
Cons
Program made my floppy drive (on Dell Optiplex) spin but could not recognize either the logical drive or the floppy device. Had to uninstall and keep searching other utilities.
Summary
Would not work on my Dell Optiplex desktop (couldn't see the flopy drive).
Waste of money, do not use for lost itunes music files.
paul_hattonNovember 10, 2009
Pros
It found some files, but none I wanted
Cons
It failed to find the itunes files I lost from my hard drive (no, I hadn't backed them up and hundreds of pounds of music have vanished!).
Summary
What is the point of paying for something that claimed to recover lost music files and then failed to find the lost itunes files, even though most of them must be there somewhere!. A waste of money for what I needed.It found loads of pictures and other stuff I don't need, but even then it failed to save these to my external drive due to some kind of error that crashed the programme. Rubbish, a total rip off.
Does not work.
42Bob42August 6, 2009
Pros
Price: $20.
Cons
Did not work on camera card.
Summary
Tried version 5.0.6 on a 1 GB SD camera card. WIN 2000 explorer found 6 photos, but this program didn't find any. More expensive programs found all 25 photos.
Super Great!
spctorresMarch 5, 2009
Pros
allows you to recover data from reformatting or hard drive failure, or accidentally deleted files.
Cons
Slow as malasses. when recovering a file you can't minimize the program in order to access the desktop. didn't recover file names.
Summary
My external hard drive failed due to a power outage. i removed my external hard drive(my book WD) from it's case placed it in a hard drive enclosure and still wasn't able to access the hard drive. i did a quick format on the drive installed this program. Used it's strongscan feature and it found every single file i thought was lost.

Developer’s Description

Recover deleted or destroyed files, folders, videos, programs, web pages, and e-mail messages.

Safely recover data from just about any device with Search and Recover. Reclaim documents, folders, music, photos, videos, system files, and more. Even lost or accidentally deleted emails can be recovered from these popular clients: Microsoft Outlook, Outlook Express, Netscape, Eudora, and Thunderbird. Rescue data from hard drives, floppy disks, CD/DVDs, cameras, music players, flash drives, and other popular media and devices. It can also recover data after PC disasters, even years after files were lost.