Forum Discussion
SharePoint files deleted and unrecoverable
- Oct 17, 2023
Because it's almost impossible to delete a file in SharePoint.
So to delete a file you need to do a hard delete using powershell. If you delete files regularly you can always restore them from the recycle bin and then first and second stage bin.
So your data is saved for atleast 93 days after deletetion.
Another option is to make the support restore your tenant to a previous point but then your data that you've created after that point will be deleted. Imaging restore from a on a laptopFor example for data that needs to be saved 10 years, there is retention labels that makes it not possible to delete data, so if you tag it with that label, the settings for that label will apply for the item
AFigah While there's no absolute assurance that Microsoft can recover the lost data, there are some avenues you can explore in an attempt to retrieve your files.
As a starting point, it's advisable to check the recycle bin in both SharePoint and OneDrive for Business, as deleted items are retained there for 30 days before permanent deletion. Additionally, it's worth investigating the version history of your files, especially if any modifications were made. You may find a previous version that can be restored.
I recommend reaching out to Microsoft support to inquire if they can assist you in recovering your data. Their expertise may provide insights or solutions that could potentially resolve the issue. In the unfortunate event that data recovery remains elusive through Microsoft's support channels, you might consider employing a third-party data recovery service.
However, it's essential to keep in mind that there's no guarantee of success in this endeavor. For future data loss prevention, it's prudent to implement regular data backups (I use Nakivo) and enhance security practices, such as using a password manager, exercising caution with emails and links to mitigate the risk of phishing attacks, and enabling two-factor authentication on your accounts. These measures can help safeguard your data and minimize the impact of unforeseen incidents.