How to recover deleted files in AIX on IBM Power

How to undelete files in AIX on IBM Power

When a file is deleted on AIX, its contents is not destroyed. AIX only marks the filesystem space as free, so your data is still there. With the undelete solution from Compunix, you can recover easily this deleted data.

The solution (which has verified by IBM) works in all disaster situations were files have been deleted, such as:

a user typing 'rm -r *'
your system was compromised and some files were deleted
a software bug that erased files
crfs was executed on an existing JFS2 filesystem rendering all files inaccessible

To recover your data, follow these three steps:

Step 1 : Maximize your recovery chances.
In order to improve your recovery chances, it is important to take no actions that could worsen the situation. Filesystem on which deletion occurred should not be modified or updated.
Step 2 : validate which files can be recovered
- Download the free tool, a small program that lists all recoverable files.
- The tool analyses in a non-intrusive way what can be recovered : no root privileges required, only read-access to the logical volume.
- The analyse utility will check every bit and byte on the filesystem and using multiple algorithms to recreate the original files.
- After completion of analysis, at the command prompt you can check quickly what data can be recovered. Examples of analysing for recoverable files:
  - How to recover deleted files on a JFS2 filesystem.
  - How to recover files from a JFS2 filesystem destroyed by crfs command.
Step 3 : perform the undelete and recover your files
When you see files and data that you want to recover, purchase and download the full licensed version, and start immediately with the restoration of your data.

For more information, check our Frequently Asked Questions or contact Compunix

If the free tool shows recoverable data, the licensed tool will be able to recover your data.

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How to undelete files in AIX on IBM Power