recoverpy 1.1.1

A command line interface for recovering overwritten or deleted text data.

Recoverpy

Recoverpy is a CUI utility written in Python with the help of py_cui.

You can already find plenty of solutions to recover deleted files but it can be a hassle to recover overwritten files. Recoverpy search through every inodes to find your request.

Demo

Installation

:penguin: The main prerequisite is having a Linux system.

Mandatory: To list and search through your partitions, recoverpy uses grep, dd, and lsblk commands.
Optional: To display real time grep progress, you can install progress tool.

To install all dependencies:

• Debian-like: apt install grep coreutils util-linux progress
• Arch: pacman -S grep coreutils util-linux progress
• Fedora: dnf install grep coreutils util-linux progress

Installation from pip: python3 -m pip install recoverpy

Pip should be already installed if you have Python >=3.4. Otherwise, see pip docs for installation.

To update: python3 -m pip install --upgrade recoverpy

Usage

python3 -m recoverpy

You must have root access to use recoverpy.

If you are not logged as root use sudo recoverpy or log in with su - before execution.

First, select the system partition in which your file was. If you are out of luck, you can alternatively search in your home partition, maybe your IDE, text editor, etc. made a backup at some point.

Then, type a text to search. You can now start the search.

Note that searching a string in a whole partition may take a while. (see euphemism)

Results will appear in the left-hand box. Select a result to display the corresponding partition block content in the right-hand box.

Once you have found your precious, select Save. You can now either save this block individually or explore neighboring blocks for the remaining parts of the file. You could then save it all in one file.

Save path is set in conf.yaml. Default is /tmp/.

Tips

• Always do backups! Yes, maybe too late...
• Unmount your partition before you do anything! Although you can search with your partition still mounted, it is highly recommended to unmount your partition to avoid any alteration to your file.

Regarding the string you search:

• Be concise, find something that could be unique to your file.
• Stay simple, your string is escaped but exotic characters may affect your results.
• Try to remember the last edit you have made to your file.

When you have a match:

• Use the option to explore neighboring blocks to make sure you do not miss some part of your file.