Recover erased files from a samba share

Question

Is there any kind way (and chance) to recover deleted files on a samba share?

We're using Ubuntu Server 10.04 and a user accidentally deleted all his files. He used (I don't think it's useful anyway) Windows 7 to access the share and delete files.

ps I'll try to be clearer: no backup has been done and I'd just need any kind of deleted file recovery working tool on Ubuntu (like easyrecovery pro & co. for windows)

Solution

There is a possibility, and a way, depending on the filesystem used to store the files. Here is how one person was able to recover files from an ext3 filesystem: http://www.xs4all.nl/~carlo17/howto/undelete_ext3.html

Of course, if you have backups, that would be preferable. You DO have backups right? If not...now might be a great time to start, while the motivation is fresh in your mind.

Checkout BackupPC, Bacula, or just plain tar.

Comments

[jftuga]

Did you check the recycle bin on the Windows 7 box?

[Pitto]

Sadly it's empty :(

[Will Dixon]

You can set up recycle bins for Samba shares use the VFS module - this answer gives some good details about doing so.

[Pitto]

I'm just the luckiest guy around... I've found a working backup (thank god).