Recover MPG Files: A Complete Guide to Get Your Videos Back

Understanding MPG Files

MPG (or MPEG) files are a common format for digital videos. They’re widely used because they compress video data efficiently while maintaining decent quality. If you’ve ever watched an older video file or downloaded a clip from the internet, chances are it was an MPG file.

MPG files often store home videos, downloaded movies, or professional footage. Businesses sometimes use them for training materials, while individuals might keep wedding videos, old family clips, or archived content in this format. Basically, if it’s video content from a few years back, MPG is a good bet.

Why MPG Files Get Lost or Deleted

Let’s break down why MPG files get lost.

Accidental Deletion

We’ve all been there—cleaning up files, trying to make space, and oops… you deleted the wrong folder. MPG files can disappear during routine decluttering.

Formatting or Corruption Issues

If a storage device is formatted or becomes corrupted, MPG files might vanish. Flash drives, memory cards, and external hard drives are especially prone to these issues.

Virus or Malware Attacks

Viruses can infect your drives and either hide or delete your MPG files. Malware can also corrupt files, making them inaccessible.

Initial Checks Before Recovering MPG Files

Before you dive into advanced recovery methods, do a quick check. Sometimes the simplest solutions work.

1. Check the Recycle Bin or Trash

If you deleted the file recently on Windows or macOS, check the Recycle Bin or Trash. Right-click the file and choose Restore to get it back.

2. Verify External Storage Devices

If your MPG files were stored on an external drive or memory card, plug it into another computer. Sometimes it’s just a connection issue, not data loss.

[4 Methods] How to Recover MPG Files

Now let’s dive into the meat of the guide—actual recovery methods. These range from simple to advanced, depending on your situation.

Method 1: Restore from Recycle Bin/Trash

1. Open the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac).

2. Look for your MPG files.

3. Right-click and choose Restore or Put Back.

This method only works if you haven’t permanently deleted or emptied the bin.

Method 2: Use File Recovery Software (Introduce MyRecover)

When files are permanently deleted, recovery software is your best bet. One reliable option is MyRecover, which specializes in recovering lost files—including MPG files—from internal drives, external storage, and memory cards.

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Step-by-Step: Recover MPG Files with MyRecover

1. Download and Install MyRecover – Go to the official MyRecover website and install the tool on your PC.

2. Select the Drive – Launch MyRecover and choose the drive where your MPG files were stored.

3. Scan for Lost Files – Hit the Scan button. MyRecover will quickly scan for deleted MPG files.

4. Preview and Recover – Once the scan finishes, preview the files found. Select your MPG files and click Recover.

5. Save to a Different Location – Always save recovered files to a different drive to avoid overwriting.

Method 3: Restore from File History

If you regularly back up your files, you can restore MPG files from backups. Windows users can use File History.

1. Open Control Panel → System and Security → File History.

2. Click Restore personal files on the left panel.

3. Browse through available backups to locate your MPG files.

4. Select the files and click Restore to get them back.

Method 4: Use Windows File Recovery Tool

Microsoft provides a free command-line utility called Windows File Recovery Tool. This tool can recover lost files from hard drives, SSDs, and external storage.

1. Download Windows File Recovery from the Microsoft Store.

2. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

3. Run the command: winfr C: D: /regular /n *.mpg. Replace C: with your original drive and D: with your destination drive.

4. Press Enter and wait for the process to complete.

If none of the above methods work, or the data is extremely valuable, consider using a professional recovery service. They have advanced tools to retrieve data even from severely damaged drives.

Tips to Improve Recovery Success Rate

Stop Using the Affected Drive Immediately

Once you realize files are missing, stop writing new data to the drive. Every new file increases the chance of overwriting your lost MPG files.

Save Recovered Files to a Different Location

Always restore recovered files to a separate drive. This prevents overwriting and increases your chances of a successful recovery.

How to Prevent MPG File Loss in the Future

Regular Backups

The simplest yet most effective way to prevent file loss is to back up regularly. Use external hard drives or cloud storage for redundancy.

Use Antivirus Protection

A strong antivirus program helps prevent malware attacks that can corrupt or delete MPG files.

Handle Storage Devices Safely

Avoid sudden unplugging or improper ejection of drives. This can cause corruption and data loss.

Conclusion

Losing MPG files is frustrating, but it’s not the end of the world. By following the methods above—whether restoring from the Recycle Bin, using MyRecover, or relying on backups—you can usually get your files back. The key is to act fast and avoid overwriting the lost data. And don’t forget to make regular backups to protect your valuable videos in the future.