How to Recover Deleted INDB Files

If you are experiencing INDB file deletion, continue to read this article and get 6 effective methods to recover deleted INDB files. Prevention measures are also included.

Ivy

By Ivy / Updated on April 3, 2024

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Did you accidentally delete important INDB files, or or forget to save them,and find yourself in a pINDBc? That’s ok, it’s a common situation, and fortunately, there are several useful methods to recover deleted INDB files. And we'll walk you through the entire process step by step. Let's dive in!

What Is an INDB File?

An INDBfile contains a book created by Adobe InDesign, a professional page layout and publishing application. It stores multiple .INDD documents, which comprise the pages and chapters of the book. INDBfiles also include page numbers, indexes, and other formatting information.

INDB File

Since INDB files are the proprietary format of Adobe InDesign, you can only use it to open files with .INDB extension. To open it, go to File and select Open. Then, select your .INDB file and click Open. You can also double-click the files to open them if it’s associated with Adobe InDesign.

Is INDB File Recovery Possible?

Just like other files, INDB files are subject to data loss, but not deleted permanently unless they are very large. You can find them in the Recycle Bin. If the deleted file is not in Recycle Bin, your INDB files may be deleted permanently. The success rate may vary, depending on if your data is overwritten. Here are some do’s and don’ts:

  • Don't add new data to the location containing deleted INDB files.
  • Don’t format your storage device unless necessary. If yes, be sure you use the quick format method.
  • Identify corrupted files. It may cause further issues.
  • Act promptly to prevent any potential data overwriting.
  • Try the recovery method with the highest success rate first.

As for unsaved INDB files, Adobe InDesign offers users an automatic recovery feature to store them temporarily. So there is a chance to recover them.

5 Recovery Methods to Recover Deleted INDB Files

Losing INDB files can be an unpleasant experience. Fortunately, there are 5 effective methods to recover deleted INDB files step by step.

Method 1: Check the Recycle Bin

The Recycle Bin acts as a temporary storage for deleted files. If you're lucky, your deleted INDB files might still be there, waiting to be restored. By default, it will be kept for 30 days.

Step 1. Double-click the Recycle Bin icon to open it.

Step 2. Locate the deleted INDBfile, right-click, and choose the Restore option.

click-restore

Method 2: Check the Adobe InDesign Recovery Folder

If you just forget to save the INDB file, there is a chance to find it in the Adobe InDesign recovery folder. The path is:

C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Local\Adobe\InDesign\Version[#].0\en_US\Caches\InDesign Recovery.

You can also try to open the Adobe InDesign and it will start the data recovery process automatically. If it locates any unsaved file there, it will open within this software. Just check the content and save it to a safe location.

Method 3: Try Data Recovery Software

Utilizing specialized data recovery software like MyRecover can be a lifesaver.It will scan your storage device thoroughly and search all the deleted or lost INDB files for recovery, even if they are not in the Recycle Bin.

MyRecover
Powerful Data Recovery Software for Windows
  • Retrieve files in any scenario, such as accidental deletion, formatting, virus infection, etc.
  • Filter and recover deleted INDB files quickly without losing quality. You can also preview them before processing.
  • Compatible with different devices, including internal or external disk, USB drive, memory card, etc.
  • Support Windows 7, 8, 10, Windows 11, etc and Windows Server.

In addition, the software does not require technical expertise and is friendly to novices, making the recovery process seamless.

Step 1. Launch Windows data recovery software - MyRecover. Hover the mouse over the drive saved deleted files before, and click Scan.

select-a-partition-to-scan

Step 2. It will run Quick Scan and Deep Scan automatically to find all the deleted INDB files. To locate them quickly, use the Filter feature or go to the original location in the left panel.

scan-lost-data

Step 3. Select your desired files and then click Recover x files to recover deleted INDB files. You will then be asked to select a location. Please select a new location instead of the original location to prevent potential data overwriting.

recover-lost-data

⚠️Notes:
  • The restore button will display the number of selected files and their full size. You can use it to determine the integrity of the recovered files.

  • You can perform INDB file recovery for free, up to 500MB. Once exceeded, please upgrade to the advanced editions.

  • In addition, you still can use this software to recover different file types, such as recover deleted X3F, 3FR, WMV, DBF, ASPX, LAB, etc.

Way 4: Restore INDB Files from Backup

Regularly backing up your files can save you from any data loss scenario. If you happen to have one, try to restore deletedINDB files from there. Here take File History as an example to show you the detailed steps.

Step 1. Type file history in the search box and select Restore your files with file history.

screenshot/en/data-recovery-disk/windows/restore-your-files-with-file-history.

Step 2. In the Control Panel, check if File History is on and select Restore personal files.

screenshot/en/data-recovery-disk/windows/restore-personal-files.

Step 3. Browse the most recent backup for deleted TPL files. Then, select it and click Restore to get your INDB files back.

screenshot/en/data-recovery-disk/windows/restore-deleted-file.

Way 5: Recover INDB Files using Adobe Creative Cloud

Adobe Creative Cloud can also work as a backup software for INDB files. If you have installed it on your system, your files will be backed up to the cloud automatically. You can access your files using a browser or the desktop app.

Step 1. Open the Adobe CC app, or navigate to the Adobe CC assets page on a web browser.

Step 2. Log in with your Adobe account.

Step 3. Locate the deleted INDB file, select it, and click the Restore button.

AdobeCC Restore

Way 6: Seek Assistance with Data Recovery Services

In cases of severe data loss or your device has physical damage, it's best to consult with professional data recovery services, such as CBL, Ontrack, Geek Squad, etc. They usually employ experienced specialists and own advanced equipment to handle different data recovery scenarios.

Considering the price is usually high, before contacting them, be sure your deleted INDB files are very important. It mainly depends on the elapsed time, damage severity, and recovery difficulty. In addition, the price may vary in different services.

How to Prevent INDB Files Loss

Speaking of prevention measures, the first thing is to back up your INDB files immediately after INDB data recovery. It eliminates data loss in the first place. Also, if you create any new INDB files, please backup them regularly.

In addition, there are some other methods to help you prevent INDB data loss:

1️⃣Keep multiple backups: Backup images are also subject to data loss due to accidental deletion, formatting, virus infection, etc. So it’s suggested to keep at least three backups and save them on two different locations, such as, an external disk, cloud drive, network drive, NAS, etc.

2️⃣ Employ good antivirus software: Investing in antivirus software helps to scan your disk and remove viruses or malware in the first place. So your files will not be infected and deleted.

3️⃣ Inest a high-quality storage device: A poor-quality storage device is subject to hardware issues whereas a good-quality device does not. It’s suggested to get a device from a well-known brands.

4️⃣ Save your INDB files frequently: Periodic saving of your INDB files prevents data loss due to unexpected crashes. Don’t force your Adobe InDesign to shut down in a disaster.

Conclusion

Losing valuable data due to accidental deletion or unsaved can be distressing, but with the methods outlined in this guide, you’ll likely be able to recover deleted INDBfiles. Remember to act quickly, follow the steps carefully, and consider using professional data recovery software or services if needed.

In addition, it’s necessary to take some precautions to prevent data loss in the first place, such as regular backups, multiple backup copies, high-quality storage devices, etc. Among them, the most effective method is to back up your INDB files regularly.

MyRecover

Powerful Data Recovery Software in Any Scenario

FAQs

1. Can I recover files deleted a long time ago?

Yes, with certain data recovery software, you can retrieve files deleted a while back. But the success rate may not be high. The deleted files are likely to be overwritten during this period.

2. Is it possible to recover files after emptying the Recycle Bin?

Your files are still on the disk even after emptying the Recycle Bin. In this case, you can rely on specialized recovery tools.

3. What's the difference between data recovery and restoring from a backup?

Data recovery focuses on retrieving deleted files while restoring from a backup is to get deleted files back from saved copies. Without a copy, this method cannot be implemented.

Ivy
Ivy · Editor
Ivy is an editor of AOMEI Technology, she covers backup & restore,hard disk & partitions management and cloud files transfer and so on for AOMEI. She is an outgoing girl and enjoys helping people find solutions to their problems. She loves traveling, eating, reading and so on. She usually hangs out with friends at her leisure time.