Free Recovery Software?

I was cleaning out my external drive, and I accidentally deleted a few image files that are important to me. I know not to save anything new on that drive, and I downloaded data rescue 2 and blew my "free" download on a file that was not the one I needed.
Is there any kind of app that will let me recover these files without emptying my wallet? These pics were important, but are not worth the $99 cost of data rescue II
Thanks,
Jon
Powerbook G4 1.25 Ghz Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Hi, Jon.
I know of no free recovery software. Data Rescue happens to be the best available short of professional data recovery services, as covered in my "Data Recovery" FAQ.
If you haven't emptied the Trash, the files are still in the Trash and can be moved from such to your desktop. If you've emptied the Trash, then you need data recovery software.
You can look for other solutions by searching MacUpdate or Version Tracker. Frankly, you should spend the money as Data Rescues is a good utility to have.
You should also consider implementing a comprehensive Backup and Recovery solution. If you had a backup, you'd be in better shape. For advice on the backup and recovery solution I employ, see my "Backup and Recovery" FAQ.
Computing without a comprehensive Backup and Recovery solution is like driving without auto insurance. If you don't have a Backup and Recovery solution that you're using regularly, you're essentially accepting the risk that at some point all of your data may be lost.
Good luck!
Dr. Smoke
Author: Troubleshooting Mac® OS X
Note: The information provided in the link(s) above is freely available. However, because I own The X Lab™, a commercial Web site to which some of these links point, the Apple Discussions Terms of Use require I include the following disclosure statement with this post:
I may receive some form of compensation, financial or otherwise, from my recommendation or link.

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If my answer helped solve your problem, please consider awarding some points. Why Reward Points?
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This question was solved.
View Solution.

Hi there
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Unless you take out the HDD and try it in another system by putting the HDD in an USB to SATA enclosure & thereby connecting the USB port to the other system & try your luck.
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http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?cc=us&lc=en&docname=c01867418
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Regards,
++Please click KUDOS / White thumb to say thanks
++Please click ACCEPT AS SOLUTION to help others, find this solution faster
**I'm a Volunteer, I do not work for HP**

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