Help center
DriveRecall Support
Help, common questions, and troubleshooting for DriveRecall — Offline Drive Search for Windows
Current version: 1.0.0
DriveRecall helps you keep searchable catalogs of external drives so you can identify which cataloged drive contains a filename even while that drive is disconnected.
Quick Help
Can’t find a file in DriveRecall?
Make sure:
- the drive was cataloged before it was disconnected;
- you are searching for part of the filename, not text inside the file;
- the catalog has been updated if files were added, renamed, or removed since the last catalog;
- you are looking at the correct cataloged drive.
Need to open a result?
Reconnect the external drive that contains the file. Open File and Open Folder are available when DriveRecall recognizes the corresponding connected drive.
Drive changed since it was last cataloged?
Reconnect the drive and use Update Catalog.
About Offline Search
DriveRecall’s offline search searches the previously saved catalog on your PC.
It does not read or open files from a physically disconnected drive.
Reconnect the drive when you need to access the actual file.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does DriveRecall do?
DriveRecall creates a searchable catalog of filenames and locations from an external drive. You can later search that saved catalog even when the drive is disconnected to identify which cataloged drive contains the filename you need.
2. Can DriveRecall search an unplugged drive?
DriveRecall can search the saved catalog of an unplugged drive. It cannot access or open the actual files until the drive is reconnected.
3. Does DriveRecall copy my files?
No. DriveRecall catalogs file information such as filenames and saved locations rather than copying the contents of your files into the catalog.
4. Does DriveRecall search inside documents?
No. DriveRecall searches filenames, not the text or contents inside documents, PDFs, photos, or other files.
5. What kinds of drives can I catalog?
DriveRecall is designed for external HDDs, external SSDs, and USB drives used with a Windows 11 x64 PC.
Compatibility can vary by device and storage configuration.
6. What happens if I add, rename, or delete files on a drive?
Reconnect the drive and choose Update Catalog so DriveRecall can refresh its saved information.
Until you update it, the saved catalog may still reflect the earlier state of the drive.
7. Can DriveRecall open a file while its drive is disconnected?
No. DriveRecall can show the saved filename, drive, and folder information while the drive is offline, but the actual file is available only when its storage device is connected.
8. Why doesn’t Open File or Open Folder work for a result?
Those actions require the corresponding drive to be connected and recognized by DriveRecall.
Reconnect the cataloged drive and allow DriveRecall to recognize it.
9. Do I need an account or subscription?
No. DriveRecall does not require a DriveRecall account or subscription.
10. Where are my DriveRecall catalogs stored?
DriveRecall stores its catalogs locally on your Windows PC.
11. What happens if I remove a catalog in DriveRecall?
Removing a DriveRecall catalog removes DriveRecall’s saved catalog entry. It does not delete the files stored on the external drive.
12. How do I get a refund?
Purchases made through Microsoft Store are subject to Microsoft’s applicable refund and eligibility policies. For refund eligibility or a refund request, use Microsoft’s Store/account support process.
Troubleshooting
A drive shows Offline even though I connected it
- Wait a moment for Windows and DriveRecall to recognize the drive.
- Choose Refresh in DriveRecall.
- Confirm the drive appears normally in Windows.
- If DriveRecall reports an identity or drive-change issue, follow the message shown rather than removing and recreating catalogs unnecessarily.
Search doesn’t find a file I know is on the drive
Check that:
- you are searching for part of the filename;
- the drive was cataloged;
- the file existed when the catalog was last created or updated;
- the catalog has been updated since recent file changes.
My search result points to a file that is no longer there
The physical drive may have changed since the catalog was last updated.
Reconnect the drive and choose Update Catalog.
Catalog or update did not complete
If DriveRecall reports that cataloging or updating could not complete, leave the existing catalog in place and try again after confirming the drive is connected and accessible in Windows. If the problem continues, contact MaveWay Utilities support with the error message shown.
DriveRecall won’t start or behaves unexpectedly
Restart DriveRecall and try the action again. If the problem continues, contact support with your DriveRecall version, Windows version, and the exact message shown.
Microsoft Store Purchases
DriveRecall purchases made through Microsoft Store are processed by Microsoft. Refund availability and eligibility are governed by Microsoft’s applicable Store terms and policies. For purchase, billing, or refund questions, please use Microsoft Store support.
Email fallback
Contact Support
If the FAQ above does not resolve the problem, contact support@maveway.com.
When contacting support, please include:
- DriveRecall version;
- Windows version;
- a brief description of what you were doing;
- the error message, if one appeared;
- whether the external drive was connected or disconnected.
Do not send personal files or sensitive documents unless specifically requested.