Final answer:
To determine if files existed after data has been wiped, professionals can examine file systems, file slack space, unallocated space, and system logs using data recovery and forensic software. Windows users might check the Recycle Bin or use file carving techniques for recovery chances.
Step-by-step explanation:
When data has been wiped from a computer, determining if files previously existed can involve several methods depending on how the data was erased. Professionals might look at areas such as the file system, file slack space, or unallocated space on a storage device. Using specialized data recovery and forensic software, it is possible to detect traces of files that were not fully overwritten or to find remnants of file information in the system's metadata. Moreover, examining file system logs and operating system event logs can provide insights into past activities, including file deletion or drive formatting events.
For instance, in a Windows environment, one might examine the Recycle Bin or use software that can recognize and analyze file signatures, known as file carving, even after the file system’s reference to the original file is gone. In case the file system has been formatted or if simple deletion was performed, chances for recovery are higher since often only the pointers to the data are removed, but the actual data remains until it is overwritten by new data.