Use dedicated fields at the top of columns to find specific deleted objects by name or type—essential for large directories.
You don't need to be logged on as a domain admin to run it, making it safer to use. How to Use ADRestore.NET
If you are a system administrator tasked with managing Active Directory, keeping a copy of in your toolset can drastically reduce downtime during an accidental deletion incident.
The tool was developed by , a Microsoft MVP, and was released around 2008-2009. It is often referenced in technical blogs like 4sysops and Petri IT Knowledgebase as a free utility for legacy AD environments. Modern Alternatives
: You can quickly scan through deleted accounts to find the exact one you need. adrestorenet the gui version of adrestore
To understand the value of ADRestoreNET, it helps to understand how Active Directory handles deletion. When an object is deleted in AD, it isn't immediately erased from the database. Instead, it is stripped of most attributes and moved to the Hidden Deleted Objects container. This is known as a object.
Whether you need to recover a single executive user account or an entire organizational unit that was accidentally purged, the GUI permits quick selection and instant execution. Step-by-Step: How to Use ADRestoreNET to Recover Objects
in Active Directory, allowing administrators to recover deleted objects without complex command-line syntax. Core Features
Accidentally deleting a user account, computer object, or organizational unit (OU) in Active Directory (AD) is a mistake that can send a chill down any system administrator's spine. When the "Delete" button is clicked, the immediate thought is of the hours of work required to recreate accounts and reassign permissions. For many years, the go-to solution for this problem has been , a lightweight command-line utility from Microsoft Sysinternals. However, for those less comfortable with the command line, or for anyone who prefers a visual interface, there is ADRestore.NET —a free, user-friendly GUI version of the same powerful tool. Use dedicated fields at the top of columns
: Can be run with specific administrative credentials without needing to be logged into the desktop as a Domain Admin. Origins and Availability
ADRestore.NET relies on the Active Directory "tombstone" mechanism. When an object is deleted, it is not immediately removed from the AD database. Instead, it is marked with a tombstone marker and moved to the "Deleted Objects" container, allowing administrators a window of opportunity to restore it. Key Features of ADRestore.NET
ADRestore.NET is no longer actively developed and is not hosted on official Microsoft websites. However, as a legacy freeware tool, it can still be found on several reputable software repositories and tech community sites.
It’s every IT administrator's nightmare: You accidentally delete an Active Directory (AD) user, group, or organizational unit (OU). You need it back—fast—and without restoring from a full backup, which causes downtime. While Microsoft offers the command-line utility The tool was developed by , a Microsoft
To get the most out of AdrestoreNet, follow these best practices:
To restore, select the object and choose the "Restore" option. The tool will then reanimate the object, removing its isDeleted marker and placing it back in its original location within the AD hierarchy.
ADRestore.NET provides several advantages over the traditional CLI-based AdRestore: