If you delete files directly using shift+delete and then these files must be recovered, you can use 'undelete' or 'data recovery' sofware, such as: 'Advanced File Recovery'...

I have Avast at home and AntiVir Classic at work, both are good

there is a free program called 7zip, it's good too

Yes, I agree, using windows for recording is a waste of time! There are a number of sufficient software on the market, and freeware as well. I use MP3 Recorder Studio...