Recovering a lost or deleted PDF file manually can be attempted using various methods, but it's important to note that the success of these methods depends on several factors, such as the specific circumstances of the file loss, the file system, and the level of damage to the storage media. Here is a general manual method to recover a PDF file, along with its drawbacks:

1. Check the Recycle Bin/Trash: If you have recently deleted the PDF file, the first step is to check the Recycle Bin on Windows or the Trash on macOS. If the file is found there, you can easily restore it. However, if the file has been permanently deleted or the Recycle Bin/Trash has been emptied, this method won't be effective.

2. Use File History or Previous Versions: If you have enabled File History on Windows or Time Machine on macOS, you can try to recover a previous version of the PDF file. Right-click on the folder where the file was located, choose "Restore previous versions" or "Enter Time Machine," and search for the desired file version. However, this method requires having set up and regularly used the respective backup feature.

3. Check Temporary Files/Folders: Some applications or operating systems create temporary files or folders where copies of files are stored. Check the temporary file locations specific to your operating system and application to see if a copy of the PDF file is present. However, this method is not guaranteed to work, as temporary files may have been deleted or overwritten.

4. Search for File Copies: If you have previously made copies of the PDF file or stored it in multiple locations, conduct a thorough search on your computer or external storage devices to locate these copies. Use the search functionality provided by your operating system or a file recovery software.

Drawbacks of Manual Recovery Methods:

1. Limited Success: Manual methods may not always be successful in recovering the PDF file, especially if it has been permanently deleted, overwritten, or the storage media is physically damaged.

2. Time-consuming: The manual recovery process can be time-consuming, requiring you to search through various locations, folders, and backups. It may also involve examining multiple versions or copies of the file.

3. Lack of Guarantees: Manual recovery methods do not offer guarantees of successful file recovery. The effectiveness of these methods depends on various factors, and there is a risk of further data loss or damage during the process.

4. Technical Expertise: Some recovery methods may require technical knowledge or familiarity with specific software tools. If you are not experienced in data recovery techniques, it is advisable to seek assistance from a professional or use dedicated file recovery software.

Professional Methods to Recover PDF file 

To recover PDF file without any limitations you need to use the tool like Data Recovery Freeware PDF recovery tool . This tool helps to recover the PDF file whether it is corrupted or not this PDF recovery tool helps to recover the PDF file in bulk without any limitations. It also maintains the data hierarchy throughout the recovery process. However, this tool save the PDF file into TXT and HTML. You can also try the demo version of this tool.