Platter Chatter - data-recovery

Misc: Live PageRank Add-on updated for Firefox 3.5

Chris Architect — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:16:40 GMT

Do you love the new Firefox browser release 3.5, but one of your favorite add-ons – the live PageRank extension, is disabled after upgrading?

Disaster Recovery: More Planning, Less Downtime

Adam — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:32:15 GMT

Symantec recently released their 4th annual report on disaster recovery and the news is good, mostly. More organizations are planning and awareness is growing.

Financial Markets, Cars and Computers

Adam — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:55:40 GMT

Q) What do financial markets, cars and computers have in common?

A) They crash.

When the markets crash, people suffer real financial losses.

When automobiles crash, people suffer serious injuries.

When computers crash, people lose their data.

CBL Pictures: Secure Digital Memory Card

Adam — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:52:18 GMT

Ever wonder what’s on the inside of the camera card?

E-Waste and Security Threats exposed by Frontline

Chris Architect — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:06:12 GMT

PBS Frontline aired a feature about the Digital Dumping Ground in Ghana where so-called e-waste is being dumped last night. The footage revealing, exposed not only the disastrous environmental and social impact the giant amounts of electronic equipment waste is having on Ghana, but also a further side-effect: the risk of unwiped data being discovered and used for criminal activity from discarded hard drives!

Data Recovery: What Not to Do

Susan — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:18:32 GMT

Data recovery typically occurs in an emotional climate of great distress. Keeping this in mind, it is important to refrain from certain impulses…

Avoid Looking for "Quick" Fixes to Data Loss Problems

Susan — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 11:46:00 GMT

A data loss crisis can erode an organization’s self-confidence. Organizations can mitigate the threat of data loss by taking these three steps

When Dad's Data Needs Recovering

Susan — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:50:10 GMT

Okay. Has the search begun yet for a unique gift for your dad, stepfather, or grandfather for Father’s Day?

Does Daddy store his data on a Windows laptop, PC or server?

Does Father upload photographs of family vacations, birthday parties and other events from his digital camera to his PC ?

Does Papa keep the mortgage schedule on the PC? Are the household finances captured on a spreadsheet residing in a notebook?

If your dad thinks he is tech savvy, but he isn’t and you don’t want to hurt his feelings by telling him that he should have left “things” well-enough alone, the CBL Data Recovery Service Protection Plan is the present that keeps on giving…make that keeps on recovering.

These days, fathers don’t always know what’s best when it comes to computers and especially recovering data.

The CBL DRSPP available from CBL Data Recovery offers unlimited data recovery coverage for as little as $49.99US for one year ($99.99 for three years).

Check that Dad’s computer runs Windows and has a functional hard drive. If by chance the data on the registered hard drive is unrecoverable, you’ll receive a refund. You can check out the details and terms and conditions of the DRSPP here.

You wouldn’t call Dad a mechanic if all he can do is top of the oil or windshield fluid in his vehicle. Neither would you call him a computer guru. But, you will still call Dad on Sunday, June 21st and wish him a Happy Father’s Day. Won’t you?

PS— While you’re at it, why don’t you pickup a DRSPP plan for yourself?

Data Recovery vs Data Restoration

Susan — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:30:49 GMT

Data recovery is frequently confused with data restoration. In data restoration, data is brought back from backup media sources. In data recovery, there is no data backup.

Recovery in the Recession

Susan — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:10:25 GMT

It was noted on itbusiness.ca that “Recent Gartner survey data of 475 IT decision makers in global enterprises with 1,000 or more employees found that more companies are actually postponing or scaling back computing projects rather than canceling them outright.”

“That might be so,” states Kalle Almer, Director of Business Development, at CBL Data Recovery Technologies. “However, despite the postponement or scaling back of projects during the current economic recession, organizations of all sizes still need their data to weather the recessionary storm. And, it’s not a matter of IF data loss disaster will strike; it’s simply a matter of when.”

Policies and practices that lessen the chance of total data failure are a critical element of IT risk management.

Recession or no recession and whether your organization has 5, 100, 1000 or 10000 employees, there are standard preventive steps that any business can and should take to protect themselves from data loss:

Regularly backup systems
Practice restoring from a backup before it is needed
Never upgrade any system without a verified backup
Document all systems
Practice preventive physical maintenance
Maintain systems for optimal daily performance
Pay attention to alarms
Closely monitor security
Prepare for physical disasters

The need for data recovery services continues. Data recovery is immune to the recession, but organizations and their employees are not immune to data loss.

Backup Computers Before School's Out

Susan — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:56:22 GMT

Summer is almost here. School will be out. The kids will be home and looking for things to do. There’s a good chance you will find them sitting in front of a computer(s).

Losing Data and Cross Words

Susan — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 19:13:13 GMT

When we lose data, we get mad.

Cross words can be heard frequently coming from an office or a cubicle.

Bits, Bytes and Blush

Susan — Fri, 15 May 2009 14:43:10 GMT

Can data live to see another day after a laptop crashes to the ground?

Before You Press The Delete Key ...

Adam — Mon, 11 May 2009 09:41:00 GMT

In today’s high tech world we are often pressed for time. Speed, accuracy, efficiency are all at a premium. Taking short cuts are just a fact of daily life. However it only takes that one lapse in judgment, accidental deletion and you’ve got a major headache on your hands.

Old Hard Drives and Data Security

Adam — Fri, 08 May 2009 15:34:42 GMT

Recently researchers managed to get their hands on highly sensitive data off of an eBay auction. Several hard drives were purchased and the researchers were able to recover sensitive data from the hard drives.

CBL Pictures: Head Stack Assembly

Adam — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 17:01:33 GMT

Here’s a picture of a head stack assembly removed from a hard drive. It was taken from a multi-platter drive during a recovery. So how do you remove the head stack from a hard drive? Very carefully.

DIY Essentials: The Hard Drive Enclosure

Adam — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 15:58:25 GMT

Having the right tools can sometimes help you avoid a trip to the computer help desk. No need to visit a specialty store, this tool is available at most electronics stores: the hard drive enclosure.

Signs of a Hard Drive Failure

Adam — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 21:16:02 GMT

Spotting the initial symptoms of a hard drive failure can often mean the difference between saving your data or losing it. Here are a few things to look out for.

Tax Returns, Tax Refunds, & Data Recovery [1]

Susan — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 16:25:14 GMT

Reduce the chance of identity theft. Wipe your drive,

CBL Pictures: Shattered [1]

Adam — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:56:46 GMT

A hard drive with a platter completed shattered is generally not recoverable. Unfortunately this project did not have a chance from the very start.

March Madness - Rebounding Fouled or Blocked Drives

Susan — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 20:42:17 GMT

The best defense against data loss is to regularly back up your PC or laptop. However, you can’t bury your head in the silicon. The unexpected can and will happen. It’s not a matter of if data loss disaster will strike; it’s simply a matter of when. One day you will lose data.

Video: Behind-the-Scenes of a CBL Lab

Adam — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 19:02:56 GMT

CEO of CBL Data Recovery Technologies takes you behind the scenes touring one of our worldwide labs. Video after the jump.

Hate to pay taxes, but love to file income tax returns electronically? [2]

Susan — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 18:13:00 GMT

North Americans hate to pay taxes, but more and more of us love to file our income tax returns electronically.

CBL Data Recovery reminds North Americans who will file their returns electronically to backup their computers.

CBL Adventures: Part 3

Adam — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 17:10:35 GMT

Sometimes lives literally depend on successful data recoveries. Take for example a 25 drive RAID array that crashes on New Year’s Eve and you have a disaster on your hands.

CBL Adventures: Part 2

Adam — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 12:03:06 GMT

Mud and water was not enough to prevent CBL from recovering engineering schematics for a town in Venezuela. After the jump, watch video of CEO Bill Margeson telling the story of this data recovery adventure.

CBL Adventures: Part 1

Adam — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:29:11 GMT

President, co-founder, and CEO Bill Margeson describes an encounter with Russian hackers and a CBL data recovery project.

Secrets? What secrets?

Adam — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 21:09:15 GMT

Whether it’s personal or corporate data, confidentiality is always a concern for all users. We understand your anxieties because many of us have gone through the exact same experience ourselves

The Perils of Tape Recoveries

Adam — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 21:41:11 GMT

Many companies continue to use tape backups to store corporate data. While storing data on tapes might be easy and convenient, restoring data from tapes is a completely different matter. A tape recovery can be a long and difficult process.

Keep a Lid on IT

Susan — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 19:51:55 GMT

...resist the temptation to tamper with or hand over the drive to anyone but a professional data recovery specialist…

Saving Bits Can Earn You Bucks

Susan — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:49:01 GMT

If you now find yourself back on the job market, here is an opportunity to earn money while you continue your search for a new job —The “CBL Data Recovery Advantage Partner Program”

IT Resellers: Lost Data Is Found Revenue

Susan — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 12:15:00 GMT

So what does a reseller of IT goods and services do to generate a profit in these challenging economic times?

While it currently may be a challenge to sell a new IT solution to replace a company’s existing infrastructure, there are ongoing opportunities which emerge from customers who keep their older systems: it’s not a matter IF data loss will happen; it’s simply a matter of WHEN.

Can you afford to be without your data?

Susan — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 17:17:47 GMT

Hard drives don’t discriminate. Whether the economy is in a recession or a boom, no one is immune to data loss. It’s never a matter of IF data loss will happen; it’s simply a matter of WHEN.

SITEX 2008 in the bag

Adam — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:44:02 GMT

Hopefully (if you were in Singapore) you made your way to SITEX 2008 and the CBL booth. This year had more of everything, including visitors.

Holiday Travelers Beware: Tips for travelers who put critical information at risk during the holidays

Susan — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:11:02 GMT

Will you be heading home with your notebook for the holidays later this month? Will you be staying home and continue to commute and compute with your laptop daily? Regardless, be vigilant and protect your data.

Tides of Change: Economics and the IT industry

Adam — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:00:09 GMT

Recently CBL’s Business Development Manager, Kalle Almer, attended a panel format event discussing the current state of the economy and the effects on the Canadian IT industry. Some interesting topics were focused on and with uncertain directions, panelists pondered how things will unfold in the current conditions.

SITEX 2008: Day 1

Adam — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 17:03:36 GMT

If you’re in Singapore and haven’t made your way over to this year’s SITEX expo, here’s a few notable tips about the excursion we learned on Day 1.

His Day Without Data Was A Dark, Dark Day

Susan — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:19:54 GMT

Data loss occurs more often than you would think. In fact, even individuals who pride themselves in their backup regimen can incur data loss. That external hard drive that they use for backups can be susceptible to data loss.

Such was the case for one CBL customer…

Humpty Couldn't, But Your Data Can Survive A Crash

Susan — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:14:22 GMT

If Humpty Dumpty had been working on his laptop while he was sitting on the wall when he had his great fall, we know that all the King’s horses and all the King’s men couldn’t put Humpty together again. But what about data on his laptop? Could the data on Humpty’s laptop have survived the crash? Well that’s another story.

The experts at CBL Data Recovery can put Humpty’s data together again. And, they can recover your data, too.

So if your laptop or pc suffers a crash, don’t dump IT. Send your hard drive to CBL for recovery.

Visit CBL Data Recovery, prize sponsor of SITEX 2008 -Your Digital Playground, to be held November 27-30, 2008.

Spend $100 at at the Singapore infoComm Technology Expo and receive a $200 voucher redeemable when you want CBL to put your data together again.

Which Recovery Software Is Right For You? [2]

Adam — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 21:20:10 GMT

With so many data recovery software programs out there, how does one go about choosing the right product? Here’s a quick post to help you choose the right CBL Data Recovery software for you.

Holiday Gift Idea for the Tech Savvy Person on Your List

Susan — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:05:00 GMT

Looking for a unique gift for the geek or nerd in your family?

At a loss as to what to buy a tech savvy friend this holiday season? You know the guy or gal who owns a couple of computers and is always being called upon to take a look at someone’s computer because it is acting up or making strange noises?

For less than $50, consider a one-year Data Recovery Service Protection Plan from CBL.

If you’re thinking of buying a laptop before or after Christmas, perhaps a three-year CBL DRSPP for under $100 is a wise purchase.

Check it out here.

After all, it’s not a matter of IF data loss will strike; it’s simply a matter of WHEN.

The Day His Infallible RAID Array Failed [1]

Susan — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 11:30:00 GMT

Have you ever asked yourself, “What would I do if I lost everything that I’ve stored on my computer for the last 15 years?” Well, one CBL Data Recovery customer did.

Frightening Tales Of Data Recovery

Adam — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 17:14:03 GMT

Tales of data that gets drowned, burned alive and electrocuted! No matter what has happened, CBL can often recover data from the most frightening of situations.

Save Data. Dispel Data Recovery Myths. [1]

Susan — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 10:35:05 GMT

Data recovery is not simple or straightforward. Data loss can occur for numerous reasons. Just as numerous are misconceptions about the data recovery process.

CBL at SITEX 2008 Singapore

Chris Architect — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:30:05 GMT

SITEX, Singapore’s longest running infoComm Technology Expo, is coming up in November and CBL will be there!

Aftermath of Hurricane Ike - Data on Storm-Damaged Computers May Be Recoverable

Susan — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 20:00:16 GMT

As residents of the Greater Houston Area begin the cleanup after Hurricane Ike’s devastation, consumers and business owners alike who discover storm- and water-damaged computers in their homes and offices should follow this advice.

If you have family or friends in the Houston area, let them know they can reduce the risk of losing the data, files, emails and photographs residing on their computer’s water-damaged hard drive by following these tips.

While the Greater Houston Area remains in recovery mode, hard drives can be sent to CBL for recovery at:

CBL Data Recovery Technologies Inc.
2250 Satellite Boulevard, Suite 155
Duluth, Georgia 30097

CBL extends to victims of Hurricane Ike a 20% discount off its professional data recovery services. That’s in addition to CBL’s free evaluation of water-damaged hard drives.

Visit www.cbltech.com or call 1-800-551-3917.

CBL’s Houston laboratory is scheduled to reopen on Monday, September 22.
The facility is located at 14340 Torrey Chase Boulevard, Suite 390, Houston, TX 30097.

Does Your Computer Vendor's "Service Recovery" Include Your Data?

Susan — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 14:09:21 GMT

Have you ever had the occasion to call a vendor to express your dissatisfaction with its product or service that you purchased? What reaction did you get from the staff? Did they pay you lip service and simply ignore your complaints? Did the vendor live up to its promise?

Since you are reading this article, chances are you or your employer leases or owns the computer. Have you ever experienced problems with the computer which prevented access to your files?

When you informed the vendor that you could not access your files, what did they recommend you should do? Did they simply advise you they could replace the system as it was still under warranty? Did the sales rep or customer service rep ask you about your data?

If improving customer satisfaction and retaining you as a customer is one of their goals, then the recovery and return of your data should be part of their “Service Recovery” efforts.

“Service Recovery“ is not a familiar term to many consumers, but vendors whose customer service staff deal daily with customer problems and complaints are becoming more familiar with the term.

Prompt replacement of your hardware may resolve one problem, but it will not resolve your inability to “access your data” on the hard drive of the system in question. If your vendor—be it the hardware manufacturer, reseller, big box retailer, or service organization—does not ask you about your data, it’s time to shop around for a new vendor before your system (and your data) is returned to the supplier, never to be seen or heard from again.

Customer loyalty is not a given. Your vendor must earn it.

Call CBL Data Recovery or deal with a CBL Data Recovery Advantage Partner in your neighborhood whose “service recovery” efforts do include data recovery.

Protect Your Digital Assets If Hanna, Hurricane Ike or Josephine Are Headed Your Way

Susan — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 20:59:50 GMT

As residents along the Atlantic coast stay alert and keep careful watch on weather reports and the progress of Tropical Storms Hanna, Hurricane Ike and Josephine, CBL Data Recovery reminds individuals to protect their digital assets.

Wipe Your Hard Drive, Not Your Brow

Susan — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:58:25 GMT

It’s been reported by numerous news sources that UK Bank customers’ details sold for £35 on eBay.

While investigations into the matter continue, MailSource UK – an arm of Graphic Data is not the first organization—public, private or governmental—which has captured such headlines.

Last year, a Toronto Star employee purchased a laptop for only $6.48 (equivalent of £3-£4) which contained sensitive information on a political party in Canada.

It’s true that there are ‘Secrets that don’t die when you sell your old computer’ as Singapore journalist Jeremy Au Yong highlighted in a feature story.

Whether a computer is for business or personal use, if you’re going to sell it or donate it, wipe the hard drive clean. Remember, simply deleting files does not erase them from the HDD. They still live on the drive’s platter waiting for someone to e-stumble upon them.

CBL Data Shredder is one software tool that you can download for free and then wipe your drive clean. If not, you might find yourself wiping your brow instead.

A Day Without Data is Like a Day Without Sunshine [1]

Susan — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:02:07 GMT

Floridians would agree that Fay’s departure is long overdue. Her visit to the Sunshine State has been accompanied by horrific gale-force winds and record rainfall. In fact, Bloomberg News reported in an article that Fay has dumped almost 30 inches (76 centimeters) of rain in some areas, according to the National Hurricane Center.

So as residents of East Central Florida nervously await Fay’s departure, flood damage will no doubt occur.

So, what can people in the Sunshine State, as well neighbouring states where Fay threatens to visit next, do to prevent the loss of data on their computers as a result of her showing off?

Well, if you’re one of the unfortunate individuals who may be forced to evacuate your home but still have time as well as power, backup your computer files to a CD, DVD, or an external hard drive and take it with you. It would also be a wise move to remove the hard drive from your PC if you are comfortable with venturing inside your computer’s external case.

However, if you were forced to flee rising flood waters which have since receded and did not have the opportunity to backup your data on your now water-damaged computer, please take note:

• DO NOT assume that the files on your computer are lost;
• DO NOT attempt to use or power on flood-damaged devices;
• DO NOT open water-damaged media;
• DO NOT expose water-damaged media to heat for the purpose of drying it;
• DO NOT attempt to clean the media;
• DO NOT place water-logged media inside your freezer; and lastly;
• DO NOT agitate the hardware in an attempt to rid it of water.

Files on flood-damaged laptops, PCs, and servers can be recovered. Even priceless photographs on your digital camera are recoverable if the media has not experienced physical damage.

Rob Dwyer, Manager of CBL Data Recovery’s Atlanta laboratory recommends that flood victims, whether they be an individual with a PC or laptop at home OR a business owner with a server,

• Remove the damaged hard drive from the computer or memory card from their camera.
• Place media in an air-tight plastic bag to prevent it from drying.
• Pack media in a box twice its size using foam, bubble wrap or anti-shock material to prevent movement.
• Send one drive per box, and
• Ship to CBL’s Atlanta lab overnight located at:

CBL Data Recovery Technologies Inc.
2250 Satellite Boulevard, Suite 155
Duluth, Georgia 30097

After all, in the world we now live, play and learn, a day without data is like a day without sunshine.

Data Loss Disasters Strike at Any Time. Do You Have an Emergency Data Recovery Plan?

Susan — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:40:33 GMT

In the early hours of August 10, 2008, a horrific propane explosion occurred at a Sunrise Propane facility in the Toronto neighborhood of Downsview. Thousands of people evacuated the area. The majority of residents have since returned to their homes and the clean up and rebuilding of lives continues.