Data Recovery Software

Data Loss, Scary

2010-10-22T09:40:00.002-04:00

Losing your data can be a very scary experience and it can happen to anyone. The initial panic, the worry, the feeling of emptiness. Whether data is deleted by accident, or by something spilled on the keyboard it is not a pleasant experience. Common computer viruses and other forms of malware have evolved to the point that they can be very destructive. The important thing to remember that most of the time your data can be saved no matter what the cause was. There are the lucky few who are able to recover their data by themselves but that is not frequent. This is why data recovery specialists are a growing profession.

The importance of secure data is a growing concern. Businesses and home users alike store significant amounts of data on hard drives and other storage mediums. Documents, photos, music, financial data all converted into ones and zeroes and put into that 3.5" metal shell. Amazing how it can store so much. Just as easily as the data can be accumulated on a hard drive it can just as easily be lost in a few seconds.

Most experts who perform this service work on laptops, desktop computers, and even large scale servers. Data recovery offer their services around the world. While most computer repair technicians perform general repairs a data recovery specialist only performs data extraction. The service itself is very specialized and can be expensive. However difficult it may be to put a price on your data costs do not depend on the amount or type of data. So think twice before pressing that delete key.

Avoiding the problems

2010-10-08T08:48:00.002-04:00

In the event of a hard drive problem a computer generally crashes. This means a trip to the local computer repair shop. Sure the computer is probably old but most people are more worried about the important data stored on the computer. Everyday are effected by access to user information from email, photos, and music. Understanding the next step to take can help you manage to keep your data safe in future.

It is a good idea to store backups on removable media and avoid the data recovery scenario altogether. However computers are usually devices we take for granted in addition to the security of our vital data. So how do you recover the data that gets deleted accidentally? Assuming your hard drive is problem free then try a free download recovery program. A scan will typically take a few hours and should give you a list of the files that are recoverable. It is generally recommended that you scan the drive using another computer.

It is important to remember that data can be lost in the event of a hard drive crash. If you make a conscious effort to avoid backing up your data you should get used to this idea. Larger storage capacities, mechanical failures, and other electronic defects make data recovery a difficult task. To give your hard drive its best chance of survival you should consult an experienced recovery company with years of service and a certified clean room.

If you can survive the day without your computer you should expect the problem to be resolved within a week. The immediate impact on day to day activities should be minimal. It can be a hassle but if you remember to make a point to backup your data you can avoid these situations altogether. Good luck!

Effective tools for recovery

2010-09-13T12:52:00.004-04:00

When it comes to hardware data recovery the most effective tool is diagnosis. The minimum amount of time should be 2 hours of analysis. Hardware problems are not a quick fix. The drive size or capacity rarely comes into play. Identifying the areas which need attention is. Is it a BIOS problem? Seagate firmware? Physical head crash? Without knowing you cannot take the proper steps.

Bad sectors just need the right software and a spare computer to scan the problem drive. A physical recovery requires the proper tools and environment. This is why clean rooms are vital to this type of service. Unless it is a straight circuit board swap hard drive repairs are not possible. Donor parts will be used and rendered useless during the process. Mechanical problems are challenging and you need steady hands if you are attempting a platter swap.

Platter alignment is key. One accidental turn and you are done because data is stored vertically and an alignment off by fractions of an inch render your data unreadable. Getting the drive to operate at a stable stasis gets you to the next step of actually reading data from the drive. Maintaining the optimal cylinder conditions is an integral part of a multiple platter drive.

Consult a professional before attempting.

Plan for your recovery

2010-09-10T13:09:00.002-04:00

When a data loss occurs it has different effects on users. Depending on the day to day factors the loss can be devastating. The overall replacement cost can be huge for programmers. Recreating unique code can be impossible. Deadlines come into play and have to be pushed back. The financial loss can force companies in bankruptcy. Simply getting the operating system back up and running is the starting point.

A solid disaster plan should involve a recovery plan that can be easily implemented by your support staff. Being able to identify mission critical data is the key to ensuring business continuity. Periodic revisiting and updating of your plan should become a regular discussion.

The cost savings alone will benefit your organization going forward. Avoiding even one data recovery incident is well worth the trouble. Data redundancy policies, processes, and storage options.

Some space will be wasted. Time and money limit your future acquisitions. Not all data is useless. Consider cloud storage and other latest technology trends. Continuous backup, automatic sync, and storage to protect vital data and corporate information. Regular testing functional and effective latitude synergize your company.

Data recovery, take your pick

2010-08-31T16:28:00.003-04:00

Go ahead. Do a Google search for "data recovery" and see just how many companies turn up. Relying on a search algorithm to determine who you decide to choose as a service provider can be very dangerous. Do a bit of research on your own before sending your drive to a company. Call them. Talk to them. Ask questions. Don't make a decision purely on price because you will get burned. When it comes data recovery quality of service ranks ahead of price when it comes down to your data.

It doesn't mean that you pick the most expensive company either but more often that not the $299 recovery company is a bait-and-switch type of operation. They rely on you to send in and pay their revised price rather than shopping around. Clean room recoveries never end up costing $299. Any hardware engineer willing to perform a head change for $299 is not a true data recovery technician.

Be sure to have all costs identified before giving over your credit card. You don't want a surprise when you get your recovery bill at the end of the process. Is shipping included? How about the external hard drive? Taxes? Get a total in writing and hold them to it.

Software recovery to the rescue

2010-08-24T13:44:00.002-04:00

The main function of recovery software is to retrieve your data. If your drive has been formatted your data is still safe. Partition problems? Repair it with a drive management tool or use recovery software. Virus? No problem. If you've lost pictures running a full raw recovery scan can be a life saver, but don't expect raw data to retain file names or dates or other properties. Depending on what email program you use not all deleted emails can be recovered, regardless of what a software company promises. Microsoft Word files and Excel spreadsheets can all come back intact.

Whether you've accidentally deleted, formatted, dropped your computer your data can be recovered most of the time. If it's stored on a hard drives (internal or external), usb flash drives, camera card (secure digital, compact flash, xd, etc), all media generally supported. File systems using FAT32 or NTFS are not a problem. Linux, Unix can be big problems.

Software recoveries are usually quick and easy and can be run right from your own computer. Make sure you try before you buy. Free trial can be a good thing when it comes to data recovery software.

Right software for the right problem

2010-06-02T08:58:00.004-04:00

Plenty of recovery software claim to be free. Many on the market rely on the bait and switch tactic to get you to download and then buy it. You will read the same thing in the description. Recover data corrupt file systems or crashed hard drives and accidental deletions. These problems can be avoided by correcting user error. Simply being more careful gets you out of having to perform complicated data recovery on your hard drive. Professional recovery software can help you salvage your important data when mistakes occur.

Picking the right program can be tricky because of the number of tools available. Working with the most powerful utilities can resolve even the most difficult problems when in the right hands. Make sure you check out all of the features before putting down your credit card.

Logical or software problems create havoc with your operating system. Recovery software aims to root around the problems and pull out your bits of data safely. A virus or malware, an unexpected power off, and bad sectors causing boot files to become corrupted. When you cannot restore data check the BIOS settings to ensure hardware components are set correctly. Error messages can yield important clues as to why there are problems.

Software can fix it

2010-06-02T08:50:00.003-04:00

Once you've done it you immediately know you made a big mistake. Formatting your hard drive or deleting a partition puts your operating system in a world of hurt. Thankfully there is an easy solution. Recovery software can get you back up a running quickly. Either running a full scan with some free downloadable recovery software or even some partition repair utilities can solve your problem.

There are plenty of titles to choose from and many of them work on multiple platforms and media formats. Memory cards for cameras, USB drives, flash memory, laptops and desktops.

Accessing portions of the hard drive are no longer a mystery with data recovery software. The disk utility technology is so advanced even the most novice of users can use it. Never lose a file using the right software.

Server systems and experts

2010-05-28T15:59:00.003-04:00

For even the most optimized servers fail and crash. Significant data loss can occur for the most secure enterprise. Some of the cases one is able to access data storage via NAS server hard drives for any other reason. Recovery services are suitable and important for vital service repair when data suddenly becomes inaccessible or damaged. Corrupted file systems can be devastating when it occurs with an SQL database. Various data experts concur that recovery of sensitive corporate information involves a variety of methods. Laptops, work stations, external hard drives, NAS, blade servers, RAID storage systems, flash memory cards, or even cell phones.

Power surge or built up static discharge can cause electronic problems. Errors caused by user deletion, formatting, or mishandling. Functional systems during daily routines cannot be avoided under normal circumstances. For private confidential data preserving and storing backups carefully can be a technological reliance. The importance of keeping regular backups should not be overlooked. Desk utilities that is capable of performing disk operations can sometimes fix corruption issues. In this kind of scenario expert help may be required. An experienced data recovery technician can aid you when it comes to recovering essential.

Checklist to consider

2010-05-19T16:56:00.002-04:00

Let's admit it. There are tons of data recovery experts who are really scammers. Hundreds of people get duped every day by simply doing a web search and going with someone they believe to be trust worthy. Here's a simple checklist you need to do before picking an online data recovery service provider.

Hard drive authorized. Are they certified by Western Digital, Seagate, Hitachi, Toshiba, SanDisk, Samsung, Hewlett Packard, Dell? Will they void your warranty by opening the device? Do they have the trained technicians on site that will perform the necessary work?

Government authorized. Do they meet the data security standard outlined by your government? Can they protect your data and secure corporate data? Who works on your recovery and how many people may or may not have access to your data?

Clean room facility. Do they have a proper cleanroom that meets ISO 9001 standards? This is important especially when your hard drive has a physical failure.

Finally experience. Are they established? How long have they been in business. Are they a multinational company? Do they have specialists?

This quick checklist should help you narrow your choice down by quality, rather than just the price.

Formatted but not gone

2010-05-14T10:14:00.002-04:00

If you've ever had stuff stolen you know how upsetting it can be. It always seems worse when you're on vacation and it happens. Makes you never want to visit again. If you're lucky enough to recover your stolen goods it's often damaged with your personal data removed. Which kinda makes the point moot. Gadgets can be replaced but intellectual data cannot. Like that novel you were writing? Perhaps even photos from your vacation?

Thankfully these visitors from Winnipeg were helped out by Toronto police. They were in town because of an ill relative and their laptop with sentimental photos was stolen. One problem. When the laptop was recovered it had been formatted. They took it to a local computer place and voila. Data recovery to the rescue. See?! Toronto is not made up completely of Bay Street fat cats, Toronto Maple Leaf fans, and crooks.

Being a tourist makes you a big target for criminals in the first place but remember that formatted does not mean your data is lost. Personal safety first, personal data second, and gadgets and other items can be replaced. Be safe.

Backups save companies

2010-05-12T13:21:00.002-04:00

Computers aren't smart. They are dumb. Technology is only as good as the user who implements data usage it contains. Then one day the computer doesn't boot up. The data stored on it is now rendered useless. Data corruption, thanks to viruses, also renders those ones and zeroes useless. Recovery tools can help in some situations but it would just make sense to keep a backup. Not a single copy on an external copy that you call a "backup". This means multiple copies, one on the internal hard drive and another on the external. Heck burn DVDs if you have to.

A corrupted SQL database can cripple the most IT savvy of companies. Downtime is what kills small companies. Unable to respond to customers over a few days is enough to for them to reevaluate going with a small company. Having a contingency plan can help you bridge the gap and keep some essential services available. Who knew a backup could save the company?

Heat is the enemy when it comes to your server. When you have hard drives spinning at 15k RPM every day that you are open, it takes a toll on the physical components. This is why you pay for enterprise model hard drives compared to the consumer versions. Level wearing can help extend the life of hard drives.

Interesting ways for tech to fail

2010-05-07T11:41:00.002-04:00

There are a number of ways technology can fail at the most inopportune times. Home computers are notorious for this very factor. Even if you are lucky enough to avoid an electronic failure you are still at risk to operating system corruption. You can thank viruses and malware for that. Email is at most risk because often they appear harmless and can be downloaded easily. Subject lines perk interest and the user opens the email attachment hoping to win a prize.

Prevention is the best way to limit data loss. Performing regular backups and storing multiple copies of data in different locations can assist greatly. It's kinda like an insurance for your technology. Let's hope you don't have to use it.

Retrieving data back into a usable condition can be tricky after a system restore. Data recovery software can help but most of the free versions cause more problems that they are worth. Before you install, yet another potential virus, consult a professional. Free advice never hurt and can help you make a decision. Use the Internet and perform a search for data recovery companies in your area and if possible go pay them a visit.

Failures of hard drives

2010-05-04T09:34:00.003-04:00

A reason for design and probable cause can mean the failure of physical recovery disk. BIOS file system does not compute. Hard drive not present or detected, unmountable boot volume or disk. The failure to restore at physical level may cause many problems with the wife unit. Cataclysmic failure during warcraft mean the expansion has been delayed and your gold farming has failed. Physical failure and electronic failure are two components of most commonly expressed and indication of further investigation.

If you cannot recover your data seek out a ninja jedi from the nerfherding planet or gorgath. He will lead you down the path of destruction and rebirth in the form of a phoenix. Motor failure, bad motorhead, broken head stack, electronic pcb, firmware chips all physical problems than cannot be denied. Proper heat dissipation can help with overheating hard drives. Also giving it some ice cream can keep it cool and tastes great. Especially during summertime. In some cases a warning before performing a memory dump and blue screen of death is preventable. Early warning systems fail and data recovery is needed.

Programmers know the difference

2010-05-04T08:53:00.003-04:00

Programmers know the difference between good and bad software. The importance of sorting out the useless data and vital information can get lost in the mess. Applications attempt to simplify things by adding an nice user interface to put the ones and zeroes in order. Critical data gets removed frequently and often accidentally.

Thankfully data recovery software exists for this very purpose. Programming engineers develop specific software to recover data in these situations. The number of tools at the ready have grown exponentially so there is no reason why data should be lost. Some titles work for certain file systems only while others work specifically for certain file types. A good program will work under all situations.

Users also need to be aware of the operating system they deploy. Linux, Unix, Windows 7, Windows NT, Windows XP, OS X, and older Apple OS. A lot of today's software do not for Apple computers. Not by design typically Apple users are out of luck. Plus the closed system prevents a lot of developers from working in their environment.

Sometimes there is no magic solution. The recovery software market is a growing pool of downloadable files some of them free to try. Beware of false guarantees. Nothing is perfect. Opting for the right data recovery software utility can be a life saver when your server dies.

How good is the local guy?

2010-04-29T09:50:00.002-04:00

Data recovery is becoming a more common service at local computer shops. Having the proper tools and materials aren't useful without the training and experience. Straightforward software recoveries are the easiest hence the $199 recovery prices you might see around. Certainly a nice little profit given that the software is only a one time cost of $50. Unlimited uses, a few hours of scanning and you've made yourself an easy profit.

Mechanical or electrical failures are another story. Performing a pcb swap is easy. Knowing when to do it and in which situations will work is another. If you can do a chip change that is advanced for the local computer guy. Model matching is very important, even finding a parts drive manufactured within the same series improves your chances at success.

If you get to the point where you are removing the cover you should be working in a clean room environment. Check the filter. If it's clean you have a chance. If it's black that means it's filled with debris from the platter and it's already doa. Remember to leave your fingerprints at the door. Touching the platter is strictly prohibited, unless you don't value your data.

Virus, Malware, Trojans, oh my

2010-04-29T09:38:00.002-04:00

Your computer is at risk every day. Viruses begin as tiny annoying problems and lead to much more headaches if they are ignored. Damaging applications, corrupting file systems, and messing your most important data. Like a traditional virus it multiplies and spreads, even to other devices that come into contact with the system.

Finding a free anti virus is easy. Keeping it updated is the problem it seems. With so many free options available still many home users fail to adequately protect their computers.

Key logging software is the more malicious variety of program. These types are intent on stealing your data and using for financial gain. Bank accounts, usernames, passwords all used to compromise your online purchasing ability. Identity fraud is the fastest growing cybercrime today.

Virus, malware, trojans, oh my.

Deleted or formatted?

2010-04-27T13:42:00.004-04:00

Oops. Definitely not the words you want to hear when you're working on your computer. Deleted a file and empty the recycle bin? Format that old "useless" hard drive, virus or malware problems? BSOD? Data recovery software might offer the right solution for you.

Deleted files are not gone and can be saved. Standard recovery software will scan normally inaccessible locations on your hard drive and pull back the data you thought was "recycled". Formatted hard drives are in the same boat. So long as you haven't performed a system restore or a reinstall your data should still be there.

Beware of the software that asks for money up front. The name brand software offer free trial versions. It is highly recommended that you try the software first before you purchase the full version. Good luck.

Wet iPhone almost done

2010-04-15T13:49:00.003-04:00

Recently I came across a cell phone that had been dropped in a puddle. It's done right? Not always. Sometimes this trick will work. Go to the grocery store, buy a small bag of rice. Put the phone into the bag and leave it overnight. The rice should draw all of the moisture out of the phone and if all goes well your phone will turn on again. It might not work 100% but at least you should be able to pull off your contacts and some data before it fails again. Good luck.

File won't open

2010-03-31T09:05:00.003-04:00

It happens when you can't open the files that are most important. It took you hours and hours of painstaking work and not it's gone. Using the desktop search function, sorting through folders, checking temporary cache but it's gone. Frustration mounts. Did it have anything to do with that warning message you got last week? You know, the one about your system being unstable or was it the last blue screen you got? And now here you sit staring at a blank screen, your most important data inaccessible. You need data recovery.

In most cases your data is not lost. Located somewhere on the hard drive in the series of zeroes and ones, it's there. You just can't get to it, or rather, you don't have the tools to get to it. When I say 'tools' I don't mean screwdrivers or tweezers, I mean professional data recovery software. Probably the industry's worst kept secret, it's one that you'll thank me for later.

Many companies run into this problem where users 'accidentally' delete data trying to free up space. Very rarely is major data loss a regular occurrence at the enterprise level. There's normally enough redundancy and backup procedures that there's a copy of the data somewhere. Even if that fails there are data recovery tools available to get that essential data back. In some situations when data is overwritten it might be lost.

Reputable recovery software is often available for free trial. It's a great way to see how well it works. It's always nice to try something before you buy it. Weighing the pros and cons of various software is always a good idea. Doing a bit of analysis will go a long way.

Firmware problems?

2010-03-23T13:02:00.002-04:00

Firmware is basically a mini translation program that assists the hardware of the computer to interpret the information of the hard drive. As you can see if this portion of the drive fails, you have a problem on your hands. Seagate hard drive recently had a rash of problems at their manufacturing facility where the infamous firmware problem crept up and affected thousands of drives. So what brand of hard drive you have in your computer?

Whether the firmware is corrupt or fails to work the data stored on the hard drive normally remains safe. The trick of repairing the firmware will determine if that data will be accessible again. It takes some extensive knowledge about hard drives to successfully decode, repair, and implement the necessary commands and no amateur can do it.

Often it can be misdiagnosed as an electronic failure or even worse. Scam artists take advantage of ignorant home users and charge them for hardware recoveries. The extent of the abilities of the 'local computer guy' come down to a straight pcb swap, using the same brand of hard drive (not even the same model), and hearing no spinning, and calling it a motor problem and charging you $2000 to send off to a real data recovery professional. The alternative scenario is connecting your hard drive up to a computer, that has suffered a minor head crash, and then running software on it for 24 hours, turning a minor head crash into a full blown head crash with media damage which is usually unrecoverable.

The moral of the story is call a data recovery professional. Most reputable places have 1-800 numbers with representatives available around the clock. Simply getting the right information when you need it will make all the difference in the world. Don't get conned by the firmware problem.

Corruption vs data shift

2010-03-23T12:52:00.003-04:00

Lost files can be salvaged, sometimes. Data does not normally just disappear. It requires human intervention. While users often can get 'click happy' when it comes to deleting data requires a bit more work. So what does it mean to you? It means you can freak out but your data can be saved.

Troubleshooting is not for the faint of heart. There is no magic button. Finding the right person to solve your data loss problem is the first step. Getting a 'friend' who 'knows stuff about computers' is probably not the guy you want. Talking to the professional data recovery expert with 15 years of experience IS the guy you want to talk to first. Don't be stupid and try fixing it yourself.

The worst that can happen is that you corrupt your files. No amount of coaxing can fix a corrupted file. Data that has been shifted is still salvageable. Corrupted is not. Some content may be still available from a corrupted file if you can find the right utility to open it but much of it will be gone for good.

Programs or large files will also be damaged. Start thinking of what applications you will need to reinstall. Hope you have that windows disc handy.

New Tech, harder recoveries

2010-03-04T11:01:00.002-05:00

Solid state disks are still relatively new technology that has yet to reach significant market penetration but times are changing. Boasting faster data access, transfer times, and reliability solid state drives are slowly being adopted by the enterprise industry. While drive failure is always a concern, very little has been done in terms of research when it comes to data recovery.

A few things to note: initially ssd data recovery will be expensive, time consuming, and mostly unsuccessful. Replacement parts will be the biggest factor keeping costs high. Expect costs to be as much as multiple drive raid setups. Manufacturers trade secrets will also slow reverse engineering of the technology. Data storage methods, encryption issues, complicated algorithms all contribute to hurdles. Misdiagnosis, trial and error will contribute to low recovery rates.

The drive architecture does lead one to believe that it will be durable to incidental bumps however the ever changing revisions make data recovery difficult. Avoiding human error (deletions, virus/malware, mishandling) is a daily problem. Unfortunately the average user does not fully understand just how sensitive new technology can be.

If you have questions about (solid state disk) SSD data recovery be sure to consult a professional data recovery company with years of experience.

Utilities and software that help

2010-02-10T11:03:00.003-05:00

There are many software utilities that are available for free download. Many of them are free, shareware, or have limited end user access. Most common are the undelete software utilities are based on open source programmers who develop and support their work. If you like it they accept donations which go towards continued support and future development. Most have other full time jobs and work on these side projects on their own time.

Some of these free recovery tools actually perform well in retrieving accidentally deleted files. Even files that have been removed from recycle bin. More powerful programs can even recover lost data from severe corruption problems that involve formatting and partition issues. Supporting file systems: FAT, NTFS, EXT3.

Formatting can get your computer up and running again this does little for your data. Sometimes a fresh install is the easiest method rather than trying to repair multiple problems. Which puts greater emphasis on maintaining proper backups to avoid data loss. Professionals are available to assist in serious data recovery efforts. They can work on the most complicated of data loss predicaments and get your company up and running quickly.

Computer data integral

2010-01-20T13:34:00.002-05:00

If you're like me, a computer is an integral tool of everyday life. Work, play, information, utility, power, and source for all things. Writing a great book (or email), drawing up plans for the next greatest invention, or sending pictures to grandma, computers are the center of many personal worlds. However they are not infallible and subject to disruptions. Not all problems can be avoided but the trick is to minimize the your downtime. At every turn your data is being threatened on a daily basis. Hence protecting your data castle should be a concern for all.

Accidentally deleting important files because you were in a rush to make space for something? Your data can be recovered. It might not be necessary to run out and buy the first thing you see, so don't panic. You can afford to wait and make a decision calmly. Carefully treading the data recovery software landscape can be a tricky proposition. Some of them actually do more harm than good. More often than not you'll end up seeking professional services. So talk to people you trust before you click on the download button.