Data recovery is an increasingly common process. Data recovery or retrieval can be defined as the retrieval of data on damaged media such as computer hard disks, tape or other removable media such as floppy disks, CDs and DVDs. The causes of data recovery mainly occur due to hardware and software logical failures. These failures range from firmware corruption to hard drive crashes to power surges and software errors. In addition, a computer failure can also occur due to natural and man-made disasters of terrorism, virus, hacking, floods and other natural disasters. Thus, prevention of computer failure or, in short, protection of storage media becomes a focal point. But, when all fails, it is logical to use data recovery software programs.
One popular data recovery method is the usage of specialist data recovery software. Data recovery software utilities exist for all platforms including Windows, Linux operating systems, PCs and Macs. In other words, an Internet search will show that there are many types of data recovery software claiming to retrieve lost data from damaged hard drives, removable media such as CDs, DVDs and USB drives. But, one should be cautious when buying and using any data recovery software product – one should check its reliability, security and functional abilities.
Things to Check
- A user should never attempt to download, purchase and run a data recovery software application if he or she does not have the requisite knowledge to do so – do not try data recovery software if you are not computer-savvy.
- Do not trust sales people and believe marketing gimmicks – always check the warranty of the data recovery software – its duration of usage including the reputation of company producing the software.
- When buying a software product, ensure that it does not have the ability to write anything to the damaged disk. This could minimise the risk of overwriting data enabling the recovery of maximum data. In other words, some software products run the risk of overwriting damaging the disk further and causing further data loss.
- Usually, data recovery software applications run the risk of deleting saved formatted data on logical disk drives. This stops the user from recovering data in the original sequential saved form. A user ought to make sure that the purchased data recovery software has the facility of an inbuilt ‘undo’ file that saves a record of the changes made to the file. This enables the user to revert to the original file format if required.
- Using data recovery software during a hardware crisis simply damages your entire disk magnetic layering causing fatal data loss. Thus, a user runs a huge risk when running software when the computer makes clicking sounds and goes blank. Usually, data recovery software do not carry a warning message for users not to run the software when the hard drive fails. Data recovery software have the potential of damaging and corrupting data when one inputs it during computer rebooting.
All data recovery software are usually described as a preventive measure. The usage of this recovery software basically depends on the severity of the crash and the consequent data loss. A data recovery software works well only after a proper diagnosis of the type of failure is made.
Examples of Data Recovery Software
Norton Utilities Data Recovery Software applications are known as preventive maintenance downloadable software. It allows the user to create a backup of the hard drive or removable media enabling easy data recovery.
SpinRite Data Recovery Software is referred to as a safe and rapid data recovery software program. It is used to retrieve large chunks of data from hard drives. SpinRite is used to reboot ‘dead’ computers following an electrical failure.
Ontrack Easy Data Recovery Software scans the media for lost data allowing a user to copy lost files and folders to a safe location.
Thus, a user has to consider the second option of calling data recovery specialists. But even this requires some precautions:
- Duration of company operation including its market reputation
- Are there any past testimonials that a user can see to know about the company’s data recovery record?
- How long will the company take to recover your data and what is the process?
- How much will they charge?
- Will the company give a free evaluation of the damage and the potential data loss?
- Will the company safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of the data and user?
- Is the data recovery process reliable and secure?
One has to be aware that whether doing the data recovery process yourself or through a company – it can take a long time right from the evaluation to the actual recovery process. It can also be expensive with potential attached risks.