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Data Recovery Resource

DIY Data Recovery

Companies that specialise in data recovery depend on specialised equipment, software and expertise. It should be noted that without the in-depth knowledge often required, it is easy to make matters worse. If the data is irreplaceable, it is advisable to seek the help of specialists. Having said that, data recovery experts are expensive and there are many situations in which it is possible to recover the data yourself.

Read this page on what to do first in the event of data loss.
If the problem lies with your hard disk, you should also read Hard disk drive recovery. Our tips on recovery tools may also be helpful.

Data recovery involves three main operations:

Duplicate media
Duplicating the media avoids further damage or data loss. This may prove difficult if the media is unrecognisable by the operating system and you do not have the tools to read the raw data. This would be a good time to refer the job to a specialist. If you decide to work on the original media, at least make copies of all readable files or make sure that you have backups of the other data.

Test and analyse
Carry out diagnostic tests to determine whether the media or the disk drive is mechanically sound, or if the file system itself has problems. A mechanical failure can often be detected by listening for unusual noises during disk access or start up. If you suspect mechanical failure, again, this would be a good time to call in the experts.

Recover data
Make sure you have done the cost/benefit analysis. Data recovery can be very time-consuming. It can take days, even weeks if the data loss is extensive, and this could tie up important resources and require investments in hardware and software. When weighed against the value of the data, it may be more cost-effective and timely to recreate instead of recover.