One of the most dramatic and difficult things that can happen to a computer system is storage failure. There are three general causes for damaged data and all of them can be caused by multiple things. Data can be corrupted when changes to files are interrupted, which can affect just one file or the whole drive, and if the drive itself is somehow damaged, the data will become hard, or even impossible to access.
If only a few folders or files are inaccessible on the storage device, it’s possible that using the disk repair functions built into Windows or Mac OSX will be able to resolve the problem. Depending on which storage device is having the problem, and how large the storage device is, this process can take up to a couple hours (or more) and will render the computer unusable for the duration. However, this interruption is typically worth it because it might completely resolve the issue.
When Disk Repair is Unsuccessful
If the disk repair proves to be unsuccessful, or the problem is of greater scope and none of the data is accessible, Grundig IT will use the special data recovery tools at our disposal to scan the device for recoverable data. There are parts of every storage device that dictate how it is read by the operating system and if the damage to the data is isolated to this part of the device, much of the data will be recoverable. The data will then be moved to a different storage device to be used again and to prevent the problem from recurring.
Hardware Malfunction
However, if the issue is caused by a hardware malfunction, no amount of disk repair or scanning will be able to recover the entirety of the data. If the storage device cannot physically perform in the way necessary to allow the data to be read, there is only one option. Companies exist that specialize in working with storage device hardware in a way that will allow the data to be accessible once more. This service is relatively expensive, and only has a chance of recovering anything, but if the data is important enough, this might be the only option to recover your data.
Data Backup
Of course, the best recovery option is to have a recent backup of the data. However, things happen and it’s possible that for whatever reason, the backup is insufficient, or also damaged. If this is the case, and you’re worried about your data, we are happy to assist in attempting to recover the data as well as consult on what company to send the drive to in order to recover, should that be necessary.
Recap of the 3 Possible Data Recovery Scenarios
Some Files are Corrupt or Inaccessible
Can potentially resolve the problem using the computer’s built in disk repair functions
If this is unsuccessful, Grundig IT may be able to scan the disk and attempt to recover data
File System is Broken
- Might still see data location but no files are accessible
- Drive can be delivered to Grundig IT to be scanned
- If the scan succeeds, data can be recovered
- If the scan fails, it will likely need to be sent to a data recovery company
Physical Hardware Malfunction
- Nothing shows up when the drive is connected
- Drive itself makes strange or unusual noises
- Must be sent to an outfit that can recover data from physically damaged drives
However, the best recovery option is backup. There is no guarantee that any of the above recovery methods will succeed. Sending your data off to a recovery outfit will cost a considerable amount of money and may not work. Having a recent backup is the most assured way to recover data. Even a backup that is a couple weeks old is better than nothing.
Grundig IT hours will remain as normal during this time and we will be accessible and responsive via the normal methods – Phone, Email and Text message. Contact us at 925-528-9081, or email Tom@grundigit.com. As always, happy computing!
