Data is precious. And whether you’re dealing with irreplaceable family photos, nearly-finished term papers, or gigabytes of confidential customer information, that data can be lost in only seconds. Fortunately, thanks to modern data recovery services, what is lost can usually be found and what is broken can usually be repaired.
Data recovery is the salvaging and repair of data that has been lost, but the steps taken depend largely on the type of media the data was kept on (hard drive, solid-state drive, USB stick, RAID, cloud storage) and the exact type of loss or damage that the data incurred.
Accidental, or Intentional, File Deletion
Probably the most common type of loss, file deletion is also the most straightforward to deal with. This is because deleting a file does not actually remove it from the hard drive, and the file therefore remains intact until it is overwritten by another file. Simple software can scan your drive, algorithmic-ally searching for the data you deleted in order to copy and recover it. Just be sure to work fast and limit your activity on the computer in question. The longer you wait or the more you do with the computer, the more likely it is that the deleted file will be completely or at least partially overwritten, making the file hard to recover.
File System Format
Formatting a file system destroys the information on the drive about the previous files and structure of the disk. The slate is wiped clean and any important information that wasn’t backed up is lost. Fortunately, even a total format may leave files untouched until they are overwritten by new information. Depending on the file system implemented during the format, this may give you a very good chance of file recovery using the same type of recovery software mentioned above.
File Corruption
Hard drive corruption is devastating. Due to wear and tear or possible defects in production, the hard drive is damaged, resulting in Bad Sectors that can’t be used to store data and which get in the way of proper drive operation. Depending on the sectors involved the operating system may fail, the computer may crash, and that may put all the information on the computer out of reach. Fortunately, by removing the hard drive and using another computer to scan it, you may be able to copy the data off the bad drive and onto another, saving your files. Recovery success depends on the level of corruption involved and does require a screwdriver and other hardware.
Physical Damage
Data stored on drives that are damaged from moisture, power surges, impacts, or other physical trauma presents a much greater recovery challenge. If the drive is not working it must be carefully taken apart in a sterile, controlled environment free from stray particles, wide temperature variation, or even static electricity. Repairs are then made to try to restore the disk to normal operation or to pull the data storage media out of the drive to be scanned or rebuilt using other technology. This is a time consuming process that only trained professionals should attempt.
Encryption
Data loss from encryption ransomware like Cryptolocker and Cryptowall is on the rise, and presents a real threat to company data. These programs break into a system and rapidly encode data, leaving it inaccessible. The data is still present, but due to the encryption your computer won’t be able to read it. Then the parties responsible leave a note demanding payment before they will provide the decryption key. Unfortunately, paying up is no guarantee that the files will be released or that your network will work again. The best way, and usually the only way, to really deal with the problem and recover your data is to perform a company-wide reset using automatic external backups that your company has established beforehand.
Comprehensive backup programs using cloud services are absolutely the best way to handle all of the above data loss scenarios, as they put your data safely out of harm’s way—no matter the type of loss the original drives experience. If you need data recovery in the Bay Area of California, call the experts here at Grundig IT and let us help you get your information back! The costs are affordable, the systems are easy to manage, and Grundig IT is ready to help you develop a comprehensive data backup plan of your own. Simply call 925-528-9081 or email us at info@grundigit.com.
