Data Recovery:

Most computer users have had some issue with deleted files on their hard drive or corrupted disk drive problems. Hard drives weren't meant to last forever and if you push them too far you could be looking at lost data when it does decide to "crash" or become physically damaged. We are all told to backup files on our computers periodically just in case we have a hard drive failure that results in lost files. I try to make backup copies of my most pertinent files (Quickbooks, websites data, photos, etc.) once a month, but others never take this precautionary step and risk everything. With viruses on the rise those that use the Internet or email are constantly open to attack and the potential to lose data on their hard drive. Even if you use an antivirus software you are still susceptible to disk drive errors and the possibility of losing all your personal or business files. What should you do if you do have a hard drive crash? Do you need software for data recovery?

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The vast majority of files that become deleted or corrupted can be saved with data recovery software that is not too expensive ($40 to $130). The real problem arises when there is physical damage to your hard drive and the only way to save the lost data is to hire a data recovery service like Aero Data Recovery. Sometimes you can predict a future hard drive issue when you hear a humming, clicking, or even a whirring noise coming from your computer. I had a problem with mine when the fan broke and the hard drive was shutting itself down because it was running too hot. I fixed the fan and the hard drive has been functioning just fine. If let unchecked, that could have led to serious issues and lost data. Often, novice computer users will delete pertinent files by accident and not have any idea where they went. Many modern PC's have built in backup programs that let you save and copy files automatically. Some websites also exist where you can do online backup and have your files saved on a remote location. Check out iDrive.com or Mozy.com - you can get 2GB's of online backup for FREE with iDrive which should be plenty for the most important files. The more data that computers hold (now with 1 terrabyte hard drives) the more complicated it becomes for average users to deal with backing up files and data and knowing what to save. Storing data on DVD or a portable hard drive is a great idea. The key is that you don't PANIC even if you feel like you have lost data or that your hard drive is about to fail. We've heard of emails and data that was supposedly deleted off computers being found years later by experts. When you do have to turn to a professional disk recovery company to retrieve lost data try to get an estimate first of cost. We read reviews online with prices ranging from $350 to $1500 for hard drive recovery services, but keep in mind that these are probably the worst case scenarios. Most home computer users should escape with a much lesser bill.

Data Recovery Services:

Taking your hard drive into a company to have it fixed is almost like having your car repaired. Most of us have no idea how long it should take to fix a hard drive let alone get lost data back. Are we talking $200, $500, or $1000? We read quite a few reviews posted online by both consumers and business owners and for the most part they felt like they got a fair shake. Only a few complained about "bait and switch" tactics with a low estimate followed by a final cost that far exceeded the initial cost. The larger data recovery service firms like DriveSavers Data Recovery, DTI Data Recovery, Disk Doctors, and ESS Data Recovery are reputible enough and don't want to tarnish their names with bad business practices. Going to a local computer repair shop could be a mistake if you have no references for them. A few of my neighbors had hard drive failure problems and they felt like they got cheated. The real problem is - How much are you willing to pay to get back lost data? If it's priceless, then of course you are going to spend a lot and many of these companies know it. Go with a company that charges based on the capacity of the hard disk like Diskdoctors.com. Also, check to see what the turnaround time is, the faster you need it the more it will cost you. Normal service is often 3 to 7 business days. Hard drive recovery is not cheap, but what are your alternatives when you've lost key business information or personal data and photos that is literally not able to be reproduced so easily. BACKUP FILES every month to avoid this situation going forward.

Data Recovery Software:

Recovery software is getting better by the year and they usually work when dealing with corrupted or deleted files on a hard drive. If the drive has physical damage then go with a data recovery service (see above). Data recovery software, or tools, are capable of undeleting files and retrieving those erased by a virus. Given the fact that viruses are capable of ruining all your data, any new computer user should be educated on data backup and recovery. R Tools Technology (R-tt.com) is a respected name in the business and they offer quite a few self-service data recovery software products. You are looking at $40 to $60 for the basic recovery software from them. To get a comprehensive comparison between all the top software programs for data recovery go online HERE. They have a chart with ratings, data recovery features, drives supported, file systems, reviewer comments, and more. The best recovery software as rated by experts and consumers is DT Utilities Digital Rescue closely followed by Recover My Files and Data Recovery Wizard.

Disk Backup:

Alright, most likely you are reading this article because you had an issue with your hard drive and it might be too late to recommend backing up your data. In any event, I can't STRESS enough how important it is to make a copy once a month of your crucial data. It literally takes a few clicks of the mouse and you can burn a CD/DVD. There's nothing more frustrating than losing months of work or photos that are simply irreplaceable. Get yourself a piece of software that backs up files on a regular basis (hopefully automatically) and never worry again about data recovery.

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