Data Recovery FAQ:
I have a quick question!
We know that there are a lot of questions and we can't cover them all, but you can use next form to ask a question directly and one of our specialists will get in touch with you ASAP.
1. Where do I send media?
2. What is hard drive data or media recovery?
3. My computer & drive have failed; what should I do?
4. Are there cases when data cannot be recovered?
5. Can I recover my data using software utilities?
6. What about the confidentiality of my files
7. How do I determine my need for data recovery?
1. Where do I send the media?
We work with several computer repair companies, and you may drop off your media at any of their locations;
As we are always looking to expand our reach, we update our list often. Please contact us to find the location nearest you;
You may also choose to mail-us your media;
Please use appropriate packaging to avoid damage to the media;
If possible, place the media in an anti-static bag;
Be sure to include a filled-out “Client Information” and a “Data Agreement” form;
You may choose to include your diagnostic fee (please see Pricing);
We will not release the media until final payment is received. ^
2. What is hard drive data or media recovery?
Data recovery is the process of retrieving deleted or inaccessible data from failed electronic storage media such as computer hard disk drives, removable media, optical devices and tape cartridges;
Your data can become inaccessible due to numerous reasons such as software problems, computer virus, mechanical or electrical malfunction and even accidental or deliberate human acts;
Regardless of the cause of your data loss, we are often able to successfully recover from most cases of data lost. ^
3. My computer & drive have failed; what should I do?
In order to prevent permanent loses and to avoid further damage power-down your computer or device immediately and remove it from your computer. Continuing to power-up the drive will only cause ADDITIONAL & PERMANENT DAMAGES.
Step 1 – Determining whether the problem is physical (hardware), logical (data structure) or both;
Step 2 - If damage is physical, we identify needed part(s) for repair and make arrangements for transplant;
Step 3 - Once we have access to the drive we start a careful extraction of the data;
Step 4 – When the evaluation process is completed, we will contact you to tell you the exact results of the evaluation and to provide a more exact price range of where your data recovery will fall;
Step 5 - You approve. We proceed to recover your data. You disapprove - we make arrangements to ship back or dispose of your media. ^
4. Are there cases when data cannot be recovered?
YES. Though we have an industry-leading success rate, however there are cases when the damage is too severe and data recovery is not possible. This usually occurs when read/write needle heads "crash" on the magnetic storage platters destroying the surface or after customers use commercial data recovery software. ^
5. Can I recover my data using software utilities?
No. Software utilities cannot recover data from a damaged hard drive. Software utilities often CAUSE MORE PERMANENT DAMAGE AND LOSSES. Permanent loses should always be avoided by powering the drive off and leaving it off upon the first signs of failure.
DO NOT continue to power on the drive after the first sign of failure. Many software utilities are faulty and you will not be refunded your money after a purchase if the product fails to recover the data. ^
6. What about the confidentiality of my files?
We follow a non-disclosure agreement with all customers assuring confidentiality, and we are ready and willing to follow additional agreements required by your company or legal department. ^
7. How do I determine my need for data recovery?
If you are experiencing any of the following you should contact a data recovery professional immediately to avoid further losses:
- Computer will not boot up into the operating system;
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Receiving errors indicating "Hard drive failure" or "Hard drive not found";
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Noises are coming from the drive and the computer keeps rebooting or "crashing". ^