A good data recovery service is your best bet when this happens because expert help may well recover data you thought lost or repair damage to your computers hardware. A data recovery service usually removes your computer’s hard drive and, using advanced technology, attempts to retrieve as much information as they possibly can.
It’s probably not a good idea to try to fix it yourself because a) you may be far too emotional to think clearly about the most productive course of action and b) you may not have the tools and expertise to do a good job without causing irretrievable data loss.
If you are still able to gain access to your computer’s hard drive through the operating system you may be able to use some form of data recovery software to access and restore lost data. If you do so you will want to be pretty comfortable with the program and have a good basic knowledge of how your computer functions.
In most cases you probably won’t even be able to access your hard drive or operating system - a situation commonly referred to as the dreaded ‘blue screen of death’. In this case it is wise to consult a good data recovery service to help you to restore your data.
If you do so bear in mind that access to the correct and proper tools doesn’t necessarily mean that the service you choose will have a good data recovery rate. Recovering lost data is a blending of the advanced tools AND the skill and determination of the specialist. A ‘never-say-die’ attitude is probably your best hope when combined with the right skills and abilities.
What Not to Do!
If you have somehow lost or accidentally deleted the files from your computer - think positively. In short BELIEVE that your data is recoverable. There are a few things you probably shouldn’t do until you can get your hard drive into the capable hands of a good data recovery service.
* Don’t run the drive anymore, or use the device. This includes MP3, portable storage, camera cards etc. Don’t think that probing your computer is the next best step unless you really, really, REALLY, know what you are doing. Most times, it is the actions of the computer user AFTER data loss that causes the real problems with recovery.
* Don't install or run anything on the drive i.e. the drive where lost data resides. If you want to access the drive do so only from a healthy computer where data recovery software is installed. Files are overwritten in the order they were deleted so the last files that have been excised from your drive will be the first to be permanently lost.
* Don't use tools like Scandisk, or a boot record utility. In many cases these may just probably overwrite the files you want to get back.
Probably the best way to find a good data recovery service is to ask other computer users. There is a good chance that at least one (and probably more!) have lost data from their computers at some time or another. Ask friends and colleagues who helped them to recover the majority of their data. Anybody who has been through this horror once or even twice will be able to point you in the right direction.
Search online for the names of good data recovery service providers and companies who sell data recovery software and contact them to discuss the best solution for your particular problem. You may only need to run the software to restore your data or your hard drive may have to be removed and examined. Beware of those companies who only try to sell you their software solution - they may be out to make money while forgetting your best interests. A good data recovery service will put your needs first.
