 | Coast Computer Technology |
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| Discussion Fixed disk drives "crash" for a variety of reasons. We have seen drive spindles seize, bullet holes through the platters, heat failure, HDA failure, and a variety of software conditions that caused apparent failure. Fixed disk drive reliability is expressed in hours referred to as Mean Time Between Failure or MTBF. The quality of hard drives has improved considerably in the last few years almost to the point where inherent drive failure is almost unheard of. The following is a list of things you can do to help insure that you never need a data recovery procedure performed on your behalf:
We recommend non magnetic storage media for storage of backed up data. Temperature and magnetism tend not to adversely effect your stored data if it is accidentally exposed. It is inexpensive and takes little room to store.
Additionally, if you use write once media you will have a historical record of the data on your drive on any date that you backed it up. This is particularly useful if your are an accounting or investment firm that needs to have an absolute record of conditions on a particular date in the past.
What not to do!
Using Disk Utility Programs Most good disk utilities provide preventative maintenance on fixed disk drives. However, they can turn a data recovery situation into a real disaster if used incorrectly.
The following are a few suggestions regarding the use of data recovery software:
2. Software programs cannot correct problems caused by drives that are making unusual noises. It is not possible to repair the physical components of a hard drive using software.
3. Back up your data immediately (if you are already booted up). 4. Shut down the computer to avoid further damage to the drive and its data. There are two very likely reactions to the apparent loss of data on a fixed disk drive. The first is panic, usually brought about by potential economic loss. The second reaction usually comes from your boss who wants the problem resolved instantly. Resist the temptation to succumb to either. Believe me, your level of anxiety will not contribute one bit to resolving the problem.
Instead, get out a tablet of paper and a pencil and begin writing. First, write the last thing you did before the failure occurred. Write down what program you were using and write down any unusual environmental conditions in place at the time the loss occurred. Thunder, lightning, or an earthquake are good examples of unusual environmental conditions.
Next, write down the second to the last thing you did before the failure occurred. Continue back as far as you can remember. If you are not sure, write it down anyway and put a question mark next to the item.
Analyze what you have written down to see if there is an indication of what might have gone wrong. Even if none is obvious, the fact that you wrote down as much as you could remember extemporaneously will be of great help later. If you send your drive to us (or to anyone else for that matter) send along a copy of what you wrote down. You will benefit from doing this even if it is not obvious at the time.
There is every possibility that an over the counter software solution will work for your situation. If you are competent to use the program it may be worth a try. However, if you fail you may have increased the damage and reduced the possibility of a successful recovery. Remember, Oh, Oh, is not a technical term.
Our goal is to keep you from having to have your data recovered. If you do need data recovery please call us at (714) 612-5331. We work quickly and efficiently and will get the job done properly.
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