| Data loss attributable to human error or | | | | first attach the damaged hard disk to another |
| minor system malfunction, without damage to | | | | computer and use as a secondary slave disk |
| the hard disk, is recoverable by using data | | | | before trying to retrieve the data. |
| recovery software available in the market. | | | | |
| Data is often erased accidentally and cannot | | | | Before sending the damaged hard drive for |
| be found even in the Recycle Bin. This | | | | data recovery service, the reputation of the |
| recovery software provides an 'un-erase' | | | | service provider should be taken into |
| feature that will allow you to retrieve data | | | | account. Companies that have established |
| from your hard drive. There are many recovery | | | | their credibility in this field should be |
| utilities available on the internet that can | | | | your first choice. It is also advisable that |
| be downloaded for free but they provide | | | | you ask for an estimate of the cost and time |
| limited features than the paid versions. The | | | | within which the recovery process would be |
| most popular are McAfee Utilities, Gateway | | | | done. Usually, it takes 3 to 5 days for the |
| GoBack, Ontrack System Suite and Norton | | | | process to be completed. Depending on the |
| SystemWorks that can cost anything between | | | | complexity of the problem the cost may be |
| $40 and $60. | | | | between $300 and $2500. Some of the more |
| | | | established data recovery companies are |
| However, if the problem is more serious than | | | | Ontrack, CBL Data Recovery Technologies, |
| a mere loss of data, then it is advisable to | | | | Vogon International, Data Recovery Clinic and |
| send the hard drive to a reputable data | | | | Action Front though this is not an exhaustive |
| recovery service provider. If you are having | | | | list. |
| problems with a damaged hard disk, the best | | | | |
| thing to do will be to leave it alone and | | | | Though there are ways to recover data, there |
| send it to the recovery service provider. | | | | is no harm in taking measures beforehand. |
| People have been known to install recovery | | | | Important data, especially server databases, |
| utilities on the damaged hard drive but only | | | | should always be backed up and businesses |
| to worsen the damage. If you are keen on | | | | should assess the risk involved to take |
| trying to recover the data on your own, then | | | | proper preventive measures. |