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