Safety tips to avoid data loss

Always back up your data, especially when upgrading your system. Make sure that copies of your most important data are being kept off site.
Always turn your computer off using the operating system shut down process.
Always use up-to-date hardware and software utilities for data security, such as virus protections and firewalls.
Laptops should be operated on a hard and flat surface to allow proper ventilation and to avoid over heating.
Servers should have fans, ventilation or portable air conditioning systems as close as possible to avoid operating in high temperatures.
Allow enough space around the external drives cooling fans and remove any items that may block air flow.
Do not turn off peripheral devices while computer is on, or when disc is active.
Drives should be stable and stationary when operating. If you have to move your computer turn it off first.
When touching or handling the media, make sure to avoid static electricity.
If you hear unusual sounds coming from your computer, turn it off immediately to avoid further damage.

Hard Drive Recovery FAQ

Q: Is it possible to recover data from a hard drive that was accidentally formatted?
A: Yes, Definitely, We can recover data from a hard drive that was formatted, erased and even repartitioned!

Q: Can you recover a file that was deleted accidentally?
A: In many cases we can. We would need to know one of the following: the type of file, the name of the file and when you accidentally deleted it.

Q: My hard drive is making clicking noises, should I be concerned?
A: If the hard drive is making sounds it never made before, stop your work immediately. Call or bring it to us, we can help you recover the data.

Q: My external hard drive is asking to be initialized or formatted. I need some of the files on it. Should I use some utility to try and fix this myself?
A: If the data is critical, we don't suggest running any utilities on it. We'd rather have you bring the drive in for a professional data recovery engineer to examine it. Be aware-utilities are never guaranteed, and can sometimes cause more harm than good.

Q: My computer was in a fire, did i lose my data?
A: Not necessarily. We've retrieved data from fire or flood damaged equipment in the past.

Q: We Re-striped/Re-Initialized the RAID array formatted the array and copy data back to it, Is there a chance of recovering the data before the Re-Striping/Re-Initialization?

A: We can possibly recover the data on these cases. It will depend on the RAID controllerï¿½s functionality and how much data was copied to array.

Q: What do you mean by non-destructive data recovery?
A: We use methods that don't alter the contents of the drive. In the event that we can't retrieve your data, the drive is no worse the wear.

Q: What are the fees to recover data?
A: There is no charge for an estimate.
Our reasonable data recovery fee depends on media type, amount of data and the physical condition of the media.
If we cannot recover your data there will NOT be a recovery charge.

Q: Is it possible for you to just save certain files I ask for and delete the rest?

A: Yes, it's possible - in some cases it may reduce the cost of the recovery.
We will have to examine the hard drive in order to find out what type of damage there is on that specific drive and base on that, determined the cost of the recovery.

Q: After your free diagnosis of my hard drive's recoverability, can I decide not to pursue with the recovery depends on price?
The data on my hard drive is important, but only to a certain extent and I don't want to spend too much on it if I can.

A: Yes, the evaluation is free with no obligation, if the cost is too high you can decide not to pursue with the recovery.

Q: What is the turnaround time for the recovery process?
A: Usually the evaluation is done within 24 hours and most of the recoveries are done within a day or two. We do offer an expedited and an emergency evaluation and recovery - please contact us regarding that.

Q: What is the next step? How do I start a recovery case?
A: Please go to the case submission page and follow the instructions on that page.