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Data Recovery

Data loss is a catastrophic event for any business or individual. Fortunately, most permanent data loss situations can be averted. We have partnered with Seagate, the world leader in data storage and recovery services. Click the banner below if you need data recovery services.

Data Recovery Services

 What is data loss?
 Data loss is generally characterized by one or more of the following:

    * The inability to access any data from a previously functioning computer system or backup.
    * The accidental deletion of files or the overwriting of data control structures.
    * Corrupted or inaccessible files due to abnormal device operation or damage.

 What causes data loss?
 Among other causes, data loss can be attributed to system or human error, adverse environmental conditions and device failure. Human causes of data loss include intentional or accidental deletion or overwriting of files. Virus damage, operating system or application software bugs, or failed upgrades may also cause data loss. Common physical causes of data loss include power loss or power surge, overheating, electrostatic ("static") discharge and any kind of physical damage to the storage device or medium.

Data loss prevention is your first line of defense in protecting and safeguarding your data.

   1. 1 Backup your files on a regular basis, then test and verify that your backup is a complete copy of the original. External drives are an excellent choice for this task.
   2. 2 If you are using Microsoft Windows XP, establish System Restore Points before making any significant changes to your system.
   3. 3 Write a contingency plan and practice restoring your data in case of problems. Your contingency plan should require, as a minimum:
          * Locating all available backups, including dates and types of backup.
          * Listing and locating all original software packages, detailing updates since the original installation.
          * Locating and making ready an alternate computer.
   4. 4 Never upgrade software or hardware without a complete, verified backup available in case you need to restore data.
   5. 5 Document your systems and archive original copies of your software in a safe place.
   6. 6 Ensure proper environmental conditions (stable temperature, humidity and cleanliness) and proper handling to avoid static discharge and accidental dropping.
   7. 7 Delete unused files and applications. Use a disc defragmenter.
   8. 8 Physically secure systems from intruders.
   9. 9 Deploy firewalls and virus protection.
  10. 10 Prepare for physical disasters, including use of off-site storage for backup.


1. What should I do when I experience data loss?

If your drive is making unusual noise, shut it down immediately and do not power up again.
 
Calmly assess the situation. Hasty attempts to fix the problem can often result in further damage and data loss.

    * Stop writing to any media (including hard drives) that may be involved in data loss. Note that running most software (for example, Internet Explorer) writes new data to your drive and may possibly overwrite the lost data you are seeking.
    * Eliminate the simplest possible causes, such as loose cables or bad device drivers. Write down all symptoms of failure and all recent actions and events involving your computer.
    * If you determine physical damage to be the cause of your lost data, avoid do-it-yourself solutions. Do-it-yourself software make use of the problem drive, potentially causing complete failure and further data loss.
    * Contact Alldigitalnet Support to understand your options for professional in-lab recovery services.


2. What is Data Recovery?

Data recovery is a highly technical, highly labor-intensive process used to restore lost files from a variety of digital storage media and devices. The process is carried out in a controlled environment using Class 100 clean rooms and Class 10 horizontal flow clean benches to protect client media and all recovery equipment from contamination. (All i365 clean air facilities undergo annual certification testing to ensure that they meet or exceed acceptable air flow uniformity and particle count standards.)
 
Storage systems can fail in many different ways, however the data stored on them is not always completely lost. The specific technique used to recover the information depends on the type of failure (file corruption, virus attack, mechanical or electrical problem, and human error). Sometimes these problems occur in combination. i365 full-service lab facilities are prepared to address all failure modes using the industry’s most advanced recovery technology and procedures.


3. How can I prevent further loss of data?

To avoid further damage to your media and prevent extended data loss:
  • Do not perform any operation on the storage device that will cause physical damage to the device or the data on it
  • Do not write to any of the files on the device or add additional files
  • Do not format the drive
  • Do not modify the partitions on the drive (using FDISK or any other partitioning software)
  • Do not try to open the device to see what is wrong. (Hard drives are particularly sensitive to contamination and should only be opened in a microscopically clean environment)
Cease using the hard drive or storage device that requires recovery. If your drive is making unusual noises or showing other obvious signs of distress, shut it down immediately and do not power it up again. Before you forget them, write down all symptoms of the failure and all recent actions and events involving your computer. Contact our Customer Service Department for additional advice (which will depend on the type of media involved). Simply Contact Us, free of charge on our toll-free number.
 
If you have a backup, evaluate how current it is and if it will fulfill your needs. Consider restoring your backup to a different system in case you find that critical files are missing or outdated.
 
Consider using i365’s File Recovery for Windows software to determine whether or not your data can be recovered without the need to send it to a lab.
 
If you seek help from a trusted local specialist, please remember that professional data recovery is a skill learned from practice and requires highly specialized tools.
 
While data recovery can seem expensive because it is a highly technical and labor intensive process, recreating your data may be significantly more expensive. Also, the turnaround time for data recovery is usually much faster than the time it would take to recreate your lost files from scratch.

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