Computer data recovery involves different processes that can be used to restore lost data
on a data storage device. Lost data is the result of corrupted, infected, or damaged media that you can no longer access. Computer data recovery procedures include various procedures for retrieving data, such as, software recovery tools for restoring lost data and hard ware tools for correcting failed hardware components.
Windows Will Not Start
If Windows will not boot or start you can recover data or files by booting to a second operating system either on the hard drive or using a Live CD and booting from the CDROM. There are many Live CDs that use Linux and Windows PE (Preinstallation Environment) to operate the computer and recover files even when the normal operating system fails to boot or start.
Live CD To Recover Files
Insert is a Open Source Linux distribution that has many maintenance and recovery tools. It runs on a CD with less than 100 mega bytes. Inserts small size allows it to run very quickly which makes it a powerful troubleshooting tool.
Restoring Files
Restoring files can be done quit easily using several different freeware and shareware applications. When you delete files they are moved to the Recycle Bin. When the Recycle Bin is empted only the names of the files are removed and never the data from the media. So computer data recovery software can locate the files on the media (if they haven’t been over written by new files) and restore them back to directories.
Restoring Partition
Restoring partitions can also be accomplished since the data files are again not deleted from the media. There is data recovery software that will recovery deleted partitions and therefore restore lost data.
Creating Partitions
Partitions can be used to separate important user data from the operating system partition. This technique provides a safer and more convenient place for user files. Since operating system files are prone to problems the user data stored on a separate partition will allow you to reinstall or use imaging software to quickly restore your operating system without damaging or destroying valuable user data. GParted is a free and powerful partitioning utility that can quickly create and even resize partitions without destroying data. Windows hard disk management tools will destroy your data if you need to resize a partition. GParted is an easy to use and my favorite partitioning utility.
Damaged Hard Drive Components
Computer data recovery companies have clean rooms where they can disassemble hard drives and replace failed components. They are able to replace the circuit board, drive heads, and even the platters if necessary to retrieve your data. The costs can be considerable depending on what is required to retrieve the data.
Imaging Hard Drive Partitions
Imaging provides a complete copy of the hard drive partition and can be used to analyze the data and determine what methods to use for data recovery. Imaging can also be used to help prevent data loss by making images of operating systems and data for restoring when needed.
UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)
UPS are able to provide power to your computer in case of power outages and therefore allow the proper power down sequencing to safe guard important data and files. FAT32 is prone to cross-link and lost cluster file issues during power fluctuations where NTFS has journaling procedures that help recover files after file read or write interruptions.
Consistency checking
The CHKDSK utility can scan and correct file system inconsistency problems. However if the file system is badly damaged CHKDSK will fail and require you to use specialized software data recovery tools.
DVD/CD Restore Disks
Restore disks are now common instead of supplying Windows install CDs. However user data and files are normally stored in the same partition as the operating system so using restore disks will destroy any user data and files. GParted can be used to create a second partition for user data and files to help protect this important information.
Damaged Drive Read/Write Heads
Drives heads are sensitive and can be easily damaged if they come in contact with the drive platters. Replacing the heads needs to be done in a clean environment by a skilled technician.
Data Recovery Techniques
There are many freeware, shareware, and commercial software applications available for computer data recovery. Companies even have software that is able to connect to their labs over the Internet and analyze and recovery data files. The best approach is to backup important data on a daily basis and therefore you will not have to worry about computer data recovery.
Software Utilities
Partimage – open source image utility.
GParted – open source partition utility.
PhotoREC – free camera card data recovery utility.
Advanced File Recovery – file and data recovery utility.
Active Undelete – file and data recovery utility.
VirtualLab Data Recovery – file and data recover uitility.