Data recovery allows you to restore lost or deleted files from your computer, mobile device, or storage media. When files are accidentally deleted or become inaccessible due to hardware failure or corruption, data recovery software can help you get them back.
There are a few ways to access data recovery services and software. In this guide, we’ll provide an overview of your data recovery options and how to choose the best method for your needs.
Use Data Recovery Software
One of the easiest and most affordable ways to recover lost files is by using data recovery software. There are many data recovery programs available that you can download to your computer and run yourself.
Some popular data recovery software options include:
- Recuva – Free downloadable software for Windows that restores various file types from hard drives, external drives, and memory cards. Recuva has a deep scan feature for more comprehensive file recovery.
- EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard – Paid software available for both Windows and Mac that recovers files that have been accidentally deleted or lost due to formatting or crashes. It has user-friendly features like sorting by file type.
- Stellar Data Recovery – Paid data recovery app for Windows, Mac, and iOS and Android mobile devices. It retrieves data from hard drives, RAID servers, SD cards, and mobile phones.
- Disk Drill – Mac and Windows compatible recovery software that restores documents, music, photos, videos, and more from internal and external drives. It has filtering options to locate files quickly.
The advantage of using data recovery software is that it’s easy to access – you can simply download the program to your computer and run it yourself. Data recovery software also provides a non-invasive recovery method that won’t damage your drive or device during the file retrieval process.
However, data recovery software has some limitations. It may not be able to recover data from heavily corrupted or physically damaged drives. The scan and recovery process can be time intensive. If you need to recover data quickly from a faulty device, a professional data recovery service may be a better option.
Use Professional Data Recovery Services
For more complex data loss situations caused by physical damage to a storage device, you’ll likely need professional data recovery performed by a specialist service. Professional data recovery firms have extensive resources, skills, and proprietary tools that improve the chance of successfully extracting lost files.
There are many reputable data recovery companies that can remotely or physically recover data from desktops, laptops, servers, RAID arrays, external drives, and mobile devices. A few examples include:
- DriveSavers – Well-known data recovery firm that has been in business for over 30 years. They handle all types of devices and operating systems.
- Kroll Ontrack – Global company with a high success rate for RAID, virtual machine, and database recovery.
- DataShield – Offers remote diagnostics and computer forensics in addition to standard data recovery services.
- Secure Data Recovery – Employs certified engineers and technicians for specialized SSD, Mac, and encrypted data restoration.
Professional data recovery services are the best solution if you have expensive media that absolutely needs data recovered, complex multi-disk systems, or physical damage to the storage device. The controlled process they use in a certified ISO Class 5 cleanroom lab limits further harm to the drive.
The main downside of professional data recovery is the higher cost compared to software. Rates can range from $100 to over $1000 depending on the severity and storage media. However, costs may be warranted if the files are truly valuable and irreplaceable.
How Professional Data Recovery Works
The professional data recovery process typically involves the following steps:
- Initial Evaluation – The service will first diagnose your storage device remotely or in-house to determine the cause and extent of data loss.
- Quote – You’ll receive a quote outlining the cost if the data is recoverable based on the initial evaluation.
- Approval – Payment details are arranged if you approve the quote and choose to proceed.
- Recovery Process – Experienced technicians will disassemble devices in a cleanroom to extract the data using specialized tools.
- Data Return – Your recovered data will be securely returned on new storage media or via download link.
A trusted professional firm follows best practices and protocols during each phase of this process to ensure the highest chance of data recovery without compromising your privacy and security.
Try DIY Data Recovery
While riskier than using data recovery software or services, you can attempt DIY data recovery yourself using free methods or tools. This option only makes sense if you can’t afford paid software or professional recovery.
Recover Files from Backups
If you regularly back up your computer or device files to another location, your first step should be trying to recover the lost or deleted files from those backups. Potential backup sources include:
- External hard drives
- USB flash drives
- Cloud storage like Dropbox
- Local backup systems
- Time Machine on Mac
- File History on Windows
The backup may contain previous versions of files or subdirectories that you can restore. Just be sure to only copy recovered files to a different drive, not to the original location.
Try System Restore or Previous Versions
Windows includes a System Restore feature that enables reverting your PC to an earlier state to undo system changes. System Restore also retrieves earlier versions of lost files. You can access it via Start > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore.
On Windows 10, you can also view previous versions of files by right-clicking on them and selecting Properties > Previous Versions. This relies on System Restore being enabled on that drive.
Use Free Data Recovery Software
If backups aren’t available, you can try using free data recovery software like Recuva mentioned earlier. The free version can recover files deleted from the Recycle Bin, storage media, and some disks. Just don’t save the recovered files back to the original disk.
Extract Data Manually from Drives
As a last resort, you can attempt manually recovering data from drives using Linux tools. For example, you can boot Ubuntu Linux from removable media and mount the drive to try copying files from the command line. This method requires advanced technical skills.
Manual data extraction risks further modifying the drive and overwriting deleted files completely if not done properly. Only attempt this DIY method if you have data that absolutely can’t be recovered otherwise. Be prepared that the files may not be retrievable.
Choosing the Best Data Recovery Method
Deciding how to access data recovery depends on several key factors:
Type of Data Loss
What caused the missing or inaccessible data? Accidental deletion or formatting? Logical damage and corruption? Physical device failure? Different recovery methods are better equipped to handle specific data loss scenarios.
Value of Lost Data
How important is restoring the lost or unreadable data, and is it available elsewhere? Highly valuable or critical files warrant spending more effort and money on professional recovery services if needed.
Type of Storage Device
Simple storage devices like hard disk drives can often use DIY software. But proprietary storage like RAID systems, virtual machine disks, and SSDs usually require professional expertise.
Amount of Data
If you only have a few small files to restore, data recovery software is the easiest solution. Large amounts of data or entire drives will need professional tools for proper forensic recovery.
Timeframe
Software scanning and professional recovery takes time – hours, days, or weeks depending on data amount and condition. If urgent, you may need to pay more for expedited recovery services.
Budget
Data recovery software ranges from free to under $100 for paid programs. Professional recovery services span $100 to over $1000 based on data value and amount. Consider costs against how important the data is.
By assessing these factors, you can determine which data recovery method – DIY software, professional service, backups, or manual extraction – is right for your particular situation.
Preparing and Protecting Data for Recovery
To maximize the chances of successful data recovery, it’s important to take proactive steps before and after data loss occurs:
Stop Using the Device Immediately
After discovering lost or deleted files, unplug the device right away. Continued use risks overwriting files making recovery difficult or impossible.
Don’t Attempt Repairs Yourself
Don’t try to fix hardware problems yourself that have made your data inaccessible. Bring the device to a professional for data recovery first.
Avoid Software Scans or Reformatting
Don’t scan drives with recovery software or reformat them, which can overwrite the files you want to restore.
Keep Your Stopped Device Safe
Store devices with lost data in a secure location to avoid physical damage until recovery.
Document Critical File Details
Write down key file details, like names, locations, sizes, and folders, to aid finding them during recovery.
Regularly Backup Your Data
Consistently backing up your data provides multiple restore points you can access for recovery when needed.
Conclusion
Recovering lost or inaccessible data is crucial when important files go missing from your devices. Thankfully data recovery is often possible with the right tools and techniques.
For the highest success rate, invest in reliable recovery software like Recuva or enlist professional data recovery firm if the situation calls for it. But also utilize system backups and file histories when available as the first line of defense.
While data recovery cannot be guaranteed, taking proactive measures allows you to rescue even your most critical files should you ever face the problem of accidental deletion or device failure.