Data recovery software
When to use DIY data recovery software.
Sometimes it is possible for computer technicians to attempt recovery of data using software. The times to attempt a software recovery are only recommended where the drive is known to be functional and is not failing for a physical problem. We have had drives in for recovery where the use of software had actually made the problem worse. So, the following list gives examples of when to and when not to attempt to use data recovery software.
When you decide to attempt recovery yourself, NEVER install the software on the machine where the missing data is stored. It is possible that the installation of the software will overwrite the data you are looking for. Also, where possible, make a clone of the drive and work on that drive mounted in a different machine. If it fails, then the original media is intact for professional data recovery companies to diagnose.
When it is possible to use data recovery software
- You have a clone of the drive
- When files have been deleted from a computer
- When a drive has been formatted
- Virus damage to file system
It is important to emphasize the point that the drive must be fully functional and the problem is 'Logical' rather than 'Physical' when running data recovery software.
Never attempt to run data recovery software on disks that;
- Hard disk is clicking when reading the drive
- Computer hangs when reading the drive
- Hard disks is making unusual noises
- Hard disk is getting very hot
- Hard disk is not spinning up
MjM Data Recovery has no preference of which data recovery software is used. However, software from Runtime software is very good and suitably priced.