A doctor can save a life if called in at the right time. A wrong diagnosis can kill the patient. Data recovery is much like that. The wrong software will not just stall the recovery process, but can even end up in deleting or corrupting hitherto untouched files fatally. There is another side to it too – which is the human angle. It must be pointed out in this context that much data is lost every year due to mishandling of data loss incidents. It is strange but true that most firms in the UK do not upgrade their technical team. A data recovery and security firm was hacked into at the beginning of this year, and this did not cost them only in terms of public embarrassment and loss of clients, but also highlighted the fact that an innovative criminal is more intelligent than a laid-back policeman. Home users often mess up their own data by applying the software inappropriately, or by not having installed it properly first. Then they are in a worse position than before, as they have already spent some money on the software, may not be able to manage a data recovery firm, and have no choice but to cry over spilt milk.
There is a way to avoid such situations, though. Some such points have been noted below, but they are not all. The circumstances of the loss usually determine the steps to be taken, apart from the volume and value of the data. It should also be borne in mind that the initial plan may backfire, so all the money should not be invested at a go on the software being used. Software are rarely so costly, but one may think of combining two of them for two purposes. This kind of planning is usually faulty, and it is not advisable to put all your eggs in one basket.
- Do you know what is wrong with the system? Do not use software recklessly or on a hunch, you may be damaging your own files. If you are unsure about what is causing the problem in the first place, you first need a diagnosis. Some software has this option thrown in too, where it checks the kind of defects or disasters and then presents them to the user for further decisions. If you fear a complicated problem, go for this kind of software.
- Free software may sometimes work very well, but why do you want to take the risk when so much information is at stake?
- Go for a reputed company, preferably one that also has other data recovery-oriented activities. It should have an address, phone number etc, and it would be wise to check out whether the number works before you buy their product. If anything goes wrong, or you have a doubt, there should be a friendly customer support person to guide you through.
- Try to go for a company that also caters to large corporate clients. These companies simply cannot afford to lose their goodwill in the market, and will try to give you impeccable service so that you have no complaints.
- Does the software have a good visual-based interface, appropriate and easy to follow instructions, and does it run smoothly? You are about to try a sort of DIY, so be choosy about the user friendliness of the software.
- Is the software compatible with the types of files you want to rescue? In a classic example, a company tried to recover its data last year after a disk crash. The data recovery software being used was compatible with Windows, while most of the data was Linux-based. The data recovery professionals who came in later, point out on their web site that the recovery rate would have been over 90% instead of 74% if the company had not goofed up at the initial stage. For music, audio visual and internet-based files you may have to apply special utilities. Please check this before buying the product.
- Is the software trying to change file names or move content to different locations? Is there a chance that files will get deleted in the process of downloading it? Anything suspicious should ring a warning bell.
- Software often comes with demos and previews. These are more preferable. In case of .wav, .mpeg. .jpeg or any other audio visual file, never go for a software without preview.
- And if it does not work, you should be able to dial the data recovery people.