What to Do When Your External Hard Drive Fails
External hard drives have become an essential part of our digital lives, offering convenience and additional storage for our valuable data. However, like any technology, external hard drives are not immune to failures. Whether it's due to physical damage, logical errors, or human error, a failing external hard drive can be a cause for concern. In this blog post, we will explore the steps you can take when faced with a failing external hard drive, helping you maximise the chances of data recovery and minimise potential loss.1. Identify the Signs of a Failing External Hard Drive:Before taking any action, it's crucial to recognize the signs that indicate your external hard drive may be failing. These signs may include unusual noises (such as clicking or grinding), the drive not being recognized by the computer, slow or intermittent performance, or files becoming corrupted. Identifying these signs early on can help you take appropriate measures to prevent further damage or data loss.2. Disconnect and Reconnect the Drive:Sometimes, the issue with your external hard drive may be temporary and caused by a loose connection. Start by safely disconnecting the drive from your computer and then reconnecting it to a different USB port or using a different USB cable. If the drive is still not recognized, proceed to the next steps.3. Avoid DIY Fixes and Software Utilities:While it may be tempting to attempt do-it-yourself fixes or use software utilities found online, it's important to exercise caution. These methods can potentially worsen the situation, causing permanent data loss. It's best to rely on professional data recovery services to handle the recovery process.4. Contact a Professional Data Recovery Service:Contacting a professional data recovery service like Fields Data Recovery is crucial when your external hard drive fails. They have the expertise, tools, and cleanroom facilities to safely recover your data. Fields Data Recovery offers diagnostic assessments, customised recovery solutions, and ensures the security and confidentiality of your data. With a high success rate and excellent customer support, they are a reliable choice for retrieving data from failed drives.5. Backup Your Data Regularly:Prevention is always better than cure. Regularly backing up your data can save you from the anguish of data loss caused by a failing external hard drive. Consider using a combination of local backups (such as an additional external hard drive) and cloud storage to ensure the safety and accessibility of your valuable files.6. Learn from the Experience:A failed external hard drive can be a learning opportunity. Reflect on the incident and consider what measures you can take in the future to prevent or minimise the impact of such failures. This may include investing in more reliable storage solutions, maintaining backup strategies, and practising safe data handling habits.Conclusion:Dealing with a failing external hard drive can be a stressful experience, but taking the right steps can help you navigate through the situation and increase the chances of data recovery. By promptly identifying the signs, contacting a professional data recovery service such as Fields Data Recovery, and learning from the experience, you can safeguard your valuable data and ensure its longevity. Remember, prevention and preparedness are key when it comes to preserving your digital assets, so always make regular backups and stay informed about data recovery best practices.
12Jul
A Comprehensive Guide to Successful SSD Data Recovery: Trust Fields Data Recovery!

In today's digital age, where information is a precious asset, experiencing data loss can be a devastating blow. One common scenario that individuals and businesses face is a failed solid-state drive (SSD). However, fear not! In this blog post, we will delve into the world of SSD data recovery and introduce you to the industry-leading experts at Fields Data Recovery who can help you reclaim your valuable data in no time.Understanding SSD Failures: SSDs are renowned for their speed, reliability, and durability. However, they can still encounter failures due to various reasons such as physical damage, electrical issues, firmware corruption, or logical errors. Recognizing the signs of SSD failure is crucial, and symptoms like frequent crashes, slow performance, or the inability to access data should not be ignored.Immediate Steps to Take: When faced with a failed SSD, it's important to act promptly and cautiously. Start by disconnecting the drive to prevent further damage, and refrain from attempting DIY fixes or using unreliable software tools, as these can exacerbate the situation. Instead, your best course of action is to entrust your SSD to professional data recovery experts like Fields Data Recovery.The Fields Data Recovery Advantage: Fields Data Recovery is a renowned name in the data recovery industry, specialising in retrieving data from all types of storage devices, including failed SSDs. Here's why you should choose Fields Data Recovery:a) Expertise: With over a decade of experience, Fields Data Recovery has a team of highly skilled engineers who possess in-depth knowledge of SSD technologies. They understand the intricate workings of SSDs and employ advanced techniques to recover data effectively.b) State-of-the-Art Facilities: Fields Data Recovery is equipped with cutting-edge facilities and advanced data recovery tools. Their specialised cleanrooms provide a controlled environment necessary for handling delicate SSDs, ensuring the highest chances of successful data retrieval.c) Confidentiality and Security: Fields Data Recovery takes data security seriously. They prioritise client confidentiality and comply with stringent data protection regulations. Rest assured, your data is in safe hands.d) No Data, No Fee Policy: Fields Data Recovery operates on a "no data, no fee" policy. This means that if they are unable to recover your valuable data, you won't have to pay a cent, providing peace of mind during the data recovery process.The Data Recovery Process: When you choose Fields Data Recovery, you can expect a comprehensive data recovery process tailored to your specific needs. Their engineers will diagnose the SSD, determine the extent of damage, and provide you with a transparent evaluation report. Upon your approval, they will proceed with the recovery, employing specialised techniques and proprietary tools to retrieve your data.Preventive Measures and Backup Strategies: While Fields Data Recovery excels in retrieving data from failed SSDs, it's always better to prevent data loss in the first place. The blog discusses best practices for data backup, including regular backups to secure locations and implementing redundant storage solutions to minimise the impact of potential failures.

Conclusion: Facing a failed SSD can be a nerve-wracking experience, but with Fields Data Recovery by your side, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Their expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, commitment to data security, and no data, no fee policy make them the ideal partner to help you recover your valuable data. Don't panic in the face of SSD failure—trust Fields Data Recovery to deliver the best possible outcome!

12Jul
How to Prevent Data Loss from Malware and Ransomware Attacks
In today's digital age, the threat of malware and ransomware attacks looms large. These malicious forms of software can wreak havoc on your computer systems and lead to devastating data loss. As the stakes continue to rise, it is crucial for individuals and organizations alike to take proactive measures to protect their valuable data. In this blog post, we will discuss effective strategies to prevent data loss from malware and ransomware attacks, safeguarding your information and ensuring business continuity.1. Keep Your Software Updated:Regularly updating your operating system and software applications is a vital step in preventing malware and ransomware attacks. Developers release updates to patch security vulnerabilities and strengthen their defenses against emerging threats. Enable automatic updates whenever possible or regularly check for updates to ensure you have the latest protections in place.2. Install Reliable Antivirus and Anti-Malware software.Invest in a reputable antivirus and anti-malware solution and keep it up to date. These software programs scan your system for known threats, detect and remove malware, and provide real-time protection against malicious attacks. Regularly schedule system scans to catch any potential threats that may have slipped through the cracks.3. Exercise Caution with Email Attachments and Downloads:Email remains a primary vector for malware and ransomware distribution. Exercise caution when opening email attachments or downloading files from unknown sources. Be skeptical of unsolicited emails, especially those with suspicious or unexpected attachments. Verify the sender's identity and ensure the files are legitimate before opening them.4. Enable Firewall Protection:Firewalls act as a barrier between your computer and the internet, monitoring incoming and outgoing network traffic. Ensure that your operating system's firewall is enabled and properly configured. Additionally, consider using a hardware firewall or a comprehensive network security solution to provide an added layer of protection.5. Implement Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication:Weak passwords are an open invitation for attackers. Create strong, unique passwords for all your accounts and avoid reusing them across different platforms. Consider using a password manager to securely store and generate complex passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible, as it adds an extra layer of security by requiring an additional verification step.6. Educate and Train Employees:Human error is a common entry point for malware and ransomware attacks. Educate your employees about the risks associated with phishing emails, suspicious links, and downloads from untrusted sources. Train them to recognize potential threats and follow best practices for data security. Conduct regular cybersecurity awareness programs to reinforce good habits and keep your workforce informed about the latest threats.7. Regular Data Backups:Implementing a robust data backup strategy is essential for mitigating the impact of a malware or ransomware attack. Regularly backup your data to an offline or cloud-based storage solution. Ensure that backups are performed automatically and verify their integrity regularly. In the event of an attack, having recent backups will enable you to restore your data and minimise downtime.Conclusion:Preventing data loss from malware and ransomware attacks requires a multi-layered approach that combines technology, best practices, and employee awareness. By keeping your software updated, installing reliable security software, exercising caution with email attachments and downloads, enabling firewall protection, implementing strong passwords and two-factor authentication, educating employees, and maintaining regular data backups, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to these threats.However, despite taking all the necessary precautions, data loss incidents can still occur. In such unfortunate situations, it is important to have access to professional data recovery services. Fields Data Recovery is a trusted and experienced provider of data recovery solutions. Their team of experts specialises in recovering data from various types of storage devices, including hard drives, solid-state drives, RAID arrays, and more.If you find yourself in a data loss crisis due to malware or ransomware attacks, don't panic. Contact Fields Data Recovery for immediate assistance. Their skilled technicians will assess the situation, provide you with a detailed evaluation, and offer the best course of action for data recovery. With their state-of-the-art facilities and expertise, they can maximise the chances of successfully retrieving your valuable data and restoring normalcy to your digital operations.
05Jul
The Ultimate Guide To Retrieving Data From A Water Damaged Laptop
Water spillage on a laptop can be quite a nightmare, especially when you have important data stored on it. While the situation can seem overwhelming at first, there are several things you can do to retrieve the data. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing the steps you can take to retrieve your data from a water damaged laptop.1. Power Off The Laptop:The first and most important step is to power off the laptop as quickly as possible. This is to prevent further damage to the internal components. If the laptop is still on, power it off by holding down the power button for 10-15 seconds.2. Disconnect All External Devices And Peripherals:Remove all external devices such as USBs, external hard drives, and memory cards from the laptop. This is to prevent further damage to any external devices and to allow access to the internal components of the laptop.3. Remove The Battery And Disconnect The Power Cord:Remove the battery and disconnect the power cord to prevent any electrical flow to the laptop. This is to prevent further damage to the internal components of the laptop.4. Dry The Laptop: Use a soft, lint-free cloth or paper towel to gently wipe off any visible water droplets on the laptop. Next, place the laptop upside down on a clean surface and allow it to air dry for at least 24-48 hours. If possible, you can also use a hairdryer to blow dry the laptop. But ensure that the hairdryer is used on the lowest heat setting and at least 6 inches away from the laptop.5. Retrieve Your Data: Once the laptop is completely dry, connect the power cord and battery and try turning it on. If the laptop does not turn on, do not attempt to repair it yourself as this could potentially cause more damage. Instead, take it to a professional repair shop.If the laptop turns on, immediately try to retrieve your data by copying and transferring it to an external device such as a USB or an external hard drive. You can also use a data recovery software such as Recuva or EaseUS to recover any lost data.Conclusion:In conclusion, retrieving data from a water damaged laptop can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. The key is to act quickly, power off the laptop, and allow it to air dry for at least 24-48 hours. Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Always keep your laptop away from liquids and invest in a waterproof laptop case. By following these steps mentioned above, you can increase the chances of retrieving your data and getting your laptop back to working condition.If you need assistance in retrieving data from a water damaged laptop, Fields Data Recovery is there to help you get your lost data back. Contact us today for our no data, no fee recovery service and take the first step towards retrieving your valuable files and memories!
29Jun
Understanding RAID Storage: A Comprehensive Guide
As our digital lives become more connected, we are generating huge volumes of data that need to be stored, organised, and protected from various threats. Storage technologies have evolved significantly over the years, and RAID is one of the most popular storage technologies available today. RAID, which stands for Redundant Array of Independent Disks, is a system of storing data across multiple hard drives to improve performance, reliability, and availability.In this blog post, we'll dive deep into what RAID storage is, how it works, its different types, and its benefits for consumers.

Understanding RAID:

RAID storage is a mechanism that combines multiple physical hard drives into one logical volume to achieve better performance, reliability, and availability. This technology is widely used in corporate environments, but it's becoming increasingly popular for consumers as well. RAID storage works by spreading data across multiple hard drives, dividing it into smaller chunks called stripes. Each stripe is distributed across different disks, ensuring that none of the data is lost if one of the disks fails. RAID storage can operate in various configurations called levels, each with different characteristics, benefits, and drawbacks.

 Types of RAID Storage:

There are several types of RAID storage available, each with different configurations and use cases. The most common types are RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 6. RAID 0, for example, strips data across multiple hard drives to achieve faster read and write speeds, but it offers no fault tolerance. RAID 1, on the other hand, mirrors data across multiple drives, providing redundancy and improved reliability, but at the cost of reduced storage capacity. RAID 5 and RAID 6 are more suited for larger enterprise environments, offering a balance between performance and resilience.

 Benefits of RAID Storage:

The benefits of RAID storage for consumers are numerous. First and foremost, RAID can protect your data from hardware failure, accidental deletion, and other threats. By storing data redundantly across multiple drives, it ensures that your precious files and photos are safe and accessible at all times. Second, RAID can improve performance by a significant margin, especially if you use RAID 0 or RAID 5. You can achieve faster boot times, file transfers, and application launches, which can make a noticeable difference in your productivity and enjoyment of your digital life. Finally, RAID can offer more storage capacity than a single disk, depending on the configuration you choose. By combining multiple drives into one logical volume, you can have all your data in one place, without worrying about running out of space.

 Conclusion:

In conclusion, RAID storage is an excellent choice for consumers who want to improve their data storage performance, reliability, and availability. Whether you're a professional photographer, a video editor, a gamer, or a home user with lots of files and videos, RAID can provide you with the peace of mind you need. RAID technology is not without drawbacks, however, as it can be more expensive, complex, and requires some technical expertise to set up and manage. That being said, the benefits of RAID storage far outweigh the costs and risks, making it a worthwhile investment. By understanding RAID storage, its types, and its benefits, you can make an informed decision about your digital storage needs and goals.  For any RAID storage issues, such as data corruption or retrieval, professional data recovery services like Fields Data Recovery are available to assist in recovering lost data. Contact us today to benefit from our expertise, no data, no fee recovery service, and take the first step towards retrieving your valuable data.

29Jun
Simple Steps to Recover Data from a Corrupt Hard Drive
Are you experiencing a corrupt hard drive and all your important data is locked up? This is an extremely frustrating situation to be in, but the good news is that there are several simple steps that you can take to recover your data. In this blog post, we will discuss the various options available for data recovery and provide an easy-to-follow guide to retrieving your files. Step 1: Determine the Cause of Data Loss Before attempting to recover your data, it is crucial to determine the cause of the problem. There are several reasons why a hard drive might fail, including physical damage, software or firmware issues, and logical errors. Once you have determined the cause of the problem, you can choose the best data recovery method. Step 2: Check for Backups At times, you might've backed up your data on cloud servers e.g. Google Drive, OneDrive etc. If you have an automatic backup set up, it is possible the data you need is already saved on another device or the cloud servers. Be sure to check for backups before moving to the next step. Step 3: Hire a Professional Data Recovery Service Losing your data can be a traumatic experience, but with the help of Fields Data Recovery, we can get back what you thought was lost forever. The company's expertise, professionalism, and commitment to quality make us the leading data recovery service provider. We offer affordable prices, a no-recovery, no-fee policy, and a secure platform for transferring your recovered data back to you. Step 4: Take Preventative Measures Once you have retrieved your important data and files back, you need to take preventative measures to avoid such frustrating situations in the future. Always keep a backup of your important files and documents in a separate device or cloud servers. Make use of antivirus/anti-malware software, keep your operating system updated with the latest patches and upgrades as they are usually meant to fix bugs that make corruption of files possible. Conclusion: Losing important data and files can be stressful but knowing that there are several simple steps available to recover your data can offer you peace of mind. Whether it’s attempting data recovery software or hiring a professional data recovery company, it is possible to retrieve your lost files and folders. Remember to take the necessary preventive measures so that you do not have to go through the same stressful situation again in the future. Although it's essential to have a backup plan for your data, accidents can happen, and Fields Data Recovery is there to help you get your lost data back. Contact us today for our no data no fee recovery service and take the first step towards retrieving your valuable files and memories!
22Jun
Your Guide to Recovering Important Deleted Data
Losing important data is a common issue that most of us face. Whether it's due to mistakenly deleting a file, a computer virus, or a hardware failure, losing vital data is frustrating and can cause a significant amount of stress. Fortunately, deleting data doesn't always mean it's lost forever. There are ways to recover deleted data, and in this post, we'll take a look at how you can do it. 1. Check your Recycle Bin The first place you should look for deleted data is the Recycle Bin. When you delete files on your computer, they are often moved to the Recycle Bin. If it's still in the bin, you can simply restore it by right-clicking on the file and selecting "Restore." If the Recycle Bin has been emptied, don't worry, there are still other ways to recover your data. 2. Use Data Recovery Software Data recovery software is a quick and easy way to recover deleted data. These programs are designed to scan your hard drive and find any deleted files that can be recovered. Some popular data recovery software options are EaseUS, Recuva, and Disk Drill. These programs are user-friendly and don't require any technical knowledge to use. 3. Restore from Backup Backing up important data is crucial, especially if you're working on important projects. Restoring data from a backup is one of the easiest ways to recover deleted data. Just make sure to regularly backup your important data, so you can quickly restore it if something goes wrong. 4. Check Cloud Storage If the data you're looking to recover was saved to cloud storage, such as Google Drive or Dropbox, check to see if it's still available there. Cloud storage services typically save multiple versions of files, so you can easily restore deleted data. You can also check your cloud storage's trash or recycle bin to see if the file is still recoverable. 5. Get Professional Help If you're unable to recover your data using the above methods, it might be time to seek professional help. Fields Data Recovery is there to help you get your lost data back. Contact us today for our no data no fee recovery service and take the first step towards retrieving your valuable data. Conclusion: Losing important data can be frustrating, but there are ways to recover deleted files. Checking the Recycle Bin, using data recovery software, restoring from a backup, checking cloud storage, and seeking professional help are all methods you can use to recover lost or deleted data. Remember to always backup your important data, so you can easily restore it if something goes wrong.
21Jun
The Top 5 Reasons Why Your Hard Drive Crashes
Have you ever been in a situation where you try to access a file on your computer, only to find out that your hard drive has crashed? This can be a frustrating and stressful experience, especially if you haven't backed up your files. A hard drive crash can happen at any time, and it's essential to understand the reasons behind it. In this blog post, we're going to discuss the top five reasons why your hard drive crashes and what you can do to prevent it. 1. Physical Damage Physical damage is one of the leading causes of hard drive crashes. Dropping your laptop or knocking your computer tower over can cause irreparable damage to your hard drive. The best way to prevent physical damage is to handle your computer with care and avoid taking it to places where it can be easily damaged. 2. Power Surges Power surges can occur when there is a sudden increase in the flow of electricity to your computer. This can happen due to lightning strikes or power outages. Power surges can cause significant damage to your hard drive and other components of your computer. It's essential to invest in a good surge protector that can safeguard your computer against sudden power surges. 3. Computer Viruses Computer viruses can cause damage to your files as well as your hard drive. They are malicious programs that can make their way into your computer through email attachments, downloads, and other means. The best way to prevent computer viruses is to install a reliable antivirus program and regularly scan your computer for any potential threats. 4. Overheating Overheating is another common cause of hard drive crashes. A lot of heat is generated inside a computer due to its many components. If the cooling system in your computer is not working correctly, it can cause components to overheat and malfunction. It's important to ensure that your computer's cooling system is working correctly and to keep your computer in a well-ventilated area. 5. Age Hard drives have a limited lifespan, and eventually, age catches up with them. After several years of use, hard drives can become worn out, and components can start to fail. You can prolong the lifespan of your hard drive by regularly backing up your files and replacing it before it’s completely worn out. Conclusion: Understanding the reasons behind hard drive crashes can help you take steps to prevent them from happening. Always remember to handle your computer with care, invest in a good surge protector, install reliable anti-virus software, and keep your computer cool. Lastly, don't forget to back up your files regularly and replace your hard drive before it's too late. By doing these simple things, you can protect your valuable data and ensure that your computer runs smoothly for many years to come. If you are struggling to access your data due to a corrupt hard drive, Fields Data Recovery is there to help you get your lost data back. Contact us today for our no data, no fee recovery service and take the first step towards retrieving your valuable files and memories!
19Jun
Cost of SSDs and RAM to rise, reports suggest
The price of SSDs has been unprecedently low in recent months with sales of the flash-based storage spiking as a result. We’ve seen the effects of this in our data recovery lab recently: the steady growth of SSD data recovery jobs we’ve witnessed over the past few years gathered pace towards the end of 2018, and continued into 2019. This trend, though, may not continue if recent reports are to be believed.In the middle of July 2019, various sources started suggesting that the cost of NAND flash memory was set to increase by between 10 and 15%. The cost of NAND is known to fluctuate regularly, with falling demand coupled with increased production having led to a drop in price last year.It would seem that this fall in price resulted in increased demand and that this is now going to result in the cost of NAND flash memory, and also SSDs, increasing.Additionally, reports have indicated that DRAM modules are going to become more expensive, meaning that the cost of RAM is likely to increase, too.In short, the cost of memory and flash-based storage is expected to increase in the coming months. It should be added that this has not been confirmed and is by no means guaranteed. Nevertheless, if you’ve been planning on investing in an SSD or some extra RAM. Now might be the time to do it.The difference between memory and storagePerhaps you’re looking at the previous paragraph and think we’ve made a mistake. After all, the terms memory and data storage are often interchangeable. This, though, is inaccurate.Storage is, literally, where we store all of our files. Memory is what is used to display them and any changes we make in real-time. Whenever we save or open a file, we’re using our device’s storage media. When we’re then editing the file, we’re using our device’s memory. An SSD is a piece of storage media whereas RAM is memory. Both are vital to the way our devices function, but for very different reasons.Will this make other technology more expensive?We’d presume that it will. RAM is used in most computing devices and flash-memory (which always uses NAND) is present in virtually all mobile devices as well as many laptops and desktops.Only time will tell but, should DRAM modules or NAND memory become more expensive, it’s only rational to assume that the cost of the devices that use them will also increase.
24Jul
Can a wiped hard drive be recovered?
We regularly recover accidentally deleted data here at Fields. Usually, though, we’re trying to retrieve the odd file – not the entire contents of a hard drive. Still, if you’ve wiped your hard drive and really wish you hadn’t, it’s entirely possible that your data can be recovered. Why a wiped hard drive can be recovered When data is deleted from a hard drive, it’s not erased. Instead, the locations of the bytes that form the document, MP3 file etc. are removed meaning the data itself still exists. It’s location, however, is marked as being free and will be erased as soon as a single one of these bytes is overwritten with new data. So, if you have accidentally wiped your hard drive, time is of the essence. Refrain from using the drive and get in touch with a company providing hard drive recovery services as soon as possible. Why isn’t data erased permanently when it’s deleted? In a word: efficiency. The process of removing any reference to the locations of the bytes that form a file is extremely quick whereas erasing the data completely is a much lengthier process. If, for example, you deleted a file that took up 5GBs of storage space, erasing it could take several minutes rather than a few seconds. Plus, as an added bonus, this means that anyone that accidentally deletes a file they want to keep has an opportunity to get it recovered. Can I recover accidentally deleted data with software? Technically, yes: you can recover deleted date with software – but we wouldn’t recommend it. Data recovery software is not designed for the layperson – it needs to be operated by someone with appropriate training as it’s often necessary to use metadata to reconstruct deleted files and return them to working order. This is a complicated task and it should really be performed by a professional. Is this true of all storage media? Afraid not. Flash-based memory – typically found in SSDs and mobile devices like smartphones and tablets – must erase data before new information can be stored in the same location. So, if you’ve accidentally deleted data from one of these devices, we’re sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but your data won’t be recoverable. But what if I want to permanently delete sensitive data? If you don’t want to sell your drive on, you can simply physically destroy it. This isn’t absolutely guaranteed to erase all of the data contained on it but it makes the data recovery process so difficult and laborious that only the most skilled and experienced technicians would even know where to begin. If you do wish to sell on your drive and need to ensure that everything on it has been erased, there’s software and hardware than can completely erase all of the data held on a hard drive. Conclusion Data can be recovered from a wiped hard drive provided the user acts quickly and stops using the drive the moment they realise they’ve made a mistake. If someone wants to securely erase all of the data held on a hard drive, this is entirely possible. Sadly, if a user has accidentally deleted data held on a piece of storage media using Flash, their data is, indeed, permanently deleted.  
10Jul