Recovery software will generally allow you to recover files that were deleted by accident if the drive is still operational (working); however, once a drive fails, using recovery software on the failed drive is generally the last action that renders the remaining data irretrievable. This article will outline how to determine whether the drive has failed or not, so you don’t risk losing the rest of your data with an ill-advised attempt to use recovery software.
If the drive is functional (healthy), and you’ve simply deleted a file by mistake, then the recovery software may be able to assist. However, if the drive is making noise, slowing down, or not detected at all, do not attempt to run recovery software on it; this can render any remaining data unrecoverable. Stop immediately and seek out a qualified professional.
In cases where a drive is functioning properly (mechanically sound) and the loss of files is due to some type of logical error, many reputable data recovery software programs should be able to recover those files. To accomplish this safely and effectively there are four things that must be true.
The drive is mechanically working properly (no clicking/grinding). The drive is operating as expected by the computer system and is detected normally. The drive is behaving itself (not producing unusual noises). The software is only safe to operate on drives that are fully functional.
You deleted the file by quick-formatting the drive, emptying the bin, etc. The drive was intact at the time of deletion.
With each new save/install/download/etc., there is always a chance of writing data over the top of the information you are attempting to recover.
Always write any file recovered from another drive into a different drive than where it was found.
Software can kill a failing disk. Software continues to power the disk while repeatedly hammering at areas on the disk that cannot be read. This causes the disk to heat up, stress out its mechanical components, and accelerate the failure. Some software also writes back to the original disk. All the signs listed here are a reason to stop now.
The choice is clear. Was the loss due to a hardware problem or a logical error? Logical errors on a healthy drive should allow for DIY recovery software provided you are recovering the files onto another disk, and not the one you lost them from. Hardware problems? Physical failures? Data you can’t afford to lose? Uncertainty? You need to send it directly to a professional who images your failed disk once to protect the integrity of your data before they begin their recovery efforts. Failing drives rarely get two bites of the cherry. Therefore, the true cost of making a mistake is not the cost of the software, but rather the value of what you are losing.
The answers to the questions that are asked the most.
On a functional disk, running recovery software to recover data to a separate disk and ceasing use of the original disk is relatively low risk. However, when using recovery software on a failing disk that makes strange noises (clicking), slows down dramatically, or does not show up, it is unsafe because it will continue to keep your failing disk operational and may ultimately result in permanent damage to the drive.
Yes, it can harm a failing drive. Running recovery software on a failing disk continues to provide power to the struggling mechanicals and continually reads from them causing additional wear-and-tear on those mechanics. In addition, some recovery tools will actually write data to the source drive as part of their operation. Therefore, if you see any indication of physical failure in your disk, do not run recovery software.
Yes, often, but stop here and do not attempt any additional tools. There are many times we may be able to retrieve lost data even if other attempts have been made, but the earlier in the process that you cease the further along we will be with successful recovery of your data.
At any point when your drive begins to produce unusual sounds (beeping, grinding, etc.), is no longer recognised by your computer, continually disconnects from your computer, or contains information that you cannot afford to lose, then there’s a very strong case to be made for creating a single, carefully executed “image” to protect that information. When attempting this yourself, however, you’re taking a serious risk of losing access to your data altogether.
Yes, on the right fault, absolutely. Deleted files or a formatted card on healthy hardware is exactly why good “data recovery” software was developed. The reason you shouldn’t go beyond what your “good” software was designed for is physical. A drive that clicks, has been dropped or is no longer recognisable requires hands-on treatment before any kind of scanning takes place. Every time you run another pass over a physically failing drive, you reduce your chances of success. Our honest guide to the free tools shows where they fit into their respective roles.
It is not the act of scanning itself that causes loss. Scanning is a read operation. Losses occur due to what happens outside of the actual scan, such as the installation of the tool on the very same drive you are trying to rescue, saving recovered files back to that same damaged drive, or repeatedly forcing a physically failing drive through multiple scans. Draw one hard and fast line (do not write anything to the subject) and then you can safely attempt a recovery.
Don’t bet on the software recovering your data. If your drive produces some sort of noise or if you simply cannot afford to risk losing the data contained within it, call us. We’ll diagnose it at no cost and recover it professionally.