Data Recovery 101: Improving Your Chances of a Successful Data Recovery

This is the finale of Ontrack’s Data Recovery 101 training series, a collection of blog posts designed to help identify device failures and data loss scenarios that may need professional data recovery service.

Over the course of this series, we’ve discussed various ways in which data loss can occur, including contrasts between logical and physical data loss as well as common signs of potential failure in hard drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs). Now that you’ve been equipped to spot data loss, there’s only one thing left to do: take the proper steps to ensure a successful recovery.

Improving Recovery Success: Physical Damage

No matter the circumstance, there are five tips to keep top of mind when data loss strikes:

Stop
Once data loss occurs, your best bet is to stop what you’re doing and take note of what happened. The more specific you can be, the better.
Don’t Panic
Take a moment to assess all your options before taking action. Spontaneous behavior may make the situation worse.
DIY…With Caution
Let’s be clear: You should never try DIY methods with physically damaged media. However, in logical cases, it may be safe to use data recovery software at the suggestion of professionals. Speaking of which…
Call A Professional
You’ll likely need expert advice regarding what to do about data loss. Ontrack’s data recovery engineers are available for initial consultations and device evaluations to provide a proper scope of damage, free of charge.
Package Safely When Shipping to A Recovery Service
If your damaged device needs to be shipped to a recovery service location, proper packaging will make all the difference. Typically, you’ll need to pack the device in a box roughly twice its size and fill it with bubble wrap or newspaper as cushioning. If your device has water or fire damage, don’t attempt to dry or clean it yourself. Simply place it in a sealed plastic bag to prevent further contamination.

This concludes our Data Recovery 101 series. Whether your data loss scenario stems from an everyday occurrence or your device falls victim to a once-in-a-lifetime accident, Ontrack is equipped to provide successful recovery from any make, model, brand, or operating system. Start your free evaluation today and let us determine the best course of action to help you get your data back.

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