Q: How can I maximise the volume of recoverable data from a potentially damaged hard drive?
A: Pending the damage sustained, at no circumstance should you write data to your hard drive and do not attempt your own recovery as known software recovery tools can cause further damage and render your data useless and/or lost. Power down your computer and contact the SpectrumData Recovery Team, and read our Dos and Don'ts.
Q: How can I prevent data loss?
A: Backup, backup and backup. The reality of all things mechanical, like media cartridges and hard drives, is that they are going to experience problems at some time. Nothing can prevent data loss better than performing routine backups of all your data. With a good RPO (Recovery Point Objective) strategy in place you can save hours, days and weeks of downtime by minimising data loss through routine backups. Employ a decent RPO strategy and ensure that you are also running a good anti-virus software package, updated regularly. A well planned and executed plan which combines both of these will provide you with protection against data loss.
Q: What is a Class 100 Clean Room?
A: A clean room is a purpose built environment which is utilised by many fields such as pharmaceuticals and electronics manufacturing. A clean room enables the users to control the environment within the room which ensures contaminant control for the articles within the clean room, the users or both. Differing clean rooms conform to differing standards. In the case of data recovery where a clean room is utilised for the examination and repair of hard disks a Class 100 (US standard) clean room is used. Also known as the 3.5 Australian Standard and the ISO 5 International Standard, it is said to have no more than 99 particles measuring 0.5 microns being detected in 28.3 litres (1 cubic foot) over 1 minute. This is regulated by the continuous flow of clean air from a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) circulation system, which creates a positive air pressure within the room. In order to maintain the standard of the clean room, technicians are required to follow strict procedures that include the use of non-linting full-body garments. In order to ensure the safety of the hard disks, the SpectrumData Recovery clean room is also an anti-static environment with specialised flooring, benches and tools.
Q: What do I do if my PC gets wet?
A: Do not turn on your computer. Unplug it and seal in an air tight container and bring it in to the experts at SpectrumData Recovery.
Q. What are the main causes for hard disk data loss?
A: Disk drive data loss can be the result of one or more of the following: viruses, platters/components and electro-mechanical failures, data corruption, human error, or natural disasters.
Q. I need access to my data as soon as you have finished recovering it - what delivery service does SpectrumData provide?
A: SpectrumData have recently installed a new and secure fibre optic link, which enables us to e-deliver terabytes of your valuable data to immediately following processing.
Q. I have accidentally deleted some files and emptied my recycle bin. Can the files be recovered?
A: Yes, in most circumstances, these files can be recovered. It is recommended that as soon as you realise that the files you need have been deleted that you minimise any data that you write to your disk, and send it to SpectrumData. This will avoid over writing any files that are currently in a state of deletion (although they are not visible to you)with new data.
Q. I have a project that I would like SpectrumData to provide me with a quotation for. In order to save time, do you have a job briefing form that I can complete with all of the project details?
A: Yes, SpectrumData has several different Service Request Forms available for our customers in order for them to provide a written brief of their job requirements. The forms are readily available on our website and can be downloaded from there, completed and returned to us for quotation. To download a SpectrumData Service Request Form please click here.
Q: What is the difference between a logical and physical hard disk recovery?
A: Physical hard disk drive recovery is the recovery of data when there is a physical problem with the components of the disk which prevent the data from being read. Physical recovery requires the use of dust free clean room facilities in order to repair or replace the broken component and hence read the data.
Logical data recovery is the recovery of data where a file system has been left in an inconsistent state, and the data cannot be read. This can be due to power outages, system crashes, as well as hardware and drive failure. Recovery methods include repair to and/or by pass of allocation tables, and multiple passes using specialist recovery software and firmware.
Q: After the data recovery process can I still use my hard disk drive if repaired?
A: NO. Whilst the disk may have been fixed to enable data recovery it is not recommended for general use as the disk has previously failed.
Q: If my computer gets struck by lightning or a power surge will this effect my data?
A: Possibly, immediately unplug your PC from the power source and contact SpectrumData.
Q: I accidentally reformatted my memory card on my digital camera. Can SpectrumData recover my photos for me?
A: Yes, in most circumstances, SpectrumData can recover your important photographs from your formatted memory card. Please ensure that no further images are taken on the camera and that the card is forwarded to us ASAP for evaluation.
Q: What is RTO?
A: RTO - Restore Time Objective. Thisrefers to the length of time it will take to recover from a data loss. Conventional stylerecovery time calculations are usually based on moderate data interruptions and are different from those used for disaster recovery/business continuity purposes.DR and business continuity strategies take into considerationmore global disasters applicable to theorganisation such as the loss of facilities and services.
Q: What is RPO?
A: RPO - Recovery Point Objective. This represents the maximum length of time that can pass between backups. How much is your data worth to you and just how much data can you afford to lose? It is expected that some environments require a level down to the minute or even to the second. The strategy distinguishes the time value that is acceptable.
Q: What does "clicking" mean in an HDD?
A: A “clicking” sound from an HDD may be the primary indicator of a failing or damaged hard disk. Physical damage, a build up of dust, or very high or low temperatures over a period of time, may cause an HDD to start failing. Along with the clicking sound, several other problems may also arise such as a slower running system, damaged and corrupt files, or system and software error messages.
Q: Will I void my warranty by pursuing hard disk recovery?
A: The majority of data recoveries concerning disks still under warranty are logical in nature. As this does not require the breach of any warranty seals on the disks your warranty will be safe. However if your disk is part of a pre-built package, opening the casing of the PC can often breach warranty seals. In sucha case it is best to return your PC to the point of purchase and have them remove the disk before sending it to a data recovery company.
Recoveries that are physical in nature will most likely breach warranty seals. In some cases, a warranty claim can be lodged with the manufacturer and with the manufacturer allowing data recovery to be performed after a replacement has been issued. Other cases will require authorisation from the manufacturer, written or otherwise before the disk can undergo a physical recovery.
Q. I have accidentally deleted some files and emptied my recycle bin. Can the files be recovered?
A: Yes, in most circumstances, these files can be recovered. It is recommended that as soon as you realise that the files you need have been deleted that you minimise any data that you write to your disk, and send it to SpectrumData. This will avoid over writing any files that are currently in a state of deletion (although they are not visible to you) with new data.