Data recovery refers to the process of retrieving data that has been corrupted, damaged, or otherwise lost from a computer hard drive or secondary storage.
The focus of this category is on software that has been designed to assist in this effort. Various data recovery programs, while the same in many ways offer unique options. For this reason, it is important to do the research and to understand the capabilities of the available tools.
This decision might also be guided by the nature of the problem. A common cause of sudden data loss is the result of operating system failures, such as failure of a storage device or accidental damage. Another cause of data loss might be a compromised file system or hard drive crash. Files are occasionally deleted accidentally by users, in which case they may be recovered if not overwritten by other data files.
Of course, data loss is not always recoverable, and losses from physical damage to storage media are probably not recoverable in the average home or business environment, but will require the services of a data recovery specialist.
Logical damage is a term that is used to refer to situations where the cause of data loss is not a physical problem with the hardware. In such cases, there may be software solutions.
For example, data on a hard drive might become unreadable due to damage to a partition table or file system. In such an event, it might be possible to recover at least part of the original data by repairing the damaged partition table or file system, which might be accomplished through data recovery software.
Most computer users understand that deleted files can be easily recovered from the recycle bin or trash can, depending on the system used, as long as it hasn't been overwritten with new data.
In some cases, it may be possible to recover data that has been overwritten, the chances of success are very low. Solid-state drives overwrite data differently than hard drives, and it might be recoverable through data recovery software.
Data can also be lost, deleted, or formatted due to accidental deletion or through situations like a virus attack, and may be recoverable through software. Seemingly more common in the hard drives of a couple of decades ago, another cause of logical failure is a logical bad sector, in which data stored in these sectors cannot be read through normal means. A software tool might be able to correct the logical sectors of the media drive.
Data recovery software may be designed for use by data recovery experts or for home users. Through software, recovery technicians do not always need to have physical access to the damaged hardware, as remote access software tools might allow them to recover the data over the Internet, LAN, or another remote connection.
Another form of data recovery software that computer users of a couple of decades ago were perhaps more familiar with than those today is the restore disk. Using a restore disk, an operating system can be reinstalled on a computer that has already been licensed for it. However, as supplied by the original equipment manufacturer, such disks contain a backup of the original factory condition of a computer and are designed to reformat the hard drive and reinstall the operating system and pre-installed software, overwriting other data that may have been on the drive.
Any software designed to be used to recover from data losses, whatever the cause, are appropriate topics for this category.
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Recommended Resources
Compatible with the Microsoft Windows platform, 7-Data is a free download, designed to recover deleted, damaged and lost data files, including accidental file deletions, partition errors, corrupt iPhone file retrieval, SD card issues, and hard drives that stopped booting. Its features are discussed and shown in screenshots, and an informational blog offers tips and suggestions for several related issues, along with contacts.
https://7datarecovery.com/
DDR Recovery offers a variety of software programs designed for data recovery, including packages for Microsoft Windows and for the Mac. Free trial versions include the full features of the paid version, except that recovered files, cannot be saved through the trial version. Several applications are available, intended for home use, requiring no technical knowledge. Customer support resources are discussed, and the procedure for recovering lost data is defined.
https://www.datarecoverysoftware.com/
Data Recovery Software & Services
LCTechnology International offers data recovery software for the Windows-based PC and Apple Macintosh, as well as data recovery services for digital devices. A wide variety of file recovery software is available for both platforms, including photo recovery, video recovery, and SD card/flash media recovery software. Web portals are available for Windows, Mac, and Web users, and its product and software support services are detailed, and the warning signs of hard drive failure are included.
https://www.recover98.com/
Designed for use on a Mac, Disk Drill can scan and recover data from most storage devices, including Mac hard drives, external drives, iPhones, iPads, Android devices, USB flash drives, Kindles, and memory cards. In some cases, the software can read a device even if it is failing, unreadable, or has lost a partition. Besides its data recovery features, it includes a variety of disk tools for data professionals and home users. Free and a commercial Pro version are available.
https://www.cleverfiles.com/
With locations in Illinois, California and Minnesota, ESS offers critical response data recovery services which include, but are not limited to, data recovery and data recovery training, computer forensics, DAT and DLT tape duplication, and hard drive repair. Its services and software are described, along with a client list, case status reports, research and development, contacts, and a free quote may be requested.
http://datarecovery.com/
Offering Windows or Mac recovery, the software can be used to recover lost data from hard drives, partitions, SD cards, USB drives, or other removable drives. Besides its main Data Recovery product, solutions for iPhone data recovery, data backup, and a file shredder are also available, along with a free junk erasure tool. The features of each of its tools are listed, along with tutorials, a user guide, and other support services.
https://www.ibeesoft.com/
In business since 1994, Paragon produces a variety of software tools for business and home computer users, including low-level storage management programs, file system drivers, security, cloning, data backup and recovery of operational, business, and user data, supporting Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android platforms. Its programs are highlighted, along with a list of features and benefits, hardware requirements, product documentation, and support options.
https://www.paragon-software.com/
R-TT specializes in software tools for data backup and recovery. Intended for data recovery businesses or individuals, its commercial R-Studio package is its flagship product, offering various data recovery features, along with a versatile file previewer that helps estimate the chances of recovery. Other products include R-Drive Image Licensing, and a variety of free and home-use software programs for data backup, recovery, and restoration.
https://www.r-tt.com/
In business since 2001, ZAR is a data recovery tool, with options for a single-user license as well as a technician (site) license, and a limited demo version. Designed for use with recent versions of the Microsoft Windows operating system, its requirements and features are highlighted, along with tutorials on various issues related to data recovery, partition recovery, and image recovery. A software manual and support options are included.
https://www.z-a-recovery.com/
