September 27, 2004

Your Hard Disk Failed... Don't Panic !
Even without a backup, your data may still be revoverable

by Emanuele Allenti
 
Inability to access data stored on data storage devices (floppy discs, hard drives, CD-ROMS, Zip discs, etc.) could be caused by many reasons, from those that are easy to fix to those which are completely impossible to recover from. If the media is irreversably damaged, then it is likely there has already been some level of data loss.

The causes of failure for hardware devices such as the hard drive or CD-ROM drive could vary from a bad connection due to a loose power or data cable (easily fixed), to damage to the media itself -- and the data could still be recoverable in many cases.

As in the medical profession, the first principle of data recovery is: "do not harm". If you are facing a potential data loss situation, what you do not do can be as critical as the steps you take to protect further data loss.

• Do not power up a device that has obvious physical damage.



• Do not power up a device that has shown symptoms of physical failure. For example, disks that make "obvious mechanical fault noises" such as ticking or grinding, should not be repeatedly powered on and tested as it just makes them worse.



• Activate the write-protect switch or tab on any problem removable media such as tape cartridges and floppies. Many good backups are overwritten during a crisis.



• Do not use free software in an effort to recover your data. This is very important! Free data recovery software can be extremely dangerous and ruin your chances for a successful data recovery.

Many companies offer free data recovery software -- frequently referred to as "Do-It-Yourself" (DIY) data recovery software -- available for download on their websites. Unfortunately, even the best recovery software works in very rare situations.

While these free tools and utilities may help to some degree, they generally help only if you are encountering one of a few very specific data loss situations. Although they are provided with the best of intentions, even when carefully used, these utilities may cause data that is recoverable to become permanently lost ... and to add insult to injury, may result in the loss of additional data.

Anyway, there are steps you can take if you are having data access problems and your media has no symptoms of physical failure or damage. Check for some of these obvious issues before determining if you need to take some additional steps for data recovery:

• Are the power and data cables properly connected?



• Is the configuration or disk information correct?



• Try a different adapter or controller interface on the defective unit, or install the hard drive (or other faulty component) in a different computer to see if you get similar results there.



• Is there an experienced technician at a local store or the company help desk that you can consult if these steps are beyond your capabilities? Make sure whoever you are in contact is fully aware that they should do nothing during their troubleshooting that will risk additional loss of your data.

Still having problems? Don't panic! If damage occurred to a drive's electronic components, the data can still be recovered. If the system area of the media has been damaged leaving the data zone intact, the data files can frequently be recovered by a professional.

Search the Internet for data recovery companies. Ask them questions, and explain your situation. In many cases these firms will be able to help you recover your data for a fair price.

About the Author
Emanuele Allenti is the owner of Backup and Data Recovery, a website with useful information written by experts for those interested in backup and data recovery.

Call for AAA Tech Net, Inc.