Aware of the importance of lost time, data recovery experts immediately begin working, upon receiving the hard disk. The process of recovery begins by an evaluation of the device to determine if it was a physical or logical problem that led to the loss. The extent of disk damage is assessed and probable recovery rates are ascertained. This basic examination of the data storage device is called an evaluation of the media.

The entire process of hard drive evaluation ranges between 15 minutes to 48 hours, at times even more, for many variable factors determine the time taken. If the logical structure of the drive is damaged, or if the drive has developed logical and physical problems simultaneously, it might take more time to perform an assessment. Regardless of the time taken, such preliminary investigation is important, for it helps evaluate whether recovering data is worth the effort and cost.

Process of Evaluation

The process of evaluation commences only after data recovery experts scan the details you have provided in the questionnaire. The specifications pertaining to the storage capacity of your hard drive, the partition size in GB, the availability of antivirus software in your personal computer (pc), and similar such information is vital. The column that requires a brief synopsis of the accident which led to this situation is also important information.

Many pc owners often disregard the questionnaire, but the provided information helps the data recovery expert perform a better job on evaluation. Armed with the facts provided by you, the professional opens your hard disk in a class 100 clean room and begins a methodical work on your drive.

The technician first ascertains the nature of damage done to your data storage media. If the disk is physically damaged, the required parts are selected from the huge inventory they have. If matching parts are unavailable, the vendor is contacted for the requisite supply. If your drive is extensively damaged, and has developed both logical and physical problems, the evaluation process turns complex and necessitates the combined effort of many technicians.

After the problem appraisal, a sector by sector mirror image of your hard drive is made. The data structure is then analysed. These are complicated jobs, necessitating many hours of extensive work. Such comprehensive analysis enables the professionals estimate the quantum of data that can be recovered and the cost it entails. Data recovery is a complicated job and the pre-performance of the appraisal work ensures successful retrieval.

Free Evaluation

Performing an evaluation of your damaged hard disk is neither simple nor cheap. It is an expensive process that demands not only the usage of class 100 clean rooms but also of pricey and sophisticated tools. Such expertise comes for a price and if a data recovery company charges for an evaluation, they are justified in doing so. A few data recovery companies do not charge an evaluation fee, but they collect a cancellation fee, if you decide against recovering your data.

Those who offer free evaluation and charge no cancellation fee are too good to be true. You should not hand over your storage device to such service providers. Data storage media evaluation is an expensive process and genuine companies charge appropriately and perform proper appraisal for it is necessary for further progress of the work.

Importance of Disk Evaluation

This thorough and comprehensive analysis of your hard disk will state the condition of your files and directories (if accessible) and recommend the mode of recovery and the recovery cost and time.

Such information is necessary for both the service provider and the client. This enables the data recovery professionals to analyse to what extent the data can be recovered. This also capacitates them to inform you of the probable cost of recovery and the turnaround time. Based on this report, you can make a decision on whether to go ahead with data retrieval or to reconstruct lost data.

Assessment of your damaged data storage device is thus very important. Generally, reputed data recovery companies charge for the data recovery as per the estimated charges. Some companies quote low and charge high. Once you are given the evaluation report, compare and contrast it with that of other data recovery service providers to prevent yourself from getting short-changed.