by : James Walsh

Data can get lost, damaged or corrupt due to physical damage to the storage device or logical damage to the file system installed on host operating system. The type of data that can be recovered includes deleted files, damaged or deleted partition, missing partition, corrupt or missing operating system files, corrupt files etc.

The first and foremost prevention against possible data loss is 'Data backup'. It is the process of having duplicate copy of the original file. It includes copying files or databases so that the data is retained in case of any accidental or intentional deletion of data. In absence of a data backup when one is faced with a data loss, there are various options available which can save one from the disastrous situation:

Data Recovery Software: A competitive range of DIY data recovery software is available in the market that provides recovery solutions for every kind of data recovery need. It includes software appropriate for recovery from various file systems installed on most frequently used and popular operating systems. Sometimes due to physical damage to the storage device data recovery software cannot recover any data. In such cases, it cannot access or locate the data in the damaged media. A situation like this calls for the other option.

Remote Data Recovery: Some recovery agencies offer remote recovery services where they access corrupted partition or missing partition, corrupt file etc. using your computer system over internet or any connectivity protocol. They then recover and restore the lost data to your system copying it to a new, secure destination. It is a convenient and cost-effective solution because:

• It provides a 24X7 data recovery service anywhere in the world.



• There is no need to ship/send your drive or hardware for recovery. This makes it cost-effective and saves vital time.



• It ensures safe and secure recovery of data with no leakage of confidential data.



• It is a fast technique as it connects right to your computer system. This also makes it effective and convenient.



• It restores files to an easy and safe destination.

Remote data recovery services can restore data from all media types but only in cases where your hard drive functions properly i.e. it is not failing and damaged.

In-Lab Recovery Service: In this the drive or the main storage media is either damaged or corrupt ted. The hard drive could be damaged due to any of the following reasons: power surges, hardware crash, drive not booting, fire or water damage. In a situation like this it is imperative to take the storage media to the specialized labs. The restoration work takes place in the controlled environment of a lab by expert technicians.

Data recovery can be done by employing any of the above methods. What is interesting to note is that though the methodology of the three options is different they can all be used to recover data from all media types - hard disk digital media (flash memory, memory stick etc.), removable media , external hard drives; on platforms like - servers/storage ,databases, desktops, laptops and on various operating systems. For example: MICROSOFT WINDOWS, LINUX, NOVELL NETWARE, UNIX, SUN, MAC OSX OSG etc.

As more and more organizations store an increasing amount of their data in digital form the instances of data loss have increased manifold. Big corporates, our military forces, hospitals, schools and govt. organizations all are relying on computers to maintain a database. This database is also being constantly updated to include the latest information, giving rise to huge amount of digitally stored data. Besides this, we as individuals have also started using digital storage media to store information like family photographs at our homes. The set top boxes, pen drives, digital cameras, iPods are some examples of storage media we have commonly started using at home.

Growing incidents of data loss are what has led to a growth of data recovery companies. The fact is also that the progress in storage media technology is accompanied by an equally amazing advancement in data recovery technology. Going by the present trend one can safely assume that the developments in digital technology will go hand in hand with the equally meteoric rise in the growth of data recovery industry.