Data File Recovery: First Steps
If you are in need of data / file recovery, the situation can be quite stressful. Now the most important thing is to avoid mistakes that will make your data gone forever.
- The first tip for all cases of data or file loss: calm down, remove stress) don’t panic because your next steps are critical for successful data / file recovery.
- Second, don’t assume that data file recovery is not possible in your particular case, no matter how bad it seems. Even in most hopeless cases experts have been able to regain the lost information.
- Third, let’s define the roots of the problem. As a rule, data loss is caused by accidental deletion or hard drive problems.
Before moving on directly to data file recovery, read what you SHOULD NOT do in each case (the information works for any type of file or data). Avoiding destructive steps from the very beginning maximizes chances of complete data file recovery.
Do-Nots after data loss
Accidental deletion:
(Shift-deleting, emptying the recycle bin, disk format, reinstalling the system, software failure, etc) Use the disk containing the lost data as little as possible. The more you use the disk the more the chance to overwrite the lost information so that data file recovery becomes impossible.
- Don’t use your system if it is installed on the hard drive with lost data, or use it as little as you can until the data file recovery is completed.
- Don’t defrag the storage device.
- Don’t copy any new files to the hard drive, USB flash card or memory card with your lost data.
- Don’t start any programs without necessity.
- Don’t restart your computer unless it is really necessary.
- Don’t browse the internet without necessity because browsers save cache on the hard disk so the deleted data may be overwritten;
- Don’t install any new software except data & file recovery programs.
- If you have accidentally deleted a partition, don’t create a new one.
In this case good data and file recovery software will restore the lost information or reconstruct as much of the lost data as possible (if it was partially overwritten), so that you will be able to continue using the rebuilt file.
Hard Drive Problems (applies to other storage devices)
(Mechanical or water damage, hard drive failure or some another cause you are not even aware of)
- Shut down immediately. The longer you leave the damaged hard drive running, the less the chance of data file recovery.
- Don’t remove the cover from the HDD to avoid damage that may result in permanent data loss.
- Don’t power up your computer if the hard drive had a water or fire damage.
- Don’t expose the hard drive to shaking or vibrating, that may cause more damage.
- Don’t expose the hard drive to extreme temperatures, hot or cold.
- Don’t try to use any data file recovery software.
- Don’t try to handle the problem yourself. Contact a good data file recovery expert. If you are not sure about the cause of you problem, look through the information on this resource. Pay attention to data loss prevention tips. This simple guide and a couple of minutes spent on reading can prevent many unpleasant incidents in future.
