File Recovery For The First-timer

File recovery solutions may seem similar. But as you look closer, choosing just one or two software to download or service companies to call can be challenging.

To start with, you may be wondering why the cost for file recovery products can range from about thirty-five to hundreds of dollars. And then there's the service differences. Answering all the questions you're thinking about, and helping you find the right software or service is important, but first let us make certain your data is safe.

Think Safety Before Recovery:

If you're reviewing this information on the computer you want to perform file recovery on, do the following right now. If you didn't know, your computer's operating system is always performing tasks in the background and could overwrite the lost data.

- Close down any open documents.

- Quickly write down or print this page so you have a copy to follow.

- Unplug the computer; do not shut it down first. FYI: The reason it's so important to unplug the computer instead of shutting it off, is to keep it from running any longer. Shutting down your computer in the traditional way may cause data to be lost without recourse.

What To Avoid:

Don't try to fix things by running the recovery disc from the operating system manufacturer. It's designed to get your computer up an running again but destroys data. Be forewarned, it's not a file recovery solution. Simply call up the maker and ask them if your data will be overwritten upon running the program. They will always reply, "Yes".

Never install file recovery software on the same computer you're trying to get files back from; It could overwrite your lost files.

Attention computer technicians: don't even install a program on a separate partition. Because there might be corruption in the file system, you risk overwriting the partition and files you're trying to get back during installation. Don't take chances. Install the program on another drive or running it from a stand-alone disk if possible.

File Recovery Utilities:

The file recovery software you need to download depends on what caused the trouble...

- Have you deleted a file by mistake that you need recovered?

- Did you lose a file, or when opening it, found it damaged?

- As you started your computer, did a blue or black screen appear with an error? Make a note of the problem.

If you mistakenly delete an important file, you can get it back with a cheap undelete software. If you run the program and still can't find the file, the file system needs to be realigned to recover the data. That means you have to download stronger and more expensive program that can do the job.

More specifically, a file recovery software that can do this will probably be around seventy-five to a little over a hundred dollars. If you're a computer technician you may want to get a recovery toolkit that costs a few hundred.

If one of the stronger softwares don't work, or if you couldn't access your computer from the start, it's time to contact a file recovery company.

Professional File Recovery:

When choosing a file recovery service, find out whether they create and sell file recovery software. If so they should have good to great services. I've been at this a long time and the pros make and sell software in addition to providing lab services.

A real recovery company will only handle file recovery and sometimes criminal cases involving computer forensics. A quick litmus test to see if they specialize in recovering data, or also offer other services, would be to ask them if they can put in a data security system for your company?

The Best Suggestion I Can Give You:

As they say in the industry, the question is not, if you'll need file recovery, but will you be ready when it happens. Taking a preventive stance is best. So keep your files safe by doing this:

- Make sure to perform daily file backups daily.

- Check monthly to make sure your back-up works because a problem occurs at least once or twice a year.

- Make sure your computer is set to defrag weekly. It not only helps optimize your computer but also helps with file recovery.