Some social people say there are two kinds of computer hard drives, those that have failed and those that may fail. This admittedly tongue in cheek comment highlights the fact that hard disks are mechanical devices and as such will ultimately suffer physical damage, degrade or break down. If your computer's hard drive fails, acquiring with it important files and various other data, your only real option is to obtain professional assistance from an established data recovery company.
Unfortunately, not absolutely all data recovery companies are manufactured equal. Some companies don't have the data or expertise to truly give you the greatest chance to recover your lost documents. There are a large number of businesses out there who state to become data recovery experts, but how do you know which ones are the most ideal for you? Here are some tips on finding a ongoing firm that will retrieve your information without costing you a bundle.
Client List.
Discover out whom the company did work for previously and whether those clients were content with the work. If the ongoing company spent some time working for larger customers and includes a significant quantity of repeat business, you may be reasonably certain that they are reputable. You can check with the Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce in your town to find out if there have been any issues registered against the company and the nature of those complaints.
Another good way to tell if the business is well-recommended is to discover if the company that produced your hard disk drive recommends that data recovery service you're considering with their customers. Hard disk drive companies will make sure they're comfortable with a data recovery firm before recommending them.
Be cautious of testimonials offered on the company's website. Sometimes they are useful, but often they could be inflated and certainly just the most positive responses about their service will appear on the site.
Facilities.
A Class 100 clean space environment ("Course 100" means there are less than 100 micro-contaminants per cubic feet of air) is required to perform focus on the fine parts of a difficult drive. Hard drives are really sensitive and the slightest contaminate can render your data irretrievable. An established data recovery firm shall have these services to work on your hard drive. If indeed they don't you're better off looking elsewhere.
Recovery Rate.
It's worthwhile to enquire about the company's recovery rate when you compare service providers. Most data recovery businesses have a success rate of about 80-90%. If the business you're considering has a significantly lower success price, they're most likely not using the most successful recovery methods.
nondestructive Recovery Methods.
Some low-end companies run software packages that can recover some of the data, but may further damage the drive in the process. Adding to the drive's damage may very likely remove any potential for you recovering your data in complete. Ask the business if they use non-destructive methods.
Pricing and Fees.
Generally speaking, costs for physical recovery of data from your hard disk drive should all maintain the same cost range - give or take a small bit. If the company you're considering really wants to charge you significantly more or less than the average amount, it may be a scam or a low-end company.
Also, in most cases, companies will provide a free consultation and there should not be any flat fees.
Experience.
How long has the company been in business? Do they perform only data recovery or perform they dabble in various other services as well? Perform they retrieve your computer data on-site or perform they ship it out to a third-party?
Companies who are new to the business are generally more of a risk than well-established companies, and companies who specialize in only data recovery are generally a better bet. Don't choose a company who outsources their work. If you do, you're basically paying extra to the center man, why not go to the company who does the task straight?
Privacy.
What assurances do you have that the ongoing business will respect your privacy with regards to the data? Is there a confidentiality agreement set up? Are you comfortable that you data will not be shared or distributed in any way?
Personal comfort level.
Sometimes the best guide is merely your "gut" instinct. Talk to the company representative, ask all of the relevant questions you possess and decide whether you are feeling comfortable with the company and the project. When you have any concerns, find out if the company can address them or simply move on sufficiently. There are thousands of data recovery businesses out there so that it makes sense to look around and not settle for the first firm you find.
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