Myths About Data Recovery

Data loss can cause extreme panic, especially in people with limited knowledge about the nature of how computers actually store information. Unfortunately, desperation can often lead individuals and organizations to take the wrong steps, resulting in unnecessary costs and irrevocable drive damage. To ensure that you give yourself the best possible chance at a positive outcome, learn some common misconceptions about data storage and recovery.

Myth: Data recovery software can restore any lost data.

Reality: Many data recovery software providers make bold claims about their products’ ability to restore missing data. In the vast majority of circumstances, however, if your drive has mechanical problems, software won’t have the desired impact.

Myth: Reformatting a hard drive permanently removes data.

Reality: Deleting files or reformatting a drive typically removes the entries from the “Table of Contents,” while leaving data written on the disk’s surface. In many instances, this data is recoverable, as long as there is not substantial damage to the drive. Overall recoverability depends on the amount of new data written to the drive, the amount of data previously stored on the drive, the actual physical location of the data and the level of fragmentation.

Myth: I can rejuvenate my damaged hard drive by hitting or freezing it.

Reality: According to a number of Internet fixes, you can reactivate a damaged drive by banging it, freezing it or heating it with a hair dryer. While there is a very slight possibility that something like this might work, these actions are far more likely to permanently damage the drive and make data recovery impossible.

Myth: Hard drives can be repaired.

Reality: In most cases, drive damage is irreversible. That said, even when drives have failed mechanically, they can often be repaired to a point that allows data recovery to occur.

Myth: Professional data recovery is exceptionally costly.

Reality: As with most things, your recovery costs directly relate not just to the reason for your data loss, but also to the company you choose. In most cases, data recovery expenses pale when compared to the cost of replacing critical information.

When it comes to data recovery, myths are can lead people to take inappropriate actions that lead to irreversible damage. Before you attempt any sort of do-it-yourself data recovery, contact a professional service to determine if your situation warrants expert help.