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The very
first rule for hard drive recovery or data recovery, is to
not let anything write to the drive. The more this happens,
the less the chances are that data can be recovered. So
immediately unplug it or remove it from the computer. If
it's your main computer, just shut the computer down
completely and call us.
We will take
your drive and run several scans on it to see what (if
anything) can be recovered. Just like the rest of our
services, we do NOT charge by the hour for this. Why?
Because, depending on the size of the drive, it usually
takes 3-4 hours just for ONE scan to run.
If no data
can be recovered, we only charge $50. If we can recover the
data, you will NOT be charged more than $150 for the
recovery itself. But depending on what media you want your
files back on there may be an additional charge. Meaning, if
you want the files put on a different hard drive, it's not a
big deal. But if you want it burned to 40 different CD's
then that takes A LOT of time to switch them and label them,
etc. so obviously there would be an additional charge for
that.
So what
determines when you can't get any data back? Well, if the
drive itself is completely dead and you can't get any power
to it, bring it to us and let us try it. We'll double-check
and confirm one way or the other--at no cost (as long as you
bring it to us.)
Things that
you can expect:
If the drive
is making any noises out of the ordinary, there's still a
chance of recovery.
If you turn the drive on and all you get is consistent
clicking (also known as "The Click of Death") then there's
less of a chance we can get any data from it. But again, let
us see what happens when we test it.
Data
Destruction:
What if I
want to securely erase all the data on my hard drive? How
many times do I have to overwrite the drive to destroy any
data on it?
I have spoken
with people who actually work at data recovery places--you
know, the ones that not only can recover hard disk data like
we do, but the ones that have the "Class 100 Clean Room"
where they have to wear the full-body white suits and masks
to keep the room dust free. They have assured me that with
today's technology, all you need to do is to overwrite the
entire surface area of a drive ONE time and even they can't
get the data back. So all those programs that say they can
overwrite it 7 or even 30 times in order to securely erase
the contents, well, if it really makes you feel better, feel
free to do so. But remember, just one time really is enough.
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