6 Common Data Recovery Myths Busted

By Matt Brennan

For most people, we sit down at the computer, we power it up. We click on our file and take for granted that it will open, showing us the data that we need to complete whatever tasks need completion at the time. Eventually, the process may not work the way that you expected it to. A file may be lost, damaged, or corrupted. When that occurs it’s important to understand how the data recovery process works.

Below are six popular data recovery myths that we hear about quite a bit.

Data recovery software can be used to reliably recover just about anything.

This myth can be particularly dangerous when it comes to recovering valuable business data. This software can and often does cause permanent damage to the hard drive that prevents a complete recovery. It also may not be able to recover the data in question.

Reformatting a drive permanently deletes all data.

When you reformat a hard drive, it typically removes the file from the table of contents, leaving it in the same space. In many cases, when data is lost due to reformatting, it can be recovered by data recovery specialists.

When data is deleted, it can never be recovered.

This myth is complicated. It can vary from system to system. But the way that most hard drives work is that when a file is deleted, the space that file occupies is marked as available for new data. It isn’t truly deleted until the hard drive writes over it as it downloads new data.

If you can get the hard drive to a data recovery specialist before it writes over the lost file, you may still be able to recover what was lost.

Data recovery fixes the hard drive in question.

Data recovery specialists are able to restore a hard drive to the point where data is recoverable. But it’s rarely in a dependable state after that. The data that we recover is often copied to another device of their choice when it is returned.

Professional data recovery can be cost prohibitive.

Like any other service, you are paying for professionals’ time. Other factors including the circumstances around your data loss, how much data needs to be recovered, and the expertise of the recovery company can factor into the cost.

You must determine what the lost data is worth to your company as well. It may be more costly if you are forced to replace this information.

Any lost data is recoverable.

It’s not uncommon for data recovery companies that want your business to make extreme claims about their service. But the fact remains that the circumstances around your data loss will determine whether your data is recovery. For example, with physical damage to the hard drive, or the use of data recovery software, the chances that data is recoverable decrease dramatically.

Do Your Research Before Hiring a Data Recovery Specialist

Your data is critical to your ability to run your company. Before you trust the task of recovering it to anyone, you owe it to yourself to do your research. Make sure that the company is honest, and that they are not making promises that can’t be kept. It’s crucial that you can trust the company that is working to restore your valuable data.