Data Recovery FAQs
How do I know if my hard drive is failing?
A failing hard drive can have several symptoms. The most common are odd noises such as clicking and/or scratching coming from the hard drive. Other symptoms can be degraded machine performance, random blue screens (Windows), failure to boot up properly, or Windows running the Check Disk program every time the system starts up.
Several things can cause failure. Most of the time it is caused just by mechanical failure. A mechanism in the drive just doesn't work any more. These can happen on their own, or by dropping the computer that the drive is in. Viruses and other malware cannot cause a drive failure, but they can cause file deletions.
Should I attempt to repair the hard drive myself?
The Data Recovery success rate is much greater when we get the hard drive at the first signs of trouble. The more a drive is used when it is in a compromised condition, the more damage is done. Try not to run the computer at all, but if you must - AVOID HIGH STRESS PROGRAMS SUCH AS CHECKDISK, DISK WARRIOR, DEFRAGMENTER, ETC! Running programs such as these will severely damage a disk that is in the failing stages.
I accidentally formatted my hard drive and/or deleted files that I didn't have backed up. Can I get those recovered?
Yes. Recovery is possible on deleted files and formatted disks, provided that the physical location of the file has not been written to again. For higher success rate of recovering a deleted file or formatted disk, stop using your computer and bring it in. The more you use it, the greater the chance of files getting overwritten. If files do get overwritten, recovery is impossible.
Is the recovery of the data guaranteed?
While we can recover data in most cases, it depends on the stage of physical damage to the drive. We do not have the facilities to repair a drive that is damaged to the point that it must be taken apart and completely rebuilt internally. However, we can send the drive to a clean room facility that we have partnered with to get a lowered rate. They handle the severely damaged drives that need to have internal repairs done before recovery can be completed.
Data Recovery
CDB no longer offers data recovery services.
If you need data recovery service, please see www.a2datarecovery.com.