Hard Drive Evaluation and Data Recovery

Data loss due to hard drive crash can be remedied now. In cases of software problems, using a DIY recovery package is the usual remedy that home users resort to. In case of hardware failure, which is more complicated and requires specialist handling, a professional data recovery company is called in for the rescue. While most of us are aware of their existence, there is still lack of clarity as to what they exactly do. Evaluating a hard disk is one such important step that has been discussed in detail below.

What Hard Drive Evaluation Involves

Recovering data from a crashed hard disk involves the following steps:

• Procuring the disk: The customer may either courier the disk or the recovery experts will arrange for its transportation, depending on its condition.



• Evaluating the disk: This is the process under discussion.



• Making a copy: A replica of the damaged hard disk is created to be worked upon without disturbing the original damaged disk.



• Restoring data: The data is restored by the assigned professionals.



• Returning the data: The restored data is returned to the customer along with the damaged disk.

Evaluation involves checking the hard disk thoroughly to discover all details of the damage and reporting the same to the customer. It is a very important step because this is when the customer gets a full idea about what has happened and what can be done next.

What Happens During Evaluation

A hard drive, as we have all noticed, is encased in a protective metal case. We cannot pry this open very easily, and we should never try it either. During evaluation, this is exactly what is done by a trained professional in a secure environment. The disk is taken out of its case and inspected thoroughly. Thereafter, a report is generated by the company on the findings and passed on to the owner of the disk.

Where does this Happen?

A hard disk is an extremely delicate object. It is prone to damage by dust, damp, humidity, heat, electric discharge, temperature fluctuations and, of course, mishandling. One unseen speck of dust can scratch its surface fatally, removing the data that has managed to remain intact so far. The evaluation of a damaged hard disk is, therefore, done in a special chamber called a clean room. The number of foreign particles in such a chamber is carefully regulated. The temperature and pressure conditions are also maintained stringently. It is humidity-, heat-, moisture- and dust-proof. Those who handle the disk have to wear a special garment that resembles a space suit and sterilised gloves. A small mistake on their part can be fatal to the disk and they are, therefore, highly trained professionals who are extremely careful.

What does it Entail?

The evaluation process entails several detailed steps and takes time according to the extent and type of damage, the volume of data involved and the type of data involved.

• The technicians in charge of the process find out the exact cause of the damage.



• They also evaluate its extent, i.e. how badly the data is affected.



• Thereafter, they suggest a recovery procedure that may most successfully recover the maximum amount of data possible in the least time period.



• They also make an educated guess as to what percentage of the total data may be recoverable at all.



• This information allows them to make an estimate of the cost to be incurred in the recovery process.



• On the basis of this, a more or less accurate report and estimated charge are sent to the customer.

Why is it Important?

The evaluation process is important because:

• It gives the company an idea about what is to be done.



• It gives the customer an idea about the expenses involved, so that if he or she chooses, the process may be implemented by the professionals or stopped right there.



• In case of corporate customers, this is the stage where their clients may be informed of the disaster, and of the time it would take to resume business.

Why is it Free of Cost?

The data recovery industry is highly competitive, and the quality of service is quite high. The customers usually pay a hefty amount and have the right to decide whether they want to incur such costs at all or not. Therefore, the evaluation is usually free so that the customer feels that it is a fair process.