The basics of data recovery
In short, data recovery is a process of retrieving deleted or simply missing files from a certain digital medium. It can be performed on-site using dedicated software, or by trained personnel in specialized laboratories. The choice of an optimal method depends heavily on the complexity of the given of data loss case, which is determined by a number of different factors. Yet, the first approach is usually preferred by the majority because of its affordability, confidentiality and prompt deployment.
Generally speaking, software-based data recovery is possible when:
-
the lost data was not overwritten with some new data;
-
the lost items were not deleted with special erasing or shredding software;
-
the deleted files were not wiped by the TRIM command initiated on a solid-state drive;
-
the storage device operates normally and doesn’t require any physical repairs.
With Raise Data Recovery, the procedure can be carried out even by users who have poor technical skills. However, there are some basic things one should know to make it efficient and put all doubts aside. Here you will find answers to a few popular questions that concern most beginners.
Is data recovery safe?
When restoring lost data with Raise Data Recovery, you can be sure about complete safety of its usage. This program works in a read-only mode that makes the process absolutely risk-free. The software doesn’t make any modifications to the original storage and rather makes a virtual reconstruction of its file system to find the data inside of it. Simply make certain that you don’t save anything to the affected volume, especially the recovered files – this leads to inevitable destruction of the data. For this reason, the application hides it in the list of target storages.
Also, all operations take place on your local computer – none of the content can be transferred to any remote location or third-party. That’s why you don’t need to worry about the sensitive data you may have on your storage device.
At the same time, if you have any suspicions regarding the physical condition of your drive, it is recommended to create its disk image. This way you can avoid further data loss in case of disk failure. If the drive was damaged, you should immediately contact a reliable data recovery center. Don’t try to do anything with the hardware inner parts, unless you have the appropriate expertise.
What are the data recovery chances?
Data recovery is based on the principle that no data disappears until it is overwritten. As each file system sets its own rules of managing data, the chances for successful data recovery depend greatly on the file system your storage is formatted with. To learn more about the chances of successful data recovery depending on a file system, please refer to the provided article.
The measures you take immediately after data loss are important as well: if you do everything possible to prevent the storage from further writing, the chances to get critical files back increase.
Please note that data overwriting takes place not only when you save some files to the storage or install an application. It may be caused by other programs you run, especially the so-called “repair” utilities, and even by the operating system itself. Moreover, new SSDs usually support the TRIM technology that speeds up writing, but makes recovery of deleted files impossible, as they get overwritten soon after their removal.
Will the program repair my corrupted drive?
The software is intended solely for the purpose of data recovery. It analyses your storage to find the lost folders/files, and if required, reconstructs its damaged elements, such as partitions and their file systems. After that, it will enable you to copy the data to another safe location. In contrast, “system repair” tools belong to an entirely different category of software. As they modify the content of the storage right on the spot, they can possibly provoke its irreversible damage. In view of this, you should never employ them until the important data is recovered and saved.
Can data be recovered from any device?
The list of storage devices supported by Raise Data Recovery can be found it the program’s Technical specifications. Yet, it is important to note that the medium has to be connected directly to the local computer. For example, the application can work with removable memory cards of smartphones when those are placed into the computer’s card reader or some external USB adapter. If you decide to connect your smartphone with the card via USB, only a virtual representation of the storage will be opened via Media Transfer Protocol. The real one will be blocked for access with no possibilities for data recovery. A similar situation happens with NAS units. As access to their files is provided via network file sharing protocols, the drives need to be taken from the device and connected to a PC for data recovery.
What is the problem in handling drives over 2 TB?
Sometimes you may come across an issue of such a drive not showing its full capacity, which appears to be smaller than the real drive's size. In most instances, this is a result of connecting a drive externally with the help of an older USB adapter, enclosure, or a docking station. The matter is that older USB devices may not be fully compatible with modern large drives due to limitations in the number of bits they use for addressing data. And this number directly impacts the maximum detectable capacity. In some cases, a similar problem also affects internal drives larger than 2 TB when they are plugged into an outdated motherboard or an old version HBA/RAID controller. Owing to its limited bandwidth, it may struggle to recognize and communicate with modern high-capacity drives and thus fails to identify their true size. In both situations, it is crucial to be aware that the data beyond that capacity becomes inaccessible, and Raise Data Recovery won’t be able to read out the files stored in those "unreported" portions. To overcome this obstacle, you may consider using alternative means of connection that would provide better support for modern storage standards.
How long will it take to scan my storage?
In actual fact, it is quite hard to estimate the time required to perform a scan in advance. The speed of this process has more to do with your storage device, rather than the software itself. Among the crucial factors is the type of storage, the amount of data it has, the speed of connection and other circumstances. In some situations, one can make it faster by connecting the device via the optimal interface. For example, USB 3.0 and higher is much more preferable than USB 2.0, internal SATA ports are much speedier than external USB connection, etc.