FAQs

Q?What is Data Recovery?

Data recovery is the process of retrieving deleted or inaccessible data from failed electronic storage media such as computer hard disk drives, removable media, optical devices and tape cartridges.Your data can become inaccessible due to a software problem, computer virus, mechanical or electrical malfunction or a deliberate human act.

Regardless of the cause of your data loss, our experienced technicians are able to successfully recover lost data 75% of the time.

Q?So there instances where lost data cannot be recovered?

Yes. There are instances where the damage to the hard drive is so severe that data recovery is not possible. This usually occurs when the read/write heads actually “crash” and gouge the magnetic storage media to the point where the data is destroyed.

However, in a number of cases data recovery was possible at the time the damage first occurred, but became non-recoverable through the use of commercial recovery software. This software is designed to recover data from working drives. If your drive has experienced a mechanical or electrical failure, the use of recovery software can cause permanent loss of your data

Q?How can I prevent data loss?

The reality of hard drives is that they are going to crash sometime. It is not a question of if, but when. Nothing can prevent data loss better than performing routine backups of all your data. Users can save hours, days and weeks of downtime by minimizing their data loss through routine backups. A good anti-virus software package, updated regularly, will also offer some protection against data loss.

If you have experienced a hard drive failure and don’t have a backup in place, speak with a Data Recovery representative about purchasing a new external drive with your data recovery…Now is the time!!!

Q?Is my data recoverable?

In many instances, yes. Like other mechanical components, hard drives are subject to mechanical failure over time. It is not a question of if, but when. Common signs of mechanical failure are:

Clicking, Ticking, Grinding, Humming, Buzzing

If your hard drive is making any strange noises, do not continue to power on the drive or attempt DIY software recovery tools as this can result in further damage to your hard drive and quickly lead to permanent data loss!! Hard drives that have experienced mechanical failure need the experience and expertise of a professional data recovery service to recover your data. Ctrl Alt Repair has one of the highest success rates in the industry which is largely due to our extensive background in hard drive repair.

Unfortunately not all hard drives that have suffered these types of mechanical failure are recoverable and should go through an evaluation process to determine the extent of the recovery.

Q?What is the evaluation process?

All media received goes through an extensive analysis to determine the condition of the drive.

Step 1 – We will determine whether the problems are physical (hardware), logical (software structures) or both.

Step 2 – If the determination is physical, we then determine whether the needed parts for repairs are in our extensive inventory or if we will have to source them from our vendors.

Step 3 – Once we have access to the drive we will make an absolute sector-by-sector mirror image of your hard disk to our equipment where the process will continue.

Step 4 – The next step is to evaluate the condition of the data structure & determine how much of the data is salvageable.

Step 5 – When the evaluation process is completed, we will contact you with the results of the evaluation & tell you exactly where in the original price range your recovery will fall. We will need your approval to proceed from this point.

Q?How long does the evaluation take?

We strive to have the evaluations completed with-in 24-48 hrs of our receipt of the drive. The time required for the evaluation is dependent upon the problems encountered. Though we maintain an extensive inventory of drives & parts, obtaining parts for uncommon drives may add to the length of time required for the evaluation. If other technicians have attempted to recover the data using disk utilities and have damaged logical structures, the process may be lengthened.

Imaging alone may take up to 24 hours of computer time with extensive re-tries for badly damaged devices.

If the evaluation is to take longer than the standard 48 hours, a representative will call to explain the nature and extent of the problem you & keep you apprised of the progress of the evaluation.

Q?How long does data recovery take?

Most recoveries will be completed in 2-5 days. Upon receiving your drive, our technicians will diagnose the problem and determine if data can be recovered.We will determine exactly what procedures will be involved and how extensive the damage is, then furnish you with a verbal report. If you wish to proceed with the recovery process, your job will be placed in the job queue and your data will be recovered in the order it was received.

Expedited Data Recovery

If you should need this service, a dedicated technician will be assigned to your drive within 4 hours of the time that we receive your hard disk. Working on your drive (during normal business hours) until the recovery is complete. This process will normally cut your turnaround time in half.

Emergency Data Recovery

We realize your need to have special services occasionally (weekdays, holidays, and after hours). If your situation is critical, we will try to make arrangements for a technician to be available who will be assigned to work on your recovery until complete.

Q?Do you still have questions about our process?

Call or Email us with any questions or concerns and we will be happy you assist you.