We use cookies to make your experience better. To comply with the new e-Privacy directive, we need to ask for your consent to set the cookies. Learn more.
We are aware of an issue where some refilled cartridges have disappeared. We are working to restore these
We have a self assesment tool which has been developed to give you data recovery advice and to enable you get to a free quote. We do advise reading about the different types of data loss below, but if you prefer not to please click here to go straight to our self assessment data recovery tool.
Like most things, hard drives have a lifespan and nobody knows exactly how long each drive will last so it is always important to keep a backup of important data. The most common times for hard drives to fail is either at the beginning or later on in their lifespan, typically over 3 years.
A hard drive can fail near the beginning of its life due to manufacturing defects. This may be because of a bearings issue or a "head crash" and the hard drive will not be recognised by your computer. While many of these issues have been reduced by strict quality control and testing methods, from time to time a large number of users may experience manufacturing defect issues.
Older hard drives have a higher failure rate, as you would expect. A hard drive may gradually start to fail and you will start noticing more errors or crashes, or even just a slow down of your computer. A hard drive may also completely die. You may get errors such as "No Operating System Found" when you power on your computer.
A failing hard disk may start to exhibit these symptoms. The quicker you respond to the symptoms and protect your data the less likely you are to go through a data loss incident.
Symptom | Possible cause | Data protection steps |
---|---|---|
Computer crashes frequently or when under heavy use |
|
|
Computer start-up takes an excessively long time |
|
|
Data files are missing |
|
|
File explorer takes a long time to display the contents of a folder |
|
|
Hard disk drive diagnostic shows many SMART errors |
|
|
Important: If you are unable to perform an immediate backup shutdown your computer and bring it straight to us. Attempts to extract the data without professional data recovery services may lead to irretrievable data.
As always, prevention is better than cure so we have some handy tips to protect your data
Back up data at least once a week with other reliable storage devices, always verifying that the correct data is backed up.
In the event of a surge of electricity or lightning strike, a surge protected UPS protects the computer from becoming damaged. In addition, it has a battery backup that keeps the computer running, allowing you to save the data and avoid any loss. Alternatively, a surge protector is also a good investment.
Regularly check for dust in and around your computer. Always make sure your computer fans are unobstructed.
Computer viruses are one of the worst enemies to data protection. Run a weekly scan and always make sure your anti-virus software is up to date.
Extreme heat can result in the premature failure of hard drives, while low humidity combined with dust in drought conditions can promote static electricity issues with electrical components. Adjust temperature and humidity control systems accordingly during changing weather conditions.
In the event of strange noises or grinding sounds, turn off the computer immediately and call us. Further operation may damage their hard drive beyond repair.
If you are dealing with larger servers, make sure that they have adequate air conditioning. Increases in computer processor speed have resulted in more power requirements, which in turn require better cooling, especially during the summer months.
In the event of data loss, simply contact us to discuss the solutions available.
You should never assume your data is unrecoverable. Below we have listed some tips to help prevent further data loss.
If you hear strange noises from your hard drive you may have phyiscal damage
We have partnered with Kroll Ontrack to offer you industry-leading solutions to recover data from virtually any type of data storage device. Utilising a suite of proprietary recovery tools and the most experienced data recovery engineering team in the world, Ontrack Data Recovery services are uniquely equipped to solve even the most extreme data loss scenario.
To request a free quote please click here and complete our self assesment. Alternatively please bring your device to us.