When Your Data Disappears

That sinking feeling when your drive won't read is awful. But with the right approach, data recovery is often possible. Here's what you need to know.

Types of Data Loss

Logical Failure:
- File system corruption
- Accidental deletion
- Virus damage
- Software issues

Physical Failure:
- Clicking or grinding noises
- Drive not recognized at all
- Visible damage
- Water/fire damage

What to Do Immediately

DO:
1. Stop using the drive immediately
2. Don't restart repeatedly
3. Document any error messages
4. Note any unusual sounds
5. Keep the drive powered off

DON'T:
1. Try to "fix" physical issues yourself
2. Run chkdsk on a failing drive
3. Defragment a problem drive
4. Freeze the drive (yes, people try this)
5. Open the drive enclosure

DIY Recovery (Logical Issues Only)

For accidentally deleted files:

1. Recuva (Free) - Good for basic recovery
2. TestDisk (Free) - Partition recovery
3. R-Studio (Paid) - Professional-grade

Important: Recover TO a different drive, never to the same one.

When to Call Professionals

Seek professional help if:
- Drive makes clicking/grinding noises
- Drive was dropped or damaged
- Water or fire exposure
- DIY recovery isn't finding files
- Data is irreplaceable (photos, business documents)

Professional Recovery Process

What happens at a data recovery service:
1. Evaluation - Diagnose the problem
2. Quote - Cost estimate before work
3. Recovery - Using specialized tools/cleanroom
4. Verification - Confirm recovered data
5. Return - Data delivered on new media

Our Data Recovery Services

At Computer Store KS, we offer:

Logical Recovery:
- Deleted file recovery
- Corrupted partition repair
- Formatted drive recovery
- Virus damage repair

Physical Assessment:
- Evaluate drive condition
- Referral to cleanroom services if needed
- Data transfer from dying drives

Prevention Is Best

After recovering your data (or losing it):

1. Set up backups - 3-2-1 rule
2. Monitor drive health - CrystalDiskInfo
3. Replace aging drives - 5+ year old drives are risky
4. Use surge protection - Power issues kill drives

Cost Expectations

DIY Software: $0-80
Local Service (Logical): $100-300
Professional Cleanroom: $500-2000+

The more critical the data, the more you should invest in professional recovery.

Your data is worth protecting. Let us help!