Hard Drive Failure
This morning's Burlington Free Press had an article by Debbie Solomon describing her recent experience with a Hard Drive failure. Hard Drives will fail, eventually, and that is why having a backup plan is critical. We find that most folks don't have a plan and those that do often fail to backup regularly.
What to do when you suddenly cannot access your data? First, especially if the computer is making sounds that you've never heard before, is turn the system off. Second, call a professional. This is not an event that you should leave to amateurs, no matter how well intentioned, as any recovery attempt may prevent a successful, follow-on attempt. Third, start making a list of the files, types of files, probable locations and what software you most commonly use. Fourth, prioritize the importance of the data you want to recover. This will help the recovery specialist find and retreive the most valuable data first, in case not all the data is recoverable. Fifth, try to determine the value of what you want recovered. Value can be assigned by such assessments as: How long will it take you to recreate the data?; Is the data irreplaceable (pictures, music, email)?; Is the data necessary for your business?. Keep in mind that you may have the data elsewhere: on another device (Ipod, Camera, FlashDrive, alternate PC); at work; Email online/at work/sent to someonelse; etc.
Backing up regularly may save you much anxiety, but you have to do it. In this we can assist you. Just give us a call!
What to do when you suddenly cannot access your data? First, especially if the computer is making sounds that you've never heard before, is turn the system off. Second, call a professional. This is not an event that you should leave to amateurs, no matter how well intentioned, as any recovery attempt may prevent a successful, follow-on attempt. Third, start making a list of the files, types of files, probable locations and what software you most commonly use. Fourth, prioritize the importance of the data you want to recover. This will help the recovery specialist find and retreive the most valuable data first, in case not all the data is recoverable. Fifth, try to determine the value of what you want recovered. Value can be assigned by such assessments as: How long will it take you to recreate the data?; Is the data irreplaceable (pictures, music, email)?; Is the data necessary for your business?. Keep in mind that you may have the data elsewhere: on another device (Ipod, Camera, FlashDrive, alternate PC); at work; Email online/at work/sent to someonelse; etc.
Backing up regularly may save you much anxiety, but you have to do it. In this we can assist you. Just give us a call!
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