Avoid data loss – safety tips

To prevent data loss, follow these safety tips:

1. Regularly back up your data, particularly when updating your system. Keep copies of crucial data offsite for added protection.
2. Always shut down your computer using the operating system’s proper shutdown procedure.
3. Use up-to-date hardware and software tools for data security, such as antivirus programs and firewalls.
4. Operate laptops on a hard, flat surface to facilitate proper ventilation and prevent overheating.
5. Keep server cooling systems, like fans and portable air conditioners, close to the equipment to maintain optimal operating temperatures.
6. Ensure proper airflow around external drive cooling fans by allowing ample space and removing any obstructions.
7. Avoid turning off peripheral devices while the computer is on or when the disk is active to prevent data corruption.
8. Keep drives stable and stationary during operation. If you need to move your computer, power it down first.
9. Prevent static electricity by grounding yourself before handling or touching any media.
10. If you notice unusual sounds coming from your computer, immediately power it off to minimize potential damage.

SAFETY TIPS TO AVOID DATA LOSS - DATA RECOVERY

Case Scenarios and Action Steps

Symptom 1: Clicking noise coming from the computer.

Cause: Often due to a head crash or misaligned head, causing the hard drive (HD) to fail to initialize. Can affect both new and old HDs, with older drives being more susceptible to head crashes and failures.

Action: Turn off the computer immediately and take the HD to a data recovery expert. Continued attempts to access the HD decrease the likelihood of successful recovery.

Affected Media: HD 2.5″, 1.8″ (Laptop), HD 3.5″ (Server), RAID Array (Server).

Symptom 2: Reduced or slow computer performance following a hard drive crash.

Cause: Frequently caused by overheating. This can occur in both new and old HDs, with older HDs being more prone to overheating.

Action: If you experience these symptoms and cannot access your operating system, stop using the computer. Turn it off and take the HD to a data recovery expert immediately.

Affected Media: HD 2.5″, 1.8″ (Laptop), HD 3.5″ (Server), RAID Array (Server).

Symptom 3: Deleted file and emptied the recycle bin/trash can.

Cause: Human error.

Action: Stop using the computer immediately. Shut down the computer using the physical power button and take the HD to a data recovery expert. Continued usage decreases the likelihood of successful recovery.

Affected Media: HD 2.5″, 1.8″ (Laptop), HD 3.5″ (Server, Desktop), RAID Array (Server).

Symptom 4: Formatted an HD containing important data.

Cause: Human error.

Action: Stop using the computer, shut it down, and take it to a data recovery expert. The more actions performed on the affected HD, the lower the chances of successful recovery.

Affected Media: HD 2.5″, 1.8″ (Laptop), HD 3.5″ (Server, Desktop), RAID Array (Server).

Symptom 5: Deleted photos on a digital camera.

Cause: Human error.

Action: Cease using the camera immediately, remove the memory card, and take it to a data recovery expert. Continued usage reduces the likelihood of successful recovery.

Affected Media: All digital camera memory cards.

Symptom 6: Formatted memory card in a digital camera.

Cause: Human error.

Action: Stop using the camera immediately, remove the memory card, and take it to a data recovery expert. Continued usage decreases the chances of successful recovery.

Affected Media: All digital camera memory cards.

Symptom 7: RAID array drive(s) failed, or RAID array failed to initialize, preventing data access.

Cause: One or more HDs failed, or the array controller failed.

Action: Immediately stop using the server, label the HD order (0,1,2…), and take the array, preferably with the controller, to a data recovery expert. Avoid replacing HDs or controllers, as this could cause data loss. Most RAID array data losses result from human errors.

Affected Media: RAID array (SCSI, ATA, SATA).

Symptom 8: Backup tape unreadable by tape drive or backup software during a restore operation.

Cause: Magnetic tape may be old or have surface issues.

Action: Take the tape to a data recovery expert for diagnosis. In some cases, it’s easier and more cost-effective to recover data from a damaged HD than from a tape.

Affected Media: Magnetic tape.