Common Data Recovery Use Cases

Knowing what type of data recovery service is important when researching data recovery options. This can be a trying process especially when you are facing the panic of losing your data. To simplify the process, we have provided some common use cases below:

 

Issue:

You see the message "please format/initialize the device" when you connect a storage device.

Diagnosis Result: 

Logical/Simple Failure

The file system information was corrupted. Since there were no physical issues on the hard drive and the data area was safe, we were able to recover the data in general, including the target data. Such an issue can commonly be caused by disconnecting the storage device without the “Safely Remove Hardware“ process, or a power issue such as a power outage, unexpected power shutdown, etc. When you remove a hard drive or USB memory, try to perform the “Safely Remove Hardware“ process.

 

Issue

I reformatted drive media by mistake.

Diagnosis Result:

Logical/Complex Failure

Although the system data area on the hard drive was rewritten due to formatting (initialization), actual user data remained in a separate area, and it was possible to recover the target data. When you perform a hard drive format, it appears that all the original data has disappeared, but the user data still remains as it is in most cases. Unless you write new user data (overwriting), there is high possibility that we can recover your data.

 

Issue

I deleted important data by mistake.

Diagnosis Result:

Logical/Complex Failure

The target data could be recovered if the data was not overwritten. If you deleted your important data by mistake, please stop using the device immediately and promptly contact us, which will give us higher chances of success to recover your data. When we process recovery for deleted data, let us also know the data you want to recover. Since it is necessary to search for the target data from a large drive volume, we will also ask for detailed information that can help identify your important data.

 

Issue:

My media was assigned as a Windows recovery drive by mistake.

Diagnosis Result:

Logical/Complex Failure

The hard disk was formatted as a Windows recovery drive. The original file system was damaged because the first 32GB was formatted in FAT32 format and the Windows system information was overwritten. Although data overwritten is not recoverable, the target data may be successfully recovered.

 

Issue:

The storage device is recognized by the PC, but it takes a very long time to read data on it and freezes along the way.

Diagnosis Result:

Physical/Simple Failure

A bad sector occurred on the hard drive recording surface, and data could not be read properly. The drive took longer to read data due to the bad sector and having to repeatedly read it. With the data recovery service, user data can be retrieved even with sector errors.

 

Issue:

The drive makes noises and is not recognized by PC anymore.

Diagnosis Result:

Physical/Complex Failure

The magnetic head inside the hard drive may be faulty, which causes abnormal noises. Even though it will not be possible to power on the drive, if physical damage on the data recording surface is minimal, target data may be successfully recovered by opening the hard drive and replacing the magnetic head. Once you recognize that the media is unreadable and strange sounds occur, turn off the power immediately to protect the data recording surface from any further use, then promptly contact us.

 

Issue:

I dropped the drive in water.

Diagnosis Result:

Physical/Very Complex Failure

If it has been submerged for a long time, or if it was submerged in seawater, there is a high possibility water has seeped into the hard drive. Therefore it is necessary to flush the drive interior as soon as possible. Immediate internal cleaning (removing mud and seawater) may make the hard drive recording surface readable, which leads to higher chances to recover target data. In the event of submersion, it is important to take immediate action before the hard disk dries up. We recommend that you contact us as soon as possible.