Hard drive recovery is a complex process and should only be done by data recovery experts. Data on a hard drive may be lost due to varied reasons such as such as software problems, computer virus, mechanical or electrical malfunction. Data recovery firms usually recover around 85% of the lost data
It is important to follow standard hard drive recovery guidelines to avoid further damage to the hard drive and other components. The hard drive must be carefully removed from the drive bay and placed into an anti static bag or wrapped in aluminum foil. This will prevent the hard drive from damage caused by static electricity.
The covered hard drive should be placed in the middle of a box surrounded by insulating material such as foam, bubble wrap or newspapers. This should be sent to a reputed data recovery firm specially those who offer free evaluation of the hard drives. Online quotations can also be received from a number of data recovery firms. The firm offering the best deal should be selected. In some cases, it is difficult to remove the hard drive from the drive bay. To send the whole system or laptop it is recommended to use 7 inches of insulation. Data recovery firms then use special software to recover deleted and lost files.
These firms take special care to prevent personal data of the client getting into wrong hands. Many firms sign non-disclosure agreements with their clients. If the hard drive is reparable, it is fixed and sent back to the client. If not, the recovered data can be sent to the client in a new hard drive, CDR, Zip/Jazz cartridge, or tape system. The firm keeps a copy of the data until the successful reinstallation of the recovered data and after that, it is deleted.
The components inside a laptop are packed together and it is very difficult to remove the hard drive. Users who find this difficult should get help from a professional technician to remove the hard drive. Unnecessary fiddling with the laptop may cause more damage to its components.