If you are encountering a data loss situation it is important that you are well informed on how to handle it, so as to minimize the risk of aggravating the situation by taking actions that may reduce chances of data recovery.
You know you are facing a data loss situation when:
- You suddenly encounter a situation where you are unable to access data from your system or backup, which was functioning quite well until now.
- Your data has been accidentally deleted or the data control structures have been overwritten erroneously.
- Your data has been corrupted or you are unable to access the data stored in media due to physical damage or problems in the operating system.
Here are a few things you need to keep in mind, on taking your first steps in such a situation:
- Do not panic.
- Do not restart the machine.
- Do not use any application/program that accesses (alters) the problem media in any way.
- Do not switch on any device that shows obvious signs of physical damage.
- Shut down any system/device that makes non-customary grinding and clicking noises when operated.
- Do not open the hard disk or any such physical media device on try to repair it own your own.
- Assess the situation. Observe and record the sequence of actions performed, events that occurred that may have caused the problem. Document this information using our preliminary assessment form.
- Use Data Recovery Services firm or Data Recovery Software
- Wrap the defective unit in anti-static foam or anti-static bubble wrap paper and seal package securely and ship to your vendor.
- Use a carrier that provides you proof of delivery when shipping the product to a services firm.
