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Prevent Further Data Loss
Here you have how to
prevent further damage loss in case of a disaster:
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Head Crash/ Unusual Noises
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Clicking, grinding or scraping noises
indicate a head crash — the read/write heads have come into contact with the
media surface, causing severe destruction. |
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Situation/Symptoms
Unusual noises - clicking, grinding, metal scraping.
What to Do
1) If booted up, back up any critical files.
2) Shut down the computer and DO NOT reboot.
Why
Extensive physical damage and permanent data loss can
occur in a short period of time if a drive is left running.
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Power Outage/ Surge
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Of all the natural disasters, power outages are the most
common cause of data loss. Since the most severe damage to your drive occurs
when power returns, please leave the unit(s) upowered (pull out the plugs) |
Situation/Symptoms
Power Outage/ Surge — sparks, smoke, drive won't spin,
drive spins but data is inaccessible.
What to Do
1) Unplug all cords to your computer to prevent further
damage (i.e., AC/power, modem, printer, network).
2) After the power returns, wait at least 30 minutes for the power to
stabilize before turning your equipment back on.
3) Purchase an uninterruptible power supply (battery back up) and surge
suppressor to protect your computer from future power failures.
Why
Extreme power fluctuations can damage electronic
components and cause the drive’s read/write heads to write erratically to
the media surface, resulting in data corruption. |
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Water Damage
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Only one drop of water can short out your computer. Whether an errant
spill from a coffee cup, or, in this case, complete submersion in the
Amazon River for days, we have the technology to recover your data.
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Situation/Symptoms
Water damage
What to Do
1) Immediately turn computer off and DO NOT reboot!
2) DO NOT dry the wet drive or media; place in a plastic bag with an
airtight zip closure.
Why
1) While the drive may seem dry, small amounts
of water may linger on internal or external components causing a short
when powered on.
2) Dried water leaves mineral deposits and other contaminants on the media
surface that can lead to a head crash when powered on.
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Fire
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Rest assured - we've recovered data from computers
damaged in 1700 degree infernos! While the computer's plastic components
may be melted, the data encased in the metal hard drive may be
recoverable.
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Situation/Symptoms
Fire
What to Do
1) If the computer is wet from fire hoses, remove the
wet hard drive, DO NOT dry, and place in a plastic bag with an airtight zip
closure.
2) If the drive is "sealed" in a melted computer, leave it intact.
Why
1) Extreme pressure changes during a fire can pull
water and contaminants inside the drive through small air vents.
2) Dried water leaves mineral deposits and other contaminants on the media
surface that can lead to a head crash if powered on. |
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Virus
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The HPS or Hanta virus activates on Saturdays and will flip bitmap files,
including the Windows 95 logo. |
Situation/Symptoms
Virus — blank screen, unusual messages,
unusual behavior
What to Do
1) Use anti-virus software to remove the
virus.
2) If your data is not accessible after removal, do not run a commercial
utility. Contact DriveSavers for professional recovery.
Why
1)Software may remove a virus, but it does not
always reverse its damaging effects on your data, which may remain
inaccessible.
2) Virus damage can be severe enough that a commercial utility can cause
further damage and make data recovery more difficult.
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Impact Trauma
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Physical external trauma can damage the
sensitive internal components of a hard drive. Further damage can occur in
SECONDS if you reboot. If you can’t afford to lose the data, don’t power up. |
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Situation/Symptoms
Impact Trauma (dropped, run over) — physical damage,
unusual noises (clicking, grinding, scraping), drive not recognized, drive
won't spin
What to Do
Turn off immediately and DO NOT reboot.
Why
Trauma can damage the read/write heads and media
surface, cause misalignment, and at worst, a head crash.
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