ForensicTechnology.com.au - Frequently Asked Questions

What is Data Recovery?

Storage media sustains failure for a variety of reasons and in many different ways, but the data stored on the disk does not usually suffer complete loss. The techniques used to recover data depend on the type of media and the respective cause of failure (e.g. data corruption, virus, mechanical malfunction, electrical malfunction or human error). Sometimes the failure is as a result of a combination of reasons.

What should I do/not do now?

Stop using the media. If it is making noises, becoming hot or showing other unusual characteristics, shut down your media and do not turn it on again. Note the symptoms of the failure and contact us or complete our online quotation.

	Don't continue to use the storage media - it may cause further damage.
	Don't write to any of the files on the media OR create any new files on the media.
	Don't format the drive or modify the partitions.
	Don't try to open the device. Hard drives are extremely sensitive to contamination.

If you have a backup, determine how recent it is and if it will satisfy your needs. Consider restoring your backup to different media in case you find that it is not satisfactory and data recovery is necessary.

Avoid do-it-yourself recovery software. Installing utilities can overwrite data on the media and modify its structure. If recovery operations are performed incorrectly, you're playing russian roulette with your data. Please weigh the cost of complete loss against your knowledge and experience before attempting a do-it-yourself recovery.

While data recovery can seem expensive because it is labor intensive, recreating your data may be equally if not more expensive. The turnaround time for data recovery is often much faster than the time cost of recreating lost data from scratch.

What is your policy on confidentiality?

We offer a secure environment in which your information is kept private. We will protect the confidentiality of your data against unauthorized disclosure.

What is the data recovery turnaround time?

Average turnaround time is 3 days. This will be impacted by the complexity of the recovery task.

How can I prevent data loss?

The best way to counteract data loss is to perform regular backups on alternate media.

How do I package and send media?

Only your drive/s are required for data recovery. Please follow our sending media instructions.

Can all data be retrieved?

There are occasions when damage to the data is permanent and a complete recovery is not possible. However, it is rare that absolutely no data is retrievable. When we contact you with the firm quote, we will also advise you how much of the data we expect to recover. Ordinarily, we are able to give the names of files and directories that can be recovered. If you accept our service quote, this becomes our contract.

Can I use repair or software recovery utilities downloaded from the internet?

Maybe. But consider first how much your data is worth. In many cases, there is only one chance to recover data. No utility can make an informed decision about what to save and what to overwrite. The user of the software must apply some experience and judgment. The continued use of your media may reduce the chance of a successful recovery.

What are the shippping costs?

Please weigh your packed media and refer to your preferred courier.

What are the payment options?

Payment is due in full upon completion of successful recovery, prior to release of data, unless by special previous arrangement.