For many computer users, data loss is a scary prospect. It can occur for several reasons, but fortunately, recovering data is possible in most cases. If it happens to you, it’s best to ask a computer repair specialist to determine your next step. Here’s what you need to know to get started.

What Is Data Recovery?

As the name suggests, data recovery is the process of retrieving or salvaging lost, corrupted, or inaccessible files from storage devices such as hard drives, SSDs, flash disks, memory cards, and other digital media. However, retrieving isn’t always guaranteed, especially with widespread damage or corruption in the system because of malware or software failure. It’s impossible in scenarios where the data failed to be saved or written to the storage, such as during a power interruption.

How Does It Work?

Data recovery is often a complicated computer repair process. You have to understand the reason behind the loss of files—is it due to accidental deletion or formatting, malware attack, logical damage on the file system, or storage failure? Once you’ve established the cause, you can move on to possible retrieval methods.

Installing file recovery software can sometimes get the job done; however, it will only work if the data didn’t get overwritten with a new one in the file system. The macOS® often runs on the FAT file system, which deletes file information to clear up space. In this case, salvaging gets a little tricky even with powerful algorithms for scanning and collecting bits and pieces of the data. There’s little to no chance of recovering a loss of data because of file system formatting to FAT. On the bright side, recovery software will work on corrupted or damaged files, but again, the likelihood of retrieving all the data isn’t 100% certain.  

Data recovery on a file system with logical damage, be it from software or hardware failure, is difficult as well. There’s no guarantee that retrieval software will work, but some of your data may remain intact inside. Most computer repair experts can fix the issue and give you access to the storage device.

For physically damaged storage media, there’s only one thing you can do—take it to the experts for guaranteed recovery. They will take everything apart in a highly controlled environment to ensure the most sensitive components remain in pristine condition.

To know if you can still recover lost data, turn to the computer repair experts at Experimax Valdosta. Located in Lowndes County, GA, they’ve provided top-notch computer tech support on brand-new and used iMac® and MacBook® machines throughout the southwest Georgia area. They also carry refurbished laptops and desktops in case you want to upgrade yours. Call (229) 474-3299 or book an appointment online today.