[NBLUG/talk] Data recovery recommendations

[Christopher Wagner]

I've had a lot of experience with doing data recovery myself (and have 
done quite a bit), using "cheap" data recovery services, and also 
DriveSavers.  When I do it myself, I use dd_rescue and/or R-Studio 
depending on the nature of the problem.

If the data is really that critical, my advice would be to use 
DriveSavers.  Don't bother with cheap data recovery services because 
most will just be using dd_rescue or similar anyway (which you can do 
yourself).  There are some that are more like DriveSavers and will 
actually repair the drive appropriately, but you don't necessarily know 
what you're going to get.  DriveSavers is local anyway, and worth the 
extra money if the data is important enough.

Basically, when I have such a situation with my clients, I try to figure 
out what the data is really worth to them.  If they simply would NEVER 
pay the $1200-$4200 that it might cost for a data recovery at 
DriveSavers, then it's a moot point taking it there and you might as 
well try to recover it yourself.  However, if the client isn't sure, or 
IS likely to pay that kind of money to guarantee a recovery, then 
definitely take it there.

Taking it to DriveSavers for an evaluation will at least give you a cost 
to compare against.

If you do decide to use dd_rescue yourself, do it in one shot, as making 
multiple attempts will definitely reduce your chances of successful 
recovery.

My two cents,

Chris


On 02/16/2017 02:42 PM, William Tracy wrote:
>
> Hello,
>
> A client of mine dropped an external hard drive while it was running. 
> Windows is still able to recognize the partition, but is unable to 
> open some directories containing important files.
>
> I could try ddrescue on it, but I'm scared of making the damage worse 
> if the drive platters are out of alignment. (Maybe I'm being overly 
> paranoid?)
>
> I recommended taking the drive to a dedicated data recovery service, 
> and my client asked if I know anyone who will do data recovery "cheaply".
>
> Since I've never had to use any of these services myself (fingers 
> crossed!) I thought I'd ask around for recommendations. Has anyone 
> here had a good experience with an affordable data recovery service?
>
> William Tracy
> Sent from mobile, may contain typos.
>
>
>
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