Laptop Data Recovery Guide

For laptop or notebook computers requiring hard disk data recovery due to a hardware problem, it is time to call in the professionals.  Physical hardware damage is often indicated by clicking or grinding noises, or the hard drive not being recognized by the BIOS, and in those cases it is important to shut down the laptop.  Laptop data recovery can be hampered by repeatedly rebooting the laptop, running data recovery software (with a hardware problem this may result in the hard disk data being overwritten), or removing the hard disk without proper precautions against static. 

In cases where laptop data recovery services are deemed necessary, not all companies are equal.  Before committing the valuable hard disk to a specific company, it is important to find out about their skills.  How many years of experience they have is a critical factor, especially if the problem at hand is suspected to be a complex one.  The makes and models of computers they have previously worked on will help determine if they are likely to a good fit with the particular model in question.  Additionally, the cost structure should be clarified beforehand.  It is also important to ask for an estimate of the timeframe for diagnosis and recovery.  The fastest isn’t necessarily the best – or the worst, for that matter.  However, the per day costs to the laptop owner of not having the data (while it is being fixed) should be taken into account when comparing cost structures from different companies relative to how long they think it will take for laptop hard disk data recovery.  If it is deemed critical for the task to be completed within a particularly short timeframe, it is important to ask if the company provides a fast-track service and its cost structure.  In that scenario, the physical location of the company will also play a role, as the transit time for the hard disk to get to them needs to be accounted for.

Most reputable data recovery companies offer a free evaluation and a ‘no recovery, no charge’ policy.  While these policies initially sound good, they are still no substitute for careful investigation in choosing the best company for the situation at hand.  This is because whenever the hard disk is handled or examined (such as in a free evaluation), there is always the risk of more damage, so it should only be handed off to a trusted company.  As regards the ‘no recovery, no charge’ policy, it is important to remember that in most cases at least some data, however little, is recovered – so unless there is a hardware problem of an extreme nature, some fees will be incurred.

If the cause of the hard disk damage is known, it is important to communicate this to the company, because the information will allow them to take the best possible strategy for this particular problem.  Common known causes of physical damage to the hard disk are: dropped laptop, exposure to extreme temperatures or magnetic fields, fire or liquid damage.  Sometimes the cause will not be obvious to the user, but is able to be diagnosed by the company, for example damaged read/write heads.

Laptop data recovery from a physically damaged hard drive is best left to the professionals.  Data recovery companies are not all equal.  Careful selection of the company best suited for the particular situation at hand will result in the best possible outcome.