Digital Data Rescue

Before you call in the pros to perform their data recovery hocus pocus, you should try a few simple steps that might save you the cost of the expert, at least some of your data and perhaps even your dignity.

Start with the basics. Does your computer turn on? If the problem starts with the bottom line and you can't get even a "beep" from your computer, you may need to start by checking the bottom line - the power source. Just because your printer is plugged into an adjacent outlet and it works, doesn't mean it's impossible that you have a power source issue.

Check the lights on your computer. If there are any lights, you know you have power. If the problem is that nothing is showing up on the monitor, start by checking the power to the monitor. If your monitor also has power, be sure that the connection between the two is making good contact at both ends and that there are no worn or frayed spots on the cord. You may not be in need of data recovery at all - you may just need to get everything connected.

If you have power and your computer is functioning but you've lost something, the data recovery may be as simple as looking in your trash. The beauty of the trash is that things typically aren't gone immediately. Unless you've deleted them from the trash as well, most of your files and documents will remain intact.

Even if you have cleaned out your trash recently, you may be able to recover documents, photos and other files. Most versions of Windows operating systems have a "search" feature. Clicking on "search" will open a window that prompts you to enter some specific search criteria. As a rule, you'll be able to search by documents that were recently altered or created, documents with a certain name, or containing a particular word or phrase. Your data recovery efforts will then usually pay off by offering the option to restore that particular document or file.

If your problem is deeper, it may be time to call in some help for your data recovery. One trick some use to help with this process is to remove the hard drive, drop it in the freezer for an hour or two, then plug it back into the CPU and boot up. If the problem is a connection that simply isn't making contact, the cold metal may very well expand sufficiently to create a temporary connection. Be careful that the connections aren't damp before you create a connection and remember that this data recovery fix is temporary. Move the files to a secure location immediately.