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Risks Posed By the DIY Software

_Whenever you lose data from your computer, simply get up and walk away from the scene. The short interval has a calming effect on your shocked mind. Damaging the computer merely amounts to destroying your data beyond the point of retrieval.

Your data exists on the computer. It just requires a little effort to coax it out. You can calmly decide whether to avail the services of a data recovery expert or try using the DIY software.


Data Recovery - Disklabs Data Recovery Services on the BBC


If you have planned using the ‘Do it yourself’ data recovery software you might be exposing your computer to certain risks. Reckon the risks posed and decide if using the DIY software is worth the risks.

Risks Posed By Using the DIY Software

  • If you are not computer savvy like the majority of the other computer users, it is highly advisable you seek the services of a data recovery expert. Data might be lost due to many factors. Physical problems leading to data loss necessitate the opening of the hard drive in class 100 clean rooms. Peculiar noises (grinding, clicking, scraping) originating from the computer are indicative of the physical nature of the problem. However, physical problems are not always accompanied by strange noises. If you use the DIY software If your computer has a physical problem, you would be permanently destroying your data.
  • Choice of the right DIY software is also important. You should know that while selecting data recovery software you must choose one that has an undo option. You should never attempt data recovery on a drive without having the ability to undo the changes made. For, if the software you use is unable to retrieve data, you may have to seek the services of data recovery experts.
  • Knowledge about the workings of the computer is necessary to make the right usage of the DIY software. Selection of the right DIY software is in itself a difficult decision. The low cost data recovery software might not be the right option every time. Economically priced DIY software works well when the file system is still in shape. But, if the file system has been compromised higher end data recovery software that contains multiple recovery options has to be used. Making use of the multiple functions necessitates knowledge about the working of the computers.
  • Make sure you purchase read only non destructive software. Do not hesitate to seek professional help and compare and contrast the varied data recovery software available on the internet. Make informed choices, for remember improper software in the wrong circumstances only works in permanently destroying your data. Most of the DIY software work in particular environment and fail when put to use in other situations. Make use of the software only after confirming that it is applicable to your particular case.

Risks posed by using the DIY software are many. Is it worth risking permanent damage to the data using the available software? This is a decision based on your ultimate discretion. Try to arrive at a decision by identifying and quantifying the lost data. Assess if it is possible to retrieve it from other sources? Valuate the data. Identify its costs.

Cost identification involves production costs and replacement costs. However, every lost data cannot be replaced. Finally make the right decision by identifying the consequences of a permanent loss of data.

Data stored on the computer is precious. If you feel it is too valuable and if your business survival depends on proper retrieval of data, never attempt using the DIY software. All data cannot be assigned monetary value.

If priceless photographs are on your drive seek professional expertise. And above all, if you are a novice computer user, the DIY data recovery software is not for you.

About the Author
James Walsh is a freelance writer and copy editor. For more information on computer crime and Computer Forensics see http://www.fieldsassociates.co.uk