| Over time most people tend to store valuable data | | | | 7. In case the ruined drive has OS systems on it get |
| on their personal and business computers. And, some | | | | recovery systems that have boot functions. Once |
| never think about back up systems. Often when | | | | the files become visible copy them onto disks or |
| things go wrong the loss of data can rob you of | | | | external drives. |
| your peace of mind and sanity. | | | | 8. Never dry a wet hard drive with a dryer it will |
| The first thing to do when you perceive that there is | | | | damage the system completely. |
| trouble in your server , hard disk, or RAID health is | | | | 9. Clean up the system by deleting unwanted files |
| to stay calm and not facilitate further loss by | | | | and software. |
| pressing all keys and codes. Take a deep breath and | | | | 10. Install protection systems like firewalls and |
| decide on whether you are going to do the data | | | | anti-virus scanners. |
| protection and recovery yourself or seek the help of | | | | As far as possible never drop a drive down. Use only |
| specialists. The key to preventing loss of computer | | | | recommended hardware and software. Beware of |
| data is to create back ups like clockwork. | | | | free downloads. Set up an infallible back up system. |
| Data recovery, although possible, hardly ever | | | | Protect your data against loss by: |
| promises 100% recovery of lost data, here are a | | | | 1. Conducting weekly backups that are offsite. |
| few suggestions: | | | | Remote data back ups minimizes data loss. |
| 1. Use proven data recovery software and try and | | | | 2. Use Storage area networks or SANs. |
| retrieve lost files. | | | | 3. Add surge protectors to your computer system . |
| 2. If you suspect a hardware collapse just pull the | | | | This will protect the delicate equipment. |
| plug and call for professional help. Do not try and shut | | | | 4. Connect the whole system through an UPS or |
| down the system or save any files. | | | | uninterrupted power supply system. |
| 3. Listen to the computer and see if you can detect | | | | 5. Install anti-virus software and firewalls. |
| any abnormal sounds. | | | | 6. Insure your hardware. |
| 4. Connect the faulty disks to another computer and | | | | 7. Follow the rules of safe computer use like never |
| use the disk as a slave to try and recover lost files. | | | | opening attachments from unknown sources and |
| 5. Consider investing in data recovery software. Surf | | | | protecting your system from phising by avoiding free |
| the World Wide Web and locate a reliable data | | | | downloads and so on. |
| recovery and protection service. Be sure to check | | | | Take the ultimate step in protecting your data by |
| their credentials. | | | | training all employees if you are a business and if you |
| 6. If a drive is damaged do not run defragmenters or | | | | are an individual then stay abreast of recent trends in |
| volume repair utilities. | | | | computer protection and data recovery. |