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| | When a hard drive malfunctions, it can mean that files are corrupted or deleted. Corrupted files can often be fixed using data recovery software.
When the drive makes whirring or clicking noises or is unusually hot, or if the computer won't start, the hard drive could be physically damaged, in which case a data recovery firm may be able to extract data from the damaged drive. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Data recovery software applications are good choices for hard drives with deleted or corrupted files but no actual physical damage. The applications range from $40-$129.00. PC Magazine recommends StompSoft's Recover My Data ($40) as their top-rated application for 2007.
- For disks that are physically damaged, Aero Data Recovery charges a flat rate as low as $219.00 for a single hard disk drive of any capacity with any operating system.
- Some vendors charge based on the capacity of the hard disk. Disk Doctors charges $375 to recover data from a 30 GB single hard disk drive running Windows and charges $1,000 for a 500 GB drive.
- Others firms provide only estimates. Factors that influence price include the number of files to be recovered and the turnaround time.
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| What should be included: | - Physical assessment of disk failure problem(s) and determination what data can be recovered.
- Delivering recovered data to customers.
- Customer support.
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| Additional costs: | - Evaluation. Many firms do not charge for this, while others charge $20-$200.
- Expedited service. Most vendors expect a turnaround of three to seven business days Rush service can run to several thousand dollars.
- The cost of returning a hard drive is sometimes included in the quote.
- Cost of media used to return recovered data to customers. For small amounts of data, customers can supply CDs or a USB computer stick (approximately $15.00). A common option is for customers to supply a portable hard drive ($110-$332) when they send in their hard drives for repair. Recovered data can be obtained via secure online download, which may be the best option for international clients.
- Pick-up and delivery service can cost around $40.00 if a customer is located near the firm.
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| Shopping for data recovery: | - One way to find a provider is through a computer hardware vendor which may have a partnership with a data recovery service provider. For example, CompUSA uses DriveSavers Data Recovery for the computers they sell.
- Disk Doctors and DTI Data Recovery have lab sites located all over the U.S.
- Finally, some vendors, such as ESS Data Recovery, are authorized to open hard drives by all hard drive manufacturers without voiding warranties.
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Article updated May 2007 |
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