Frequently Asked Questions

What is Data Recovery ?

Professional Data recovery is a highly technical, highly labor-intensive process used to restore lost files from a variety of digital storage media and devices. The process is performed in secure controlled lab environments using clean room techniques to protect client media and all recovery equipment from contamination.

Data Storage systems can fail in many different ways, however the data stored on them is not always completely lost. The specific techniques used to extract and recover the information depends on the type of failure encountered: (file corruption, virus attack, mechanical or electrical problem, and even human error). Sometimes these problems occur in combination. Choice Recovery Services full-service lab facilities are prepared to address all failure modes using the industry's most advanced recovery technology and procedures.

How can I prevent further loss of my data ?

To avoid further damage to your media and prevent extended data loss:

• First = Stop, take a deep breath and think. You have a Choice to make.
• Do not perform any operation on the storage device that will cause physical damage to the device or the data on it
• Do not write to any of the files on the device or add or delete additional files
• Do not format the drive
• Do not modify the partitions on the drive (using FDISK or any other partitioning software)
• Do not change or replace any boards, components or connectors
• NEVER try to open the device to see what is wrong. (Hard drives are particularly sensitive to contamination and should only be opened in a microscopically clean environment)

STOP using the hard drive or storage device that requires recovery. If your drive is making unusual noises or showing other obvious signs of distress, shut it down immediately and do not power it up again. Before you forget them, write down all symptoms of the failure and all recent actions and events involving your computer. Contact our Customer Service Department for additional advice (which will depend on the type of media involved). Simply contact us, free of charge on our toll-free number.

If you have a backup, evaluate how current it is, and if it will fulfill your needs. Consider restoring your data backup to a different system just in case you find that the critical files you need are missing or outdated.

Consider using software ONLY if there is no mechanical or electronic issues, you are computer savvy, have back-up hard drives and lots of time. Otherwise, do not risk further loss of your valuable data.

If you seek help from a trusted local specialist, please remember that professional data recovery is a skill learned from experience and requires highly specialized tools and equipment.

Inexperienced or improper recovery attempts can result in more data destruction and even total and permanent loss.

While data recovery can seem expensive because it is a highly technical and labor intensive process, recreating your data may be significantly more expensive. Also, the turnaround time for data recovery is usually much faster than the time it would take to recreate your lost files from scratch.

How long will it take for data recovery?

Choice Recovery Services offers unique recovery service options to suit your specific needs depending on the urgency of your situation. Our service offering is tailored for both individual consumers and business clients.

Turnaround times vary and depend on many factors including:

• The degree to which the data is fragmented or corrupt
• The degree of media damage and how long it takes to read the entire drive to make a mirror image
• The degree of client urgency. Standard services are processed during regular business days and hours. Choice Recovery Services also offers PRIORITY SERVICE that will expedite and work on your case beyond regular business hours
• Contact us for more details regarding your needs and our solutions.

What is the cost of data recovery services?

Choice Recovery Services views each recovery project as unique. The price of any project is generally determined by five main factors:

1. The cost of components;
2. The total lab time spent on the project and the degree of work performed by technicians;
3. The type of storage device that has failed and the nature of that failure.
4. Customer's requested level of service
5. The total capacity of the device, i.e. mg, GB, TB

Remember, Data recovery is a highly technical, highly labor-intensive process used to restore lost files from a variety of digital storage media and devices. Simply contact Choice Recovery Services, and we will be happy to provide you with free consultation on your specific data loss situation and cost estimates.

Can all lost data be retrieved ?

There are occasions when damage to the data is permanent and a complete recovery is just not possible. However, it is rare that absolutely no data is retrievable. Using Choice Recovery Service's unique recovery equipment and procedures, our expert teams are able to successfully recover lost data, even in extreme conditions. This is where our TWO STEP PROCESS is better.

What are the TWO STEPS to data recovery ?

Step One = Diagnostic Evaluation

Once we receive your media, our team of highly experienced technicians will determine the extent of your media's damage and data loss. Choice Recovery Services will assess the amount of work or parts necessary to get the drive working well enough to read the data. During the evaluation process, we will determine how to perform the recovery of your lost data in the most efficient and cost effective manner possible. We are committed to getting your data back and providing you with firm timeframes and costs. Please note that we may or may not determine the root cause of the failure and we do not attempt to repair your media for reuse.

The Diagnostic Evaluation includes:

• Duplicating your media to prohibit further damage or data loss
• Temporary parts replacement if necessary
• Analyzing your media to determine what data is recoverable
• Producing a complete listing of all recoverable data for you to review
• The reason for producing a complete listing report of all recoverable data for you to review is simple. Prior to making any further financial commitment, we want you to know what data is recoverable. If the data you are looking for isn't recoverable, then you shouldn't have to pay for it, right?
• Firm price quote for your final data recovery project

Step Two = Data Recovery and image onto replacement media

• Extracting all recoverable data from the duplicate image
• Organizing or rebuilding your data into a useable directory structure format
• Storing your recovered data onto replacement media. Your choice of CD's or DVD's or new USB external device
• Express shipment back to you

The timeframes for the Diagnostic Evaluation and recovering your data will depend on the complexity of the data loss situation and the service solution that you select. A customer service call to 678-367-4372 or 866-961-4142 can help you determine how long your data recovery project may take.

Can I use disc repair or other software recovery utilities ?

Before you choose a software utility for recovering lost data, consider the value of your data. Good Software programs can successfully recover data in some instances. But in many other cases, it can overwrite, corrupt or seriously impair your files and additional efforts to recover them. Sometimes, unsuccessful attempts can render your data unrecoverable.

Never use a repair or recovery utility program unless it allows you to save the repaired or recovered data to alternate storage media. Do not load the software or program directly onto the affected device.

Most importantly, do not format the drive, de-frag or change the partitions. Either action can result in permanent loss of your data.

If your hard drive makes any unusual noises or fails to boot up properly, do not attempt to use any type of utility programs or software. Clicking, buzzing, scraping and other metallic noises may indicate physical problems or mechanical failure. Shut down the computer immediately to avoid further damage to the drive and its data. Send your drive to us for professional recovery in our Class 100 clean room environments.

What are the payment options ?

Diagnostic Evaluation Fee is payable with receipt of your media and is non-refundable. Data Recovery fees are payable at time of approval, and prior to release of any data. We accept VISA, American Express, MasterCard, and bank wire transfers. In the USA, we welcome US Company or bank checks. We are sorry, but we cannot accept purchase orders, terms or personal checks.

How and where do I send in my hard drive for in-lab services ?

You only need to send us your disc drive for diagnostic evaluation and data recovery.
For RAID or Server Systems - call for specific details.
For internal drives, remove the hard drive from the computer tower or laptop (get expert help if necessary) and ship only the drive to our lab facilities. It is extremely important that your hard drive be packaged carefully to avoid any additional damage during shipment. Enclose the drive in a sea-shell container or an ESD (electrostatic discharge) bag.
For external drives, ship the drive in its enclosure along with its cables and power supplies. If possible, ship the drive in its original manufacturer's packaging, or pack the drive with solid foam padding and center inside a sturdy corrugated cardboard box.

Pack your media in a well-padded box, using foam, bubble-wrap, foam peanuts, or other cushiony alternative. This will ensure the safety of your delicate equipment in case the box is damaged during shipping. Computer & packing stores have special boxes made for shipping various media. Use a shipping company or courier that allows you to track your package. We recommend FedEx, UPS or DHL Express Service. Do not mail your device.

IMPORTANT: Enclose the authorization forms into your package. We need this information completed in order to check-in and begin the evaluation and diagnostic phase of your media & valuable data.