Choosing a data recovery company can be risky business. If your hard drive fails, you’re up a creek without a paddle. There’s not a really good way to get the data off of your drive yourself, provided that it’s physically damaged, so if you can afford it, your only real option is a data recovery service; however, the industry has a lot of imposters and a lot of scam artists. Here’s a list of things to look for when choosing a data recovery company, and my recommendation for a great one.
Top data recovery companies should provide:
Fast, Secure & Confidential Data Recovery;
Free Data Recovery Service Evaluation;
No Data, No Charge Data Recovery Guarantee;
Industry Leading Customer Service with Highly Trained Staff;
Data Recovery Success Rate;
No Hidden Fees;
No Flat Rate Fees;
Worldwide Data Recovery Facilities;
Recommended By Major Hard Drive Manufacturers and OEMs;
Tips for Choosing Data Recovery Companies:
Don’t panic. It can be horrifying upon realizing that you can suddenly no longer access all the files contained in your drive, but furiously unplugging/replugging it in the computer only risks further damage.
To ensure it is in fact the flash drive that is malfunctioning, plug it in to 1 or 2 other computers available to you. If a friend or co-worker isn’t available, find a public computer at a library for example. Again, you need only plug it in one time to see if it’s working or not. Alternatively, you can try using a free data recovery software program; if the program does not recognize the device, internal damage can be confirmed.
If you receive the error message: “USB device not recognized” -or- “This device needs to be formatted” see this WikiHow Article. If not, continue to the next step.
Assuming the data stored on your device has any importance at all, it’s time to begin searching to enlist the services of a professional data recovery company. In this case, a search for “USB Data Recovery” will provide adequate options.
Begin at the top of the list of search results online.
When looking at a data recovery company website, look for indications of their credibility. Just because a company has a flashy website doesn’t mean they do quality work; look for testimonials, reviews, or any indication that they have done business with a large corporation or federal agency
Next, find the companies’ pricing page. Data recovery is not a ‘one size fits all’ industry, and therefore should be priced accordingly; avoid companies that offer flat rate pricing. Also, you wouldn’t go to a restaurant and pay before you eat, and the same goes for data recovery; the company you choose must have a ‘zero costs until successful recovery’ type of policy. Note: The only exception to this is a small shipping and diagnostic fee that will likely need to be included when you ship your device to them.
When you are satisfied you have found a reputable and cost effective company, find and fill out a service order form located on their website. Pack up your device in a padded or bubble-wrap envelope and ship it to the company address. Note: NEVER use a standard paper envelope to ship your device; it will likely get damaged or slip out of a tear in the paper.
Be patient. Some companies offer live tracking services so that you can see the status of your order without having to call in and ask. If you haven’t gotten an update after 5 business days, call in or check your e-mail for any new information. Cross your fingers for a success!
If the company was successful in recovering your data, they will contact you, and usually by default they will ship a data CD or DVD containing your files. Hooray! It is worth noting that some companies offer additional services such as an upload link, which allows you to download your recovered files immediately after a success from an online link provided by the company.
Top 10 data recovery companies:
Secure Data Recovery
Data Recovery Service provider with data recovery lab locations located throughout the United States. Our experience in the data recovery industry is unmatched. We have been operating since 1997 and offer world-class service and support. Our team of data recovery professionals are experts in providing advanced data recovery solutions. Our network of data recovery specialists provide: fast, friendly, accurate and reliable service.
http://www.securedatarecovery.com/
1. Kroll Ontrack®
Kroll Ontrack provides technology-driven services and software to help recover, search, analyze and produce data efficiently and cost-effectively. Commonly bridging the gap between technical and business professionals, Kroll Ontrack services a variety of customers in the legal, government, corporate and financial markets around the world.
http://www.ontrackdatarecovery.com/
2. R-Tools Technology Inc.
The leading provider of powerful data recovery, undelete, drive image, data security and PC privacy utilities for the Windows OS family.
http://www.r-tt.com/
3. DTIData
DTI DATA is the industry’s premier data recovery service and recovery software company for both physical and logical hard drive recovery.
http://www.dtidata.com/
4. SalvageData
SalvageData is the first and only US based ISO 9001:2000 certified data salvaging & recovery service lab in North America specializing in advanced data salvaging and recovery from all digital media storage types and formats.
http://salvagedata.com/
5. DriveSavers
DriveSavers is the worldwide leader in data recovery services and provides the fastest, most secure and reliable data recovery service available.
http://www.drivesavers.com/
6. Stellar Information Systems Limited
Stellar Information Systems Limited is an ISO 9001-2000 certified company specializing in data recovery and data protection services and solutions.
http://www.stellarinfo.com/
7. Data Clinic Ltd
Data Clinic Ltd provide you with a professional, cost effective and prompt data recovery service from crashed hard disks and other computer based media.
http://www.dataclinic.co.uk/
8. First Advantage Data Recovery Services (DRS)
With more than 25 years involvement in hard drive data recovery, Data Recovery Services has and will continue to lead the industry in those areas.
http://www.datarecovery.net/
9. CBL
CBL provide data recovery for failed hard drives in laptops, desktop computers, data servers, RAID arrays, tapes and all other data storage media.
http://www.cbltech.com/
10. Data Recovery Centre (ADRC) Pte Ltd
Adroit Data Recovery Centre (ADRC) Pte Ltd is the data recovery expert established since 1998.
http://www.adrc.net
