Removable storage has been around almost as long as the computer itself. Earlier generation of removable storage starts with using paper punch cards in computers. Then the magnetic tape eras in which audio cassette were dominating.
Till now we’ve come a long way. Now removable storage devices can store hundreds of gigabytes of data on a single disk, cassette, card or cartridge. Let’s see why you would want removable storage.
Memory: you can carry anywhere
There are several reasons why removable storage is useful:
- Commercial software
- Making back-up copies of important information
- Transporting data between two computers
- Storing software and information that you don’t need to access constantly
- Copying information to give to someone else
- Securing information that you don’t want anyone else to access
Modern removable storage devices offer an incredible number of options, with storage capacities ranging from the few megabytes (MB) of a standard floppy to the upwards of terabytes (TB) capacity of some portable drives. All of these devices fall into one of three categories:
- Magnetic storage
- Optical storage
- Solid-state storage
So that’s all about a removable storage. Today`s article is more focused on steps involved in removable storage recovery. In case you lost your data, deleted your files or somehow the device become corrupt or inaccessible then only data recovery software can save your day. Then, we’ll discuss what to do to keep you out of these predicaments to begin with.
The things that you need to Know When Using Data Recovery Software
- If possible do a back-up before you try the recovery
- Don’t install the software on the drive that has the problem
- Be sure to save the recovered files someplace other than the problem drive
Installing the recovery software on the unstable drive could write on top of your files. This is a no-brainer if you are trying to recover removable storage and installing the data recovery software in same drive.
When recovering an internal drive, you will have to remove the unstable hard drive and connect to a stable computer with a stable operating system. I have dealt with this in the past and had decided to purchase a case that turns my hard drive into an USB connected external hard drive.
If it is a hard drive you are attempting to recover, you can bust open a second hard drive and plug in the unstable hard drive. Then you should see the unstable drive show up in (My) Computer or in Disk Management.
You may, or may not, be able to see some of the files you are looking for without any recovery software at all.
What to Do To Avoid Needing Data Recovery At All (Or Ever Again)
- Back Up
You have heard it before but I’m telling you again. There are often warning signs that a hard drive is failing. Back up at the first inkling of a problem.Then, if the drive does go, you can just recycle it and buy a new one. This can cost you much less than paying to recover it.
Common Warning Signs
- Loading or saving files consistently takes an unnaturally long time
- Frequent lock ups that cause you to use the power button to restart
- Files mysteriously turn to jumbled or disappear all together
- Freezing while booting up
- Strange noises
- Blue screen of death
De frag Often
Physical damage can sometimes be caused by a drive working too hard because of a fragmented hard drive. You can help to prevent this by scheduling your Disk Derangement to run automatically. This is especially important if you are running pre-2000 Windows.
The bottom line is that if your files turn up missing for any reason they probably can be recovered. The price of data professional recovery services are fair, many data recovery programs are very powerful, and most have thorough help files and customer support. Give it a try!