File Recovery Programs

by: Sal Cangeloso

Data recovery is needed there is a basic distinction that needs to be made: whether the problem is physical or not. If the problem is a physical one there is a very possibility that there is nothing you can do except work with a specialist. Conversely, if the problem is not physical, such as an overwrite or accidental deletion there is a good chance that you will be able to handle your own data recovery.

Salvaging your data is done using anyone of a number of programs. Like anything else, each has different strengths and are aimed at different user levels, from consumer to enterprise. Don't expect a free program to haev all the recovery features of a high-end corporate one, but given the wealth of information that often resides on a drive, it is often worthwhile to spend a few bucks and use the proper tools.

Here are links to popular data recovery programs:

- EasyRecovery from OnTrack

- R-Studio Data Recovery from R-Tools

- File Scavenger from QueTek

- Ghost from Norton

Though this is just a small sampling of the programs currently available they should help to get you started on the road to efficient data recovery. Though certain free applications are available beware, as they often have very limited feature sets and end up simply wasting time.

Though, one of the best tools is a free one. TestDisk, from CGSecurity.org, works with both DOS and Linux systems and has a number of very useful features, including the ability to find and repair partitions in either FAT or NTFS. The problem with tools like this one is their lack of a graphical user interface. This makes them seem harder to use than they actually are and rather intimidating. The price tradeoff is well worth it if you can manage to get one of these to work though.