Many NAS devices utilize RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations to protect against data loss due to drive failure. When a drive in a RAID array fails, a “rebuild” process is initiated to restore redundancy by copying data to a new or spare drive.

We realize that we’re biased, but this isn’t an attempt to get easy business — the vast majority of our NAS data recovery cases involving RAID begin with a failed attempt at a rebuild. Those failures can make data recovery much more complicated and put data at risk. 

Remember, redundancy is not backup: If your NAS contains the only copy of important data and it’s currently inaccessible, you’re dealing with a data recovery scenario. Take it seriously! 

Datarecovery.com provides risk-free evaluations for NAS systems, along with a no data, no charge guarantee for data recovery cases. Submit a case online or call 1-800-237-4200 to learn more. 

Below, we’ll explain some of the red flags that can indicate the need for professional assistance. Note that this is not a comprehensive list; any RAID rebuild can fail under the wrong circumstances.

Red Flags: When a NAS Cannot Be Safely Rebuilt

A rebuild puts extra stress on storage media, since the missing drive will need to be rebuilt from the parity data. That requires intensive operation of the remaining drives and pre-existing issues can be exacerbated.

Before initiating a rebuild, thoroughly assess the health of your NAS hardware:

• Drive Health: Pay close attention to SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) data. A high number of reallocated sectors, pending sectors, or CRC errors can indicate an unreliable drive. Unusual noises like clicking or grinding are also serious warning signs of an impending hard drive failure. 
• One or More Drives Aren’t Detected: If the drive is not detected by the NAS controller or if you’ve experienced multiple drive failures in a short period, it’s crucial to investigate the root cause before rebuilding. Attempting a rebuild with a failing drive could lead to corrupt data.
• Controller Concerns: A malfunctioning RAID controller can jeopardize the entire rebuild process. Symptoms of a failing controller include system instability, unexpected reboots, and error messages related to the RAID array. Verify controller health through diagnostic tools provided by the manufacturer.
• Power and Environment: Ensure your power supply has sufficient capacity to handle the increased load during a rebuild (this is most applicable to enterprise systems; home RAID arrays are unlikely to fail due to power issues, provided that the electrical supply is reliable). Overheating can also be a concern, so make sure your NAS has adequate cooling. 

NAS Rebuild Software Issues

A compromised file system can lead to data corruption during a rebuild. Before starting the rebuild, you might consider running file system check using tools like fsck (Linux) or chkdsk (Windows).

However, proceed with caution! While these utilities can identify and sometimes repair file system errors, they can also put extra stress on a failing drive. If you suspect drive problems, back up your data first and check SMART data for critical errors. If you do run chkdsk, start with the /f parameter for basic error checking. 

Learn more: Don’t Use CHKDSK On a Failing Hard Drive

NAS RAID Configuration and Firmware Issues

Verify that your RAID configuration is consistent across all drives in the array. Mismatched parameters or inconsistencies can lead to a failed rebuild or data loss. Consult your NAS documentation to confirm the correct RAID settings.

It’s also worth noting that outdated NAS firmware or operating system software can introduce compatibility issues and increase the risk of rebuild failures. Always update to the latest stable versions before attempting a rebuild.

For those managing more complex NAS setups, there are additional factors to consider:

• Bit Rot and Data Degradation: Over time, data stored on hard drives can experience “bit rot,” where bits flip or become corrupted. Data scrubbing, a process that scans and verifies data integrity, can help mitigate this risk before a rebuild.
• SSD and NVMe Drives: Rebuilding SSDs and NVMe drives can be more challenging due to wear leveling algorithms and potential lifespan impact. Consult your drive manufacturer’s recommendations regarding rebuilds.
• RAID Level Specifics: Different RAID levels have unique considerations. RAID 5, for example, is more vulnerable to data loss during a rebuild than RAID 6. Factor in rebuild time and performance implications for your specific RAID configuration.

Related: What Happens During a Failed NAS Rebuild?

Rebuilding Any RAID Carries a Risk

Never attempt a NAS rebuild without a complete and verified backup of your data. A rebuild is not a backup solution: if it fails, you risk losing all your data. Implement a robust backup strategy that includes full, incremental, or differential backups to ensure data recoverability.

By carefully assessing your hardware, software, and data integrity, you can make informed decisions about when to proceed with a rebuild and when to seek alternative solutions. 

Datarecovery.com provides comprehensive services for all NAS devices. Learn more about our NAS data recovery services or call 1-800-237-4200 to speak with an expert. 

The post When Not to Attempt a NAS Rebuild appeared first on Datarecovery.com.

Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices often utilize some form of RAID (Redundant Array of Independent/Inexpensive Disks) for redundancy. A single hard drive (or solid-state drive) failure will not cause immediate data loss — the failed drive can be swapped out to rebuild the RAID, provided that multiple hard drive failures have not occurred.

However, redundancy is not backup, and NAS rebuilds can fail. In fact, because rebuilds put a high amount of stress on the physical media, the chances of a second drive failure are much higher during the rebuild process than during normal operation.

Below, we’ll explain more about failed NAS rebuilds and provide an overview of the data recovery process. For a free NAS data recovery estimate, call 1-800-237-4200 or submit a case online.

What Is a Failed NAS Rebuild?

A NAS rebuild is a process that occurs when a hard drive in a RAID array fails. The RAID system is designed to protect data by distributing it across multiple drives. When one drive fails, the NAS attempts to rebuild the data onto a new or spare drive using the parity information stored on the remaining drives. 

A failed NAS rebuild happens when this rebuilding process is interrupted or unsuccessful. This can occur due to various reasons, including:

• Multiple Disk Failures: If more than one drive fails during the rebuild process, the RAID system may not have enough redundancy to recover the data.
• Bad Sectors on the Replacement Drive: If the new drive used for the rebuild has bad sectors, it can prevent the data from being written correctly, causing the rebuild to fail.
• Power Interruptions: A power outage or surge during the rebuild process can disrupt the data transfer.
• Overheating: Excessive heat can damage hard drives and interfere with the rebuild process.
• Software or Firmware Issues: Bugs in the NAS software or firmware can also cause rebuild failures.
• Controller Failure: The RAID controller is responsible for managing the rebuild process. If it malfunctions, the rebuild will likely fail.

A failed NAS rebuild can lead to data loss due to irrecoverable parity data, corruption, or drive degradation. In most instances, data recovery is possible — but it’s extremely important to turn off the power to the NAS as soon as possible. Operating a NAS after a failed rebuild can permanently overwrite data, even if a second rebuild is not attempted. 

Related: NAS Data Recovery: Common Failure Scenarios

Failed NAS Rebuilds for Different RAID Levels

The impact of a failed NAS rebuild can vary depending on the RAID level used:

• RAID 0: RAID 0 offers no redundancy. If one drive fails, all data is lost. A rebuild is not possible in this configuration (and RAID 0 is arguably not a “true” RAID for this reason).
• RAID 1: RAID 1 mirrors data across two drives. If one drive fails, the data is still available on the other drive. A rebuild simply involves copying the data to a new drive. A failed rebuild in RAID 1 is less catastrophic, but still results in the loss of redundancy until the rebuild is complete.
• RAID 5: RAID 5 uses parity information distributed across all drives. It can tolerate one drive failure. A failed rebuild in RAID 5 can lead to complete data loss if another drive fails before the rebuild is completed.
• RAID 6: RAID 6 is similar to RAID 5 but uses dual parity, allowing it to tolerate two simultaneous drive failures. A failed rebuild in RAID 6 is less risky, but data loss is still possible if more than two drives fail or if the rebuild fails for another reason. 
• RAID 10: RAID 10 combines mirroring and striping. It offers high performance and fault tolerance. A failed rebuild in RAID 10 is less likely to result in data loss unless multiple drives fail within the same mirrored pair.

Related: RAID 10, Explained: Should You Use It? 

Data Recovery Options for NAS Devices After a Failed Rebuild

Recovering data from a NAS after a failed rebuild can be complex and requires specialized tools and expertise. Once again, we strongly recommend disconnecting the power from a failed NAS. Contact a professional data recovery provider as soon as possible.

Datarecovery.com offers specialized data recovery services for NAS devices, including those affected by failed rebuilds. Our laboratories have advanced hardware imaging tools, firmware repair tools, data recovery clean rooms, and the industry’s most extensive library of storage media parts and RAID controller cards. 

We support all NAS data recovery cases with a no data, no charge guarantee: If we’re unable to restore the files you need, you don’t pay for the failed attempt.

To learn more, visit our NAS data recovery page or set up a case online. If you’d like to speak directly with a RAID recovery expert, call 1-800-237-4200. 

The post What Happens During a Failed NAS Rebuild? appeared first on Datarecovery.com.

Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices are centralized data hubs that offer convenient access and sharing capabilities. While they’re often redundant, redundancy is not backup — and no storage device is immune to failure. 

According to a 2022 report by Uptime Institute (PDF), 60% of organizations experienced some form of data loss in the past three years. Often, the most expensive data loss scenarios involve mass storage devices; organizations may mistakenly believe that NAS systems are naturally more robust, which can lead to disaster.

Below, we’ll discuss some of the most common NAS failure scenarios and provide some general tips for optimizing the chances of successful NAS data recovery. To speak with a NAS data recovery expert, call 1-800-237-4200 or submit a case online to schedule a risk-free evaluation.

Understanding NAS Failure Scenarios

Most NAS devices utilize RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive/Independent Disks) for some degree of redundancy: If a single hard drive or solid-state drive fails, the system does not lose data. In some cases, an enterprise NAS device might be able to withstand several drive failures without data loss.

Most NAS systems utilize RAID 5 (home NAS appliances might use RAID 1, 0, or even RAID 10). While redundancy can keep a NAS operating, failures can still occur for a variety of reasons: 

• Multiple drive failures exceeding RAID redundancy levels, such as two drives failing simultaneously in a RAID 5 array.
• RAID controller malfunctions due to events like a power surge, leading to array inaccessibility.
• Potential for data overwriting during improper RAID rebuild attempts, especially when using incompatible drives.
• File system corruption due to power failures, abrupt shutdowns, or software bugs.
• Accidental deletion of files or folders.
• Firmware issues causing NAS malfunctions.
• Ransomware attacks leading to data encryption or corruption.
• Fires, floods, and other natural disasters.
• Human error in RAID configuration, formatting, or drive replacement.

A single drive failure in a RAID 5 array might be resolved by replacing the faulty drive and rebuilding the array. However, in the case of multiple drive failures or RAID controller malfunctions, data recovery engineers must use specialized tools and techniques to repair the damaged media, reconstruct the array, and retrieve the data. 

Logical issues, such as file system corruption or accidental deletion, necessitate different strategies, often involving file carving, data analysis, and specialized software to recover the lost information.

Learn more: NAS Data Recovery Services.

The Challenges of NAS Data Recovery

Recovering data from a failed NAS device presents unique challenges that differentiate it from traditional hard drive recovery.

• RAID Complexity: Successfully retrieving data from a failed RAID array requires specialized knowledge of different RAID levels (RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, etc.) and their configurations. The complexity increases with the number of drives and the specific RAID level implemented.
• Proprietary Systems: Many NAS manufacturers, such as Synology and QNAP, utilize proprietary file systems like ZFS and Btrfs. These file systems often pose unique challenges due to their specific metadata structures, compression algorithms, and data organization schemes, necessitating specialized tools and expertise for successful data recovery.
• Embedded Architecture: NAS devices are often embedded systems with unique operating systems and file structures. This can make data recovery more complex because the data is not easily accessible with standard hard drive recovery tools and techniques. Specialized knowledge of the NAS device’s architecture and operating system is often required.
• Data Encryption: Encryption can complicate the recovery process if the encryption key is lost or corrupted, or if the encryption metadata itself is damaged. Furthermore, the complexity of encryption algorithms used in NAS devices can pose significant challenges to data recovery efforts.
• Logical Damage: Addressing logical damage like file system corruption or accidental deletion requires specialized software and in-depth knowledge of file system structures.

Preventing NAS Data Loss

Taking proactive measures to prevent data loss is crucial for any business or individual relying on NAS devices. Here are some essential tips:

• Regular Backups: Implement a robust backup strategy, including both on-site and off-site backups. Remember, redundancy is not backup. If data exists on a single device, it’s at risk. 
• Drive Health Monitoring: Regularly monitor the health of your NAS drives using SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) tools to identify potential issues before they escalate. This is especially important when rebuilding a NAS with a failed drive; the rebuild process can be intensive and can prompt a secondary drive failure. 
• Firmware Updates: Keep your NAS firmware up to date to benefit from bug fixes, performance improvements, and security patches.
• Strong Security: Implement strong passwords, access controls, and firewalls to protect your NAS from unauthorized access and malware attacks.

Professional NAS Data Recovery with Datarecovery.com

Datarecovery.com specializes in RAID and NAS recovery. For decades, we’ve invested in research and development, maintaining an extensive parts library with tens of thousands of hard drives, solid-state drives, and RAID controller cards. 

Whether you’ve lost data due to a software error, a ransomware attack, or a natural disaster, we’re ready to help. All of our locations are equipped with full-service laboratories capable of handling NAS devices.

Why choose Datarecovery.com?

• Fast turnaround time: We understand the urgency of data recovery and strive to minimize downtime.
• No data, no fee guarantee: You only pay if we successfully recover your data.
• 24/7 emergency service: We are available around the clock to handle critical data loss situations.

Restore data from any NAS device. Datarecovery.com provides three service options for NAS cases, including 24/7 emergency service to deliver the fastest possible results (often in under 24 hours). Call us now at 1.800.237.4200 to speak with a recovery specialist or submit a case online.

The post NAS Data Recovery: Common Failure Scenarios appeared first on Datarecovery.com.

Overprovisioning

If overprovisioning is handled via hardware, this extra space isn’t accessible to you or your operating system; it’s used by the SSD’s controller to perform background tasks that improve the drive’s performance, longevity, and reliability. 

Hardware overprovisioning is commonly used in SSD manufacturing. Enterprise drives may overprovision up to 28%, while consumer drives might have a smaller amount of extra space (around 7%). 

Benefits of SSD Overprovisioning

From an engineering perspective, overprovisioning offers several advantages:

• Overprovisioning can lead to faster write speeds and improved overall responsiveness, especially during demanding tasks. 
• By distributing data writes more evenly and efficiently managing garbage collection, overprovisioning helps reduce wear and tear on the SSD’s flash memory, extending its lifespan. Learn more about SSD life cycles. 
• Overprovisioning aids in more robust error correction and data integrity. 

It’s worth noting here that hard drives do not use overprovisioning in the same way as SSDs. This is essentially because the way that SSDs store data is much more complex and less sequential.

When you write a file to a hard drive, it will store that data more-or-less sequentially — all of the parts of the file are generally in the same physical area of the disk (though it may be somewhat segmented, for reasons that aren’t particularly important for this article). 

SSDs are capable of sequential writes, and in some cases (as with video recording), they write data sequentially. But because SSDs don’t operate mechanically, they’re generally designed to “spread out” data to ensure that individual memory cells aren’t overused. Otherwise, those cells would fail earlier than others. 

Overprovisioning helps to ensure that there’s always enough memory cells to handle garbage collection and error correction. 

Related: Is It Possible to Recover Data from a Formatted SSD?

Does SSD overprovisioning create data security issues? 

Since the overprovisioning space rarely holds contiguous files and is inaccessible to the user, it’s not a primary concern from a data security perspective. Even if someone tries to recover data from your SSD, they are unlikely to access the overprovisioned area with standard recovery tools. And even with access to the overprovisioned area, it would be incredibly difficult to reconstruct usable files.

However, for environments with strict security requirements, overprovisioning creates a potential liability. In government offices, for example, any recoverable file segment could be problematic.

Block-level data sanitization should be employed, particularly if the organization needs to ensure compliance with security/privacy standards. To learn more about data sanitization standards, read: What Are the Standards for Secure Data Sanitization?

How does SSD overprovisioning impact data recovery? 

Overprovisioned space allows the SSD controller to perform wear leveling more effectively.  Wear leveling distributes data writes evenly across all the flash memory cells to prevent premature wear and tear on specific cells. 

Data is constantly being relocated to different physical locations within the SSD, including the overprovisioned area. This dynamic movement of data makes it harder for recovery tools to track and reconstruct files because the original data patterns are disrupted.

This can make logical data recovery more challenging. Professional data recovery laboratories can overcome many of those issues; with that said, overprovisioning is one of the many reasons that consumer-level SSD data recovery software isn’t very effective. 

Learn more: Before Using Data Recovery Software, Read This

Find secure resources for SSD data recovery and data sanitization. 

Datarecovery.com provides secure data sanitization, data recovery, and related services for all types of storage media. With risk-free price quotes and our no data, no charge guarantee, we provide peace of mind as your case progresses — and with real laboratories at each of our physical locations, we’re ready to provide fast turnarounds for consumers, small businesses, and enterprises.

To get started, submit a case online or call 1-800-237-4200 to speak with a member of our team.

The post What is SSD Overprovisioning? appeared first on Datarecovery.com.

An SSD’s internal NAND chips and controller.

You’re selling an old solid-state drive (SSD) — or maybe you’re selling your computer, and you’re including the storage media. How can you make sure that nobody can recover the data and use it maliciously? 

The quick answer: Perform a full format. Realistically, you don’t need to mess around with encryption, and you don’t need to perform multiple passes with data sanitization software. 

Here’s why a full format is usually enough (and why you may need to go a bit further in certain cases). 

Under normal circumstances, a full format will render solid-state media unrecoverable. 

A full format on an SSD doesn’t erase data in the conventional sense. Unlike hard drives, it doesn’t overwrite every bit of information. Instead, it focuses on the Flash Translation Layer (FTL), which acts as a map for locating data on the SSD. Formatting essentially erases this map, making the data inaccessible to the computer.

Although the data might still exist on the SSD’s flash memory chips, the operating system and software can no longer find it. This is where garbage collection comes into play. This background process identifies and erases invalid data blocks – those no longer linked in the FTL. As you use the SSD after formatting, garbage collection reclaims and overwrites these blocks with new data.

This method is effective due to the complexity of flash memory and the SSD controller’s role. Without the FTL, reconstructing useful data becomes effectively impossible.

Related: SSD Data Recovery: Techniques and Challenges

If you need to comply with privacy/security laws, a full format isn’t enough. 

While a full format is highly effective for most users, sophisticated data recovery techniques might still have a slight chance of recovering some data fragments, especially if employed soon after formatting. For complete data sanitization, methods like Secure Erase are recommended, as they go beyond simply invalidating the FTL.

Once again, after a full format, the chances of recovering full files are essentially 0 — but in some circumstances, “essentially 0″ isn’t good enough. For example: 

• High-Security Environments: If you’re dealing with highly sensitive data (government, healthcare, etc.), a full format might not be enough to meet regulatory compliance (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR). In these cases, you’ll need to employ more robust methods like data sanitization software that meets specific standards (NIST 800-88) or even physical destruction of the drive.

• Enterprise SSDs and Advanced Features: Some enterprise-grade SSDs have advanced features like wear leveling and over-provisioning that can make data recovery slightly more challenging, even after a full format. While the chances of recovery are still extremely remote, data sanitization software provides an extra layer of assurance.

• Peace of Mind: Even though a full format is highly effective, using data sanitization software can provide additional peace of mind, especially if you’re particularly concerned about your privacy. 

Related: Can You Recover Deleted Files From an SSD?

What about over-provisioning?

Over-provisioning (OP) in the context of SSDs is a technique where a portion of the SSD’s total storage capacity is intentionally reserved and made inaccessible to the user. This “hidden” space is used by the SSD’s controller for various background operations that improve the drive’s performance, longevity, and reliability. Over-provisioning may be used to improve error correction and reduce the wear on the flash memory.

Some amount of user data may be stored in the reserved space. Realistically, this isn’t a concern for private computer users — the buyer is unlikely to perform chip-off data recovery to try to access trace amounts of data. 

However, you can target over-provisioned space via ATA or NVMe Secure Erase commands. These are accessible through the utilities that came with your SSD, and they trigger a comprehensive erasure of all areas of the drive — including inaccessible areas. 

Utilities for popular SSDs can be found on their manufacturers’ websites:

• CORSAIR 
• Crucial Storage Executive
• Intel
• Samsung
• Toshiba
• Western Digital

The bottom line: A full format will protect data in the vast majority of circumstances.

However, a block-level erase is the most secure solution. You don’t need to worry about multi-pass overwrites unless you have specific compliance standards that you need to meet — and if that’s the case, we recommend working with a data services partner to ensure that sanitization is carried out properly, and that the sanitization process is recorded in a way that can demonstrate compliance. 

Datarecovery.com provides secure data sanitization, data recovery, and related services for all types of storage media. For a risk-free price quote, submit a case online or call 1-800-237-4200 to speak with a member of our team.

The post How Can I Prevent Data Recovery When Selling an SSD?  appeared first on Datarecovery.com.

Microsoldering is a highly specialized technique in electronics repair that demands precision, expertise, and specialized equipment. It involves repairing small components on a circuit board, which may be no larger than a grain of sand. These components are crucial for a device’s operation, and even minor damage can lead to malfunctions and data loss.

To perform microsoldering, technicians utilize a high-powered microscope to magnify the circuitry. The magnification provides a clear view of the components and their connections. Repairs are performed using a specialized soldering iron with an exceptionally fine tip, along with specialized solder alloys with precise melting points.

In recent years, microsoldering has become a more important tool for data recovery engineers. Below, we’ll explain the basics. To set up a risk-free media evaluation or learn about our services — all of which are supported by our no data, no charge guarantee — submit a case online or call 1-800-237-4200.

Microsoldering and Data Recovery

In data recovery laboratories, microsoldering is used to address physical damage to storage devices and their associated circuitry. It’s not always necessary; engineers generally prefer to replace larger components using donor media. 

However, microsoldering is essential for addressing certain issues:

• Identifying and Replacing Faulty Components: Microsoldering allows technicians to pinpoint faulty components on a circuit board, such as resistors, capacitors, diodes, and even tiny integrated circuits (ICs). These components can be carefully removed and replaced with new ones to restore the circuit board’s functionality.
• Repairing Damaged Traces: Circuit boards contain delicate conductive pathways called “traces” that carry electrical signals. Physical damage can break or damage these traces, interrupting the flow of data. Microsoldering enables technicians to rebuild or bridge broken traces, re-establishing the connections.
• Reballing BGA Chips: Ball Grid Array (BGA) chips are commonly used in modern electronics. These chips connect to the circuit board via an array of tiny solder balls. Over time (or due to physical stress), these connections can crack or fail. Microsoldering techniques like “reballing” allow technicians to remove the BGA chip, clean the connection points, and attach fresh solder balls, effectively re-establishing a solid connection.

Examples of Microsoldering in Data Recovery:

• Mobile Device Recovery: In smartphones and tablets, microsoldering can be used to repair or replace damaged charging ports, power management ICs, memory chips (eMMC or UFS), and components related to the display or touch functionality, all of which can impact data accessibility.
• SSD Data Recovery: Microsoldering is crucial for SSD recovery, enabling technicians to replace faulty controller chips, repair damaged NAND flash memory chips, and address issues within the complex circuitry that manages data storage and retrieval.
• Hard Drive Recovery: In hard drives, microsoldering can be used to repair or replace damaged read/write heads, motor controllers, and other components that are essential for the drive’s operation and data access. Engineers weigh a number of factors when deciding how to treat physical hard drive issues, but simple “PCB swaps” aren’t possible with modern drives.

Why Professional Expertise is Essential

A Datarecovery.com laboratory.

Microsoldering is a highly intricate procedure that requires specialized equipment, advanced skills, and a controlled environment. Microscopes with high magnification and excellent resolution are essential for visualizing the minute components. Precision soldering stations with temperature control and specialized tips are also necessary.

Additionally, microsoldering requires extensive knowledge of electronics, circuit board repair, and soldering techniques. Technicians must be able to diagnose the fault, identify the affected components, and execute the repair with precision to avoid causing further damage. Needless to say, if a device holds the only copy of important data, you’ll want an experienced engineer performing the repairs. 

Microsoldering is best performed in a cleanroom environment to prevent dust and other contaminants from interfering with the delicate circuitry. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions are also crucial to avoid damaging sensitive electronic components. Professional data recovery labs have the necessary controls to limit damage — and optimize the chances of a wholly successful recovery.

Professional Data Recovery Services with a No Data, No Charge Guarantee

If you are experiencing data loss, seeking professional assistance is crucial. Attempting repairs without the necessary expertise and equipment can lead to further damage and permanent data loss.

Datarecovery.com provides free evaluations, and each of our locations is fully outfitted with cleanrooms, advanced firmware repair equipment, soldering stations, and other essential technologies. To learn about our services or set up a free evaluation, submit a case online or call 1-800-237-4200.

The post What Is Microsoldering in Data Recovery? appeared first on Datarecovery.com.

The exposed platters of a hard drive.

We’ll be completely honest: We’re writing this article because our customers frequently mention “lost wedding photos” in their file requests. (For most standard data recovery cases, Datarecovery.com does not charge if the client’s requested files are unrecoverable). 

In truth, there’s nothing different about the data recovery process for wedding photos as opposed to, say, the data recovery process for Outlook PSTs. In fact, all data recovery attempts follow the same general process: 

1. The storage device (a hard drive, solid-state drive, etc.) is evaluated by a professional data recovery engineer to determine the chances of recovery.
2. The customer approves the quoted price.
3. Physical issues are treated and corrected. Components may be swapped out, repaired, or reconfigured. 
4. The device is cloned, which creates a perfect copy of the data.
5. Logical procedures are used to restore the data (in this case, images and videos) to a working state.
6. The data is returned to the client. 

That process is roughly the same for every case. Logical (software-based) procedures may vary depending on the type of data, and the requirements for a successful case result may change. 

For example, with images and videos, the file must generally be completely recovered in order to prevent artifacts that would render the content unusable. Otherwise, wedding photo recovery is exactly the same as every other type of data recovery.

But if you’re reading this article, there’s a good chance that you’re panicking; you’ve lost the only copies of photos or videos from your big day, and you want fast answers. 

If that’s the case, there’s some good news: Recovery rates for consumer media (hard drives, solid state drives, smartphones, and USB thumb drives) are quite high. As long as you take immediate steps to prevent permanent data loss, you’ve got a good chance of restoring your photos.

Here’s everything you need to know about the data recovery process for lost wedding photos and videos. To speak with an expert, call 1-800-237-4200 or set up a risk-free evaluation online.

Don’t attempt to recover your own photos (no, seriously, don’t). 

Do-it-yourself data recovery attempts can severely limit your chances of a successful case result. We’re not trying to frighten you into giving us your business — any reputable data recovery provider can take steps to treat your case non-destructively, without taking unnecessary risks with your data.

Unfortunately, DIY data recovery is risky:

• Operating a damaged hard drive, even for a few seconds, can cause the read/write heads to contact the platters that store your data. Platter damage is irreversible and permanent.
• Installing data recovery software may overwrite key fragments of deleted or corrupt files, rendering the files unusable.
• Treating physical issues requires specialized tools, including a certified cleanroom and firmware repair equipment. Computer repair shops do not have access to these technologies; only dedicated data recovery laboratories are capable of attempting repairs.

If you are absolutely 100% sure that you’ve lost data due to a logical (non-physical) issue, and you’re absolutely opposed to using a professional data recovery service, you should make a clone of your device before attempting recovery. Read our guide to cloning storage devices with ddrescue.

But if you only have one copy of the data, you usually have one chance at data recovery. Work with a qualified data recovery partner.

Related: Before Using Data Recovery Software, Read This

Choose a data recovery provider that has appropriately outfitted laboratories. 

Not all data recovery companies have equivalent skills, equipment, or track records. At minimum, your data recovery provider should have:

• A certified cleanroom, clean-flow benches, or equivalent technology to limit contamination. Learn why cleanrooms are important for data recovery work.
• Computers capable of repairing or rewriting the firmware for hard drives, solid-state drives, and other devices. Learn more about firmware repair.
• Engineers who have substantial experience with your media. 

Check whether your provider can provide references or testimonials from past clients. For additional tips, read: Finding the Best Data Recovery Company.

Don’t panic, but don’t wait too long to seek help. 

If you keep your storage device powered off, the chances of recovery are usually high — but the best practice is to get an evaluation as soon as possible. 

• Make a list of important files. It’s okay if you don’t know file names, but try to provide as much information as possible. For example: “There are a few hundred photos in an album marked ‘wedding,’ and most of the files are JPGs.” 
• Provide as many details about the issue. Note any error messages, unusual noises, or other symptoms that preceded the failure. 
• If you’re shipping your device, follow the data recovery provider’s instructions and use sufficient packaging. 
• If you’re dropping off your device in-person, make sure that the data recovery process will be performed on site. Datarecovery.com operates full-service laboratories at every location — we don’t operate shipping offices.

Wedding photos and videos are priceless, but reputable data recovery companies will provide a firm, reasonable price quote before beginning work. At Datarecovery.com, we provide our clients with peace of mind by offering free evaluations and supporting every case with our no data, no charge guarantee: If the files you need aren’t recovered, there’s no charge for the attempt.

To get started, set up a free evaluation online or call 1-800-237-4200 to speak with an expert. 

The post Data Recovery for Lost Wedding Photos: Steps to Take appeared first on Datarecovery.com.

The platters and actuator heads of a hard drive.

Any hard drive can fail, regardless of brand, usage, or other factors. Seagate external hard drives are no different: Even if you’ve used your external drive sparingly — and you’ve maintained excellent operating conditions — failures can occur. 

If the data on your external hard drive is important, we strongly recommend working with a professional data recovery provider. Attempting to operate a failed drive can lead to permanent media damage. Generally speaking, you have one chance to recover important data; do-it-yourself data recovery is never a great idea. 

Datarecovery.com provides free hard drive evaluations, and our no data, no charge guarantee provides peace of mind: If we’re unable to recover the files you need, there’s no charge for the attempt. Submit a case online or call 1-800-237-4200 to get started.

With that said, some Seagate hard drive issues have nothing to do with the health of the internal drive. Here’s a quick guide for diagnosing failures and troubleshooting. 

Seagate External Hard Drives: Basic Troubleshooting 

Begin by eliminating the most frequent culprits:

• Verify the Power Source: A loose or faulty power connection can prevent your drive from turning on or being recognized. Ensure the power cord is securely connected to both the drive and a functioning wall outlet. If your drive relies on an external power adapter, confirm it’s the correct voltage and amperage for your model. 
• USB Port Functionality: Ports can be surprisingly unreliable, particularly when external drives are fully powered through USB. Test the drive by connecting it to various USB ports on your computer, including those on the back or sides, as they may be connected to different internal controllers. A damaged or malfunctioning port may not provide the necessary power or data connection.
• Cable Integrity: A damaged or faulty USB cable can prevent proper communication between your drive and computer. Swap the cable with a cable that you’ve tested with another device.

After verifying the power, determine whether the hard drive is recognized by your computer.

If the basic checks don’t resolve the issue, we need to delve deeper into your system.

Windows Users:

1. Device Manager Inspection: Device Manager provides a comprehensive view of your computer’s hardware. If your Seagate drive isn’t listed under “Disk Drives,” or if it’s marked with a yellow exclamation point, this signals a driver issue or a problem with the drive itself. Error codes found in the drive’s “Properties” (such as Code 10, which often indicates a hardware failure, or Code 28/43, which suggest driver problems) can provide a diagnosis.
2. Disk Management Analysis: Disk Management allows you to view and manage the drives connected to your computer. If your Seagate drive appears as “Unallocated” or with a “RAW” file system, this suggests a formatting issue or more serious file system corruption, which may necessitate data recovery software or professional services.

Note that “Code 10″ may be displayed if the drive isn’t receiving sufficient power or the USB cable is faulty. This is why it’s important to verify the power source and cables before troubleshooting. 

Mac Users:

1. Disk Utility Examination: Disk Utility is a versatile tool for managing drives on macOS. If your Seagate drive isn’t visible in Disk Utility, it’s not being recognized by the operating system, potentially due to connection problems, drive failure, or macOS-specific compatibility issues.
2. System Information Review: System Information provides a detailed overview of your Mac’s hardware and software. Checking the “USB” section (or the relevant interface) can help identify whether the system is detecting the drive at all, which can help narrow down the problem.

Code 28 on Seagate External Hard Drive

Code 28 and Code 43 can indicate driver problems. Trying the drive on another computer should resolve the issue. If you can verify that the drive is functional with another machine, you can try the following steps to reload the drivers:

• Close the Device Manager window.
• Right-click on the problematic device and select “Uninstall.”
• Shut down your computer and disconnect the Seagate drive.
• Reboot your computer without the drive connected.
• Once the computer has fully booted, plug the drive into a different USB port.
• Windows should automatically detect the drive and start installing the necessary device drivers.
• After the driver installation is complete, check Device Manager again to see if the error code has been resolved.

This process essentially forces Windows to reinstall the drivers for the Seagate drive, which can sometimes resolve corruption or compatibility issues.

The Risks of DIY Data Recovery

A hard drive’s platters with severe damage.

Attempting data recovery without the proper knowledge and tools can be risky. If your drive has suffered a head crash (where the read/write heads contact the disk platters), any further operation can cause irreparable damage and permanent data loss.

If your drive is functional and you intend to use data recovery software, read about the risks. Before running any software, make a clone of your drive, then run the software on the clone (not on the original drive).

Here are a few resources to bookmark: 

• How to Clone Hard Disks with ddrescue
• Before Using Data Recovery Software, Read This

Datarecovery.com provides free evaluations and a no data, no charge guarantee.

Datarecovery.com offers a no data, no charge policy for all hard drive failure scenarios, which provides peace of mind as your case progresses. Each of our full-service laboratories is outfitted with industry-leading technology to ensure high success rates, low recovery costs, and fast turnaround times.

Each case begins with a risk-free evaluation. Contact us today at 1-800-237-4200 or fill out our online case form to get started.  

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According to a report from ESET Research, government agencies in Europe are learning this lesson the hard way. The GoldenJackal hacking group has allegedly breached at least two air-gapped systems by using custom toolsets, primarily utilizing USB pen drives to compromise the systems.

“With the level of sophistication required, it is quite unusual that in five years, GoldenJackal managed to build and deploy not one, but two separate toolsets designed to compromise air-gapped systems,” the report notes.  

How Air-Gapped Systems Can Be Compromised

By definition, air-gapped systems aren’t connected to networks (much less the internet). Organizations typically air gap the systems that meet two criteria: One, they’re vital or valuable in some way; and two, they hold data that does not require regular access from multiple users.

In enterprise settings, air-gapped systems are often backups or archives. But in government, air-gapped systems may be even more valuable — they might hold voting data, control power grids, or serve other essential functions.

“The purpose of such attacks is always espionage, perhaps with a side of sabotage,” ESET notes. 

Compromising an air-gapped system requires time, patience, and ingenuity (not to mention a few key errors on the part of the victim). GoldenJackal allegedly utilized a “new, highly modular” toolset to collect and exfiltrate files. 

ESET and Kaspersky have not identified a vector for the two attacks, which impacted a South Asian embassy in Belarus and a separate European entity. However, researchers believe that executables were delivered to the target air-gapped systems via USB drives. 

That component — nicknamed GoldenDealer by ESET — was accompanied by a backdoor (“GoldenHowl”) and a file collector/exfiltrator (“GoldenRobo”).

Related: Paying a Ransomware Ransom Is (Usually) Illegal

Enterprises Air-Gapped Systems May Be Susceptible to Other Attacks

In general, bad actors will target networked systems when attacking enterprises, for a simple reason: It’s much, much easier than creating and delivering a set of novel tools for an air-gapped system. 

But in tape backup recovery cases, we’ve seen ransomware variants that were intentionally designed to sit on systems without executing; the goal is to ensure that the malicious software infects all systems, including air-gapped computers, to prevent recovery efforts following said execution. 

One potential solution is to create a “golden copy” backup with essential functionality that can be used following a major attack. Of course, this approach sacrifices valuable data — a robust security policy is just as necessary as a strong backup/disaster recovery plan. 

Protecting Your Air-Gapped Backups

While air gaps are not impenetrable, they remain a valuable security layer, provided that other potential vulnerabilities (such as USB access) are properly sanitized.

Organizations can strengthen their defenses by implementing comprehensive security measures:

• Security Awareness Training: Educate employees about social engineering tactics, the risks of removable media, and the importance of secure practices.
• Strict Access Controls: Implement strong authentication and authorization mechanisms for both physical and logical access to air-gapped systems.
• Regular Security Audits and PEN Testing: Conduct periodic security assessments and penetration (PEN) testing to identify vulnerabilities and ensure the effectiveness of security measures.  
• Endpoint Security: Deploy robust endpoint protection solutions to detect and prevent malware infections on connected devices that could potentially interact with the air-gapped systems.
• Data Encryption: Encrypt sensitive data at rest and in transit to minimize the impact of a successful breach.
• Incident Response Plan: Develop and regularly test an incident response plan to effectively handle security incidents and minimize data loss.

If you’re building a ransomware strategy, Datarecovery.com can help. With resources for disaster recovery planning, enterprise data recovery, penetration (PEN) testing, and dark web monitoring, we provide organizations with essential tools for limiting vulnerabilities — and for recovering from novel attacks.

To learn more, call 1-800-237-4200 and speak with a member of our team.

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In September 2024, the

Cryptocurrency recovery is a legitimate service, but it has limited applications. At Datarecovery.com, we provide resources for restoring crypto from damaged hard drives, or restoring seed phrases when a portion of the seed phrase is known. However, we can’t perform miracles; if crypto has been stolen by a bad actor, the theft can be traced, but assets cannot be recovered without help from authorities. 

Likewise, we do not charge hefty upfront fees for attempts. We base our pricing on the complexity of each recovery, and we support all services with a no data, no charge guarantee. 

If you’ve lost crypto, we’d love to help — but just as crucially, we want to provide consumers with the info they need to avoid falling victim to fraudulent recovery schemes. Below, we’ll explain how crypto recovery services function and how to avoid scams. 

Why Cryptocurrency Recovery is Complex

Recovering lost or stolen cryptocurrency is inherently challenging due to several factors:

• Decentralization: Cryptocurrency transactions occur on a decentralized blockchain network, meaning there is no central authority to reverse transactions or freeze accounts. Without a central authority, it’s difficult (or impossible) to trace and recover funds.
• Anonymity: While not completely anonymous, cryptocurrency transactions offer a degree of pseudonymity, making it challenging to identify the individuals involved in a scam.
• Irreversible Transactions: Once a cryptocurrency transaction is confirmed on the blockchain, it is typically irreversible. This makes it extremely difficult to recover funds once they have been transferred to a scammer’s wallet.
• Security: When you’ve lost your crypto seed phrase or private key, your funds are often unrecoverable unless you retain a significant portion of the phrase (up to 4 missing words, or private keys with up to 6 missing or incorrect characters).

For these reasons, no company can realistically promise recovery in every case — only in specific circumstances. 

And even when a case falls within the parameters for data recovery, the service provider must have access to appropriate tools and technologies. For example, to restore a wallet from a crashed hard drive, repairs must be performed in a certified cleanroom. To recover a partial seed phrase, the provider must have an extensive knowledge of BIP39 or other relevant protocols. 

Red Flags of Crypto Recovery Scams

Be wary of any cryptocurrency recovery service that exhibits the following red flags:

• Upfront Fees: Legitimate companies do not charge upfront fees for failed recovery attempts. They typically operate on a contingency basis; they only charge a fee if they are successful in recovering your cryptocurrency.
• Unrealistic Success Rates: No company can guarantee the recovery of lost or stolen cryptocurrency. They can guarantee that the consumer won’t pay for failed attempts — but that’s quite different than advertising “99% success rates” or something similar.
• High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Scammers often use high-pressure sales tactics and create a sense of urgency to coerce victims into making quick decisions.
• Vague Explanations: Be suspicious of companies that offer vague or overly simplistic explanations of the recovery process. Legitimate companies will provide clear and detailed information about their methods and expertise.

Research Crypto Recovery Services to Avoid Scams

Protecting yourself from these scams requires careful research and scrutiny. Before engaging any recovery service, thoroughly research the company, looking for reviews and testimonials from previous clients. Verify their credentials and experience, and don’t hesitate to ask detailed questions about the recovery process, fees, and the company’s expertise. 

Crucially, ensure all agreements and quotes are provided in writing before engaging any services. If you suspect you have been targeted by a crypto recovery scam, report it to the appropriate authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The CFTC, in particular, has valuable resources on recovery scams, including this helpful page: Don’t be Re-Victimized by Recovery Frauds.

Finally, use common sense. If you’ve lost your crypto assets due to theft, remember that no service can reverse the transaction on the block chain — report the scam to relevant authorities, but don’t pay anyone to “trace” the transaction (at best, they’ll only provide publicly available information from the blockchain). 

To discuss crypto recovery with a member of our team, call 1-800-237-4200 or submit a case online.

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