If you are reading this it's most likely because you failed to backup your data and you are hoping there is a way to get it back. The good news is that most likely the data can be recovered. The bad news is that if I can't recover it for you then your other option is to take it to a professional data recovery service. This kind of service can be very expensive. Here in this local area, the cost can be anywhere from 800 Euros to 3000 Euros. In the States it's usually over $1000 and as much as $5000. In some cases you may be able to find someone that will be able to do it cheaper, but it won't be by much and it will still be a very expensive process. Now I hope you see why you need to back up your data.

Now I can try to recover your data for you and as long as the drive isn't physically damaged then there is a good chance I can recover the data. Some examples of when I can recover the data are when the hard drive just stops working out of nowhere, it reads RAW and asks you to format, the flash disk was working and now Windows want's to format it. Basically if the issue is software related with the drive, then the chances are I can get the data back for you. I may even be able to show you how to use free software to recover the data yourself depending on the issue. Now in some cases I can recover the data as well as folder structure and file names, but sometimes I can only recover the data itself, which means all folder structures and file names will be lost. This will cause you to have to organize your data again which can be very tedious and long process. Another good reason to back up your data.

Sometimes it becomes impossible for me to recover the data with the equipment and tools I have at hand. When a drive physically is damaged, usually due to being dropped or knocked over when running, it will have to go to a professional if you want the data back. This is the expensive process as the drive will be cleaned in a clean room, the drive will be imaged if possible,  the platters of the drive removed, and the parts replaced with the same exact drive. Now if the platters are scratched or damaged, the process will be even more expensive as the platters are cleaned and polished, and recovery is tried over and over again until the data can be read. So please do not expect a miracle from me if I am unable to get your data recovered. If it's that important to you and you know that it is physically damaged then your only choice is professional recovery. I can point you in the direction of a service locally if you need it. Most services will give you a free quote and will let you know if they can recover the data.

I hope by now you see the importance of backing up your data. A backup means that you have at least 2 copies of any data you feel is important. A backup is not getting an external drive and copying all you data to this drive. Some folks think that having an external hard drive means they have a backup drive. This is only the case if you keep a local copy on the computer as well. If you do not, then your external drive is not a backup drive. I recommend having at least 3 copies of any file that is important to you; the original, a copy stored locally like on an external hard drive, and the 3rd copy stored offsite like on an online storage place, an online backup service, or on another hard drive or DVDs that you keep a copy with you at work or at a friends. Having an offsite will make sure that in case theft, or natural disaster that your data is still safe. Plus having 3 copies ensures that you always have a backup when a hard drive fails.

I have many suggestions and helpful hints that can help you get the best backup solution. Just ask in the forum and I will provide you with all the info you need. If you are reading this, I hope I can help you and I hope you have learned your lesson about backing up.