Do You Need Data Recovery Software Or An Undelete Utility?
Data recovery software and undelete utilities are marketed the same, but they are different in two ways: data recovery software usually offers multiple recovery functions to address various situations; and more importantly, they can recover much more data.
The cost test
If you want to begin looking for a software solution without listening to my explanation of the technical differences, look at price. This is the easiest way to determine which level of software you are reviewing.
Anything under $75 U.S. means it’s an undelete file utility, most of them being in the $35-$40 range. Better quality data recovery utilities that can work on more complex problems averages about $100, and can range upward of $400 for professional programs. Note that when you are searching for data recovery software, many companies sell each component of their software separately. So, make sure the program you are looking for solves your specific problem.
The four scenarios
Data recovery software and any undelete programs claim to recover lost, deleted, corrupt, and damaged files. But there is an important difference between the two. Here are some quick background notes describing each recovery situation, before explaining the powerful difference:
1. A deleted file means you have purposely thrown away a file by putting it in the Recycle Bin, or by using the shortcut delete key “SHIFT+Delete”. You could have also “Emptied Recycle Bin”.
2. Files that have been lost may also have been emptied from the bin, or caused by a virus, software crash, or accidental format. Boot sector and partition table problems make files inaccessible, so in a sense they have been lost until the problem is repaired.
3. File corruption means the file can’t open, or when it does, it reads awkwardly.
4. Any damaged file will open correctly, but the contents will appear distorted. One part may appear perfectly legible and another section might look like scribble.
The powerful difference
While both kinds of disk recovery software are designed to recover data, one primary point separates them apart. Only data recovery software can rebuild and repair a file system that is not intact to recover data. An intact file system means that every component that holds individual files together has not been altered.
If you don’t understand this technical language, and you are unable to tell the difference between various data recovery tools, keep the cost test in mind when searching for software. This will help guide you to the right data recovery utility.
One more data recovery solution
If disk data recovery software fails to resolve your problem, data recovery centers can assist you in restoring your data manually. This might be a bit more expensive, but when hard drive data recovery is a must, there are no more possibilities for recovering files.
Additional Software Tips
The name says it all
Data recovery software speaks for itself, but do you know all the different solutions? Now you will.
Recovering the all important file
Here comes software data recovery products to the rescue.
Don’t just sit there
Find out what data recovery utilities can do for you.
The quickest way to start your recovery
Data recovery tools that are free and not so free.
Looking At other platforms
Starting with Mac data recovery and what it can do for you.
Billy’s Solution
Welcome to the world of Windows NTFS data recovery software and beyond.
Does everybody want something for free?
Learn when free data recovery software can and can’t work for you
How to find the best
Asking the right questions can help you determine the best data recovery software for your circumstance.
The big Mac attack
Find out if you need Macintosh data recovery software or services.
The important overview
If you are not familiar with disk data recovery software, you will find this info useful.
Johnny’s and Janice’s anniversary surprise
No kisses just CD data recovery software and the dog house for Johnny.
Too many junk websites – what’s up?
Before beginning the data recovery software download process, you have to determine what’s junk and what’s for real.