• Data loss due to Hardware or System Malfunction 44%
• Data loss due to Human Error 32%
• Data loss due to Software Program Malfunction 14%
• Data loss due to Viruses 7%
• Data loss due to Natural Disasters 3%

 Hardware or System Malfunction:

• Error message stating that the device is not recognized
• Previously accessible data is suddenly gone
• Scraping or rattling sound
• Hard drive may not spin
• Computer or hard drive does not function

Examples

• Electrical failure
• Head/media crash
• Controller failure

Preventive Measures

• Store your data in a secure off-site data storage facility
• Protect electrical components by using computers in a dry, shaded area that is clean and dust-free.
• Protect against power surges and subsequent electrical failure by purchasing a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply).
• Do not shake or remove covers on hard drives or tapes. Even the slightest movement can cause a head crash or misalignment of the platters.

Recovery Tips

• Drives that have suffered physical damage should only be opened in a Class 100 clean room to ensure a controlled environment.
• Do not attempt to operate a hard drive that you suspect may have hardware or system failure.
• Never use software recovery utilities, such as Norton Disk Doctor, to repair data in a hardware failure situation. These utilities assume that the hardware is functional and may cause further damage.

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 Human Error:

Possible Symptoms

• Previously accessible data is suddenly gone

Examples

• Accidental deletion
• MIS/Administrator mistakes
• Trauma caused by drop or fall

Preventive Measures

• Store your data in a secure off-site data storage facility
• Never attempt installations, repairs or any operation with which you do not have previous experience.
• To protect against trauma, avoid moving your computer, especially when it is in operation.

Recovery Tips

• Files accidentally deleted may be recovered with the undelete feature included with most operating systems.
• Only entrust your data to someone who has the training and expertise to repair your system or recover your data.
• For trauma damage, follow recovery tips designed for hardware or system malfunction.
  

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 Software Corruption or Program Malfunction:

Possible Symptoms

• Error message stating that data is inaccessible or corrupted
• Memory errors
• Computer malfunction
• Software application will not load data

Examples

• Corruption caused by diagnostic or repair tools
• Failed backups
• Configuration complexity

Preventive Measures

• When writing or copying data to a hard drive, confirm that the area to which you are writing is indeed where you want the information to be stored.
• Do not run the risk of overwriting good data.
• Store your data in a secure off-site data storage facility. Back up data and test restore capabilities on a regular basis. Just because you have a backup does not mean it will successfully restore when you need it.
• Have a firm understanding of the system setup before attempting to install new software.
• Use diagnostic utilities with caution.

Recovery Tips

• Make certain all software is properly installed.
• Reinstall from backup.
• Only use repair utilities if you are sure that the damage is software-related. Using recovery utilities in the wrong situation can irreparably harm data.

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 Computer Viruses:

Possible Symptoms

• Message appears on screen. For example, the Stoned virus states, "Your computer is now stoned."
• Blank screen
• Strange and unpredictable behavior
• Error message stating, "File not found."

Examples

• Anti-CMOS
• Anti-EXE
• Michelangelo
• Monkey
• Stoned
• While other viruses may contribute to data loss, these are the top five viruses seen in CBL's data recovery lab.

Preventive Measures

• Use anti-virus software and update it at least four times per year.
• Scan all incoming diskettes for viruses. This includes packaged software, software carried on-site by users and software downloaded via modem, bulletin board services or the Internet.
• Obtain software from reputable sources.
• Do not accept email files attachments from people you do not know.
• Virus check any attachments you receive.
• Always eject the floppy diskette before you turn off your computer.

Recovery Tips

• Call an anti-virus software vendor. Often, data will become accessible when the virus is removed.
• Do not reformat your hard drive or diskette. This may remove some viruses, but will permanently destroy data.

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 Natural Disasters:

Possible Symptoms

• While floods, fires and hurricanes have visible symptoms, lightning strikes and brownouts often leave no clue other than that you will not be able to access data that was previously there.

Examples

• Floods
• Lightning/brownouts
• Fires
• Earthquakes/hurricanes

Preventive Measures

• Store tested backups in an off-site location that is not prone to the same natural disasters experienced where the original data is stored.
• Install a UPS.
• Do not store your mission-critical data in a flood plain.

Recovery Tips

• Have a disaster recovery plan in place that includes instructions for recovering data.
• Do not attempt to operate a visibly damaged hard drive or one you suspect may be damaged.
• Do not use any storage device that has been exposed to heat, moisture or soot.

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