Things You Should do Right Now to Recover from Data-loss Disaster

This may happen to the best of us: it is 2am and you are working on a report due tomorrow. With 300 words to go, you can almost see the finish line on the horizon.

Then, disaster: your computer freezes like an ice-cube in a snowstorm, or the screen plunges into black. 

Fear not: we will teach you how best to safeguard your data and, when disaster strikes, how to recover as much as possible.

1. LOOK FOR THE AUTOSAVE COPY

Most word processors come with the Autosave (sometimes known as AutoRecover) function that, as the name suggests, saves versions of your document automatically and periodically. The first thing you do after your computer, say, shuts off unexpectedly is to turn it on, navigate to the Autosave folder and retrieve the last known copy of your document.

If you are on Microsoft Word and have no idea where the folder is, simply click on the File tab, choose Options, then go to the Save tab. Here, you will be able to find out where the file is located. Different word processors may have different options, so take note!

2. LOOK FOR THE BACKUPS

Assuming that you, for some reason, have the Autosave function turned off — don’t worry! Most operating systems ship with built-in back-up utilities.

If you are using Microsoft Windows, the system’s Backup and Restore feature will automatically create backup copies of your computer for later restoration, if need be. Similarly, Apple’s OS X comes with Time Machine, a utility that does the same thing. Anytime you accidentally delete or overwrite a file, or if the computer decides to fail on you, know that there is likely a copy of your entire computer sitting safely in an external hard drive.

3. LOOK INTO THE RECYCLE BIN

The computer’s Recycle Bin (or Trash on a Mac) should be the first place to look if you have accidentally deleted a file or two.

Quick tip: Use Gmail’s massive storage capacity as your own ‘recycle bin’. Regularly save your Word files as email drafts — that way you will have a backup in the cloud in the event that your computer dies.

4. LOOK FOR DATA RECOVERY APPLICATIONS

If data loss has already occurred without backups, it is not the end of the world. There is a slew of data recovery software available online.

Recuva, for one, offers a free version that retrieves anything from pictures, audio and documents to compressed files and emails. However, a paid version will give you virtual hard drive support, automatic updates and premium support from the developers.

5. LOOK FOR A PROFESSIONAL

If you’re not lucky enough to be best buds with an IT pro, try Stellar Data Recovery, a firm that has been providing data recovery services since 1993. And since they are based in all major Indian cities and state capitals, your lost data is really only a phone call away. 

Quick tip: Examine your PC’s ‘blue screen of death’ if it pops up. There will be a string of numbers that identify what the error is, so you can Google the problem or brief your handy IT pro over the phone.

6. LOOK FOR DIRT

Digital designer Raju Krishna says that sometimes, the solution is not about dense strings of software code, but the environment around you.

“Many friends have complained of multiple crashes with no real technical issue. Turns out their desktops were simply overheating, either because they were clogged with lint, or sat in direct baking sunlight.”

Quick tip: Plugging in too many accessories or USBs can overload your computer too, says Raju. Try removing them before you reboot.