How to Choose a Data Recovery Company

"Data Recovery" is a dreaded term referring to the restoration or retrieval of files on a portable mass storage device that is no longer functioning properly.  Fortunately, there is an entire industry devoted to this all-too-common problem.  Whether its a USB flash drive, SD card, XD card, SSD drive, or hard drive, this guide will help put you on the right track to find you the right data recovery company for the job.  For this article, we will be using a defective USB flash drive as the example. The steps below begin with the initial failure of the drive, and end with the successful recovery of all files it contained.

N.B Visit www.campusflava.com for other updates

Steps

    1
    Don't panic. It can be horrifying upon realizing that you can suddenly no longer access all the files contained in your drive, but furiously unplugging/replugging it in the computer only risks further damage.
    2
    To ensure it is in fact the flash drive that is malfunctioning, plug it in to 1 or 2 other computers available to you.  If a friend or co-worker isn't available, find a public computer at a library for example. Again, you need only plug it in one time to see if it's working or not. Alternatively, you can try using a free data recovery software program; if the program does not recognize the device, internal damage can be confirmed.
    3
    If you receive the error message: "USB device not recognized" -or- "This device needs to be formatted"  see this WikiHow Article.  If not, continue to the next step.
    4
    Assuming the data stored on your device has any importance at all, it's time to begin searching to enlist the services of a professional data recovery company.  In this case, a search for "USB Data Recovery" will provide adequate options.
    5
    Begin at the top of the list of search results online.
    6
    When looking at a data recovery company website, look for indications of their credibility.  Just because a company has a flashy website doesn't mean they do quality work; look for testimonials, reviews, or any indication that they have done business with a large corporation or federal agency
    7
    Next, find the companies' pricing page.  Data recovery is not a 'one size fits all' industry, and therefore should be priced accordingly; avoid companies that offer flat rate pricing.  Also, you wouldn't go to a restaurant and pay before you eat, and the same goes for data recovery; the company you choose must have a 'zero costs until successful recovery' type of policy.  Note: The only exception to this is a small shipping and diagnostic fee that will likely need to be included when you ship your device to them.
    8
    When you are satisfied you have found a reputable and cost effective company, find and fill out a service order form located on their website.  Pack up your device in a padded or bubble-wrap envelope and ship it to the company address. Note: NEVER use a standard paper envelope to ship your device; it will likely get damaged or slip out of a tear in the paper.
    9
    Be patient.  Some companies offer live tracking services so that you can see the status of your order without having to call in and ask.  If you haven't gotten an update after 5 business days, call in or check your e-mail for any new information.  Cross your fingers for a success!
    10
    If the company was successful in recovering your data, they will contact you, and usually by default they will ship a data CD or DVD containing your files. Hooray!  It is worth noting that some companies offer additional services such as an upload link, which allows you to download your recovered files immediately after a success from an online link provided by the company.

Tips

    When looking for information pertaining to the quality of work  and credibility of a data recovery company, try doing a quick Google search of, " reviews" and see what past customers have said about them.
    If you know for a fact that your device is suffering from moderate to high physical damage, contact your prospective companies and ask them if they have the tools and experience to do "NAND level recoveries."  If they say yes, this means that they can recover your data as long as the memory chip on your device is intact; even if everything else is destroyed.
    Most portable storage devices on the market today use NAND flash as a means of memory storage.  If the outer casing of your device is removed, look for 1 or more large black rectangular-shaped microchips with silver "legs" on each end.  If these chips are intact, a company with NAND recovery capabilities can still recover your data. Alternatively, if these chips are cracked or broken, your files are almost certainly gone forever.

Warnings

    Trying to repair physical damage inflicted on your storage device by yourself can cause further damage  and is strongly discouraged.
    Research prospective companies thoroughly before sending them anything; there are several data recovery scam operations.