How to Recover Data from a Damaged Flash Drive
July 07, 2008 by
Flash drives are getting to be more and more common, but unfortunately, they're still very susceptible to failure, through abuse or electronic wear and tear. Here's what to do if you've got a data loss issue on a flash device.
Backup
Prevention is the best way to avoid data loss, so a few quick words on that before we continue. Backing up information on a flash drive is very easy; simply plug it into a computer and copy the data to a folder. If your flash drive contains sensitive
information, try using the free software TrueCrypt to encrypt the info. It's important that all valuable data be stored in at least two physical locations, preferably far away from each other, for backup to be effective. If you're able to backup your flash drive on a consistent basis, you won't need to explore data recovery methods.
Now, if you didn't backup properly, that might be OK. On to recovery...
There are two routes to go depending on what happened to your flash drive. If it's intermittently reading or you deleted the data by accident, you'll want to try software; if it's physically damaged, you'll need a professional data recovery company.
Software
The software I recommend the most is for pictures is Klix, a flash recovery tool provided by ProSoft Engineering. Deleted files that haven't been overwritten will be easily pulled back, there's a fantastic user interface and very little risk of messing something up if you do it wrong (the program's built to avoid nasty user mistakes--so, yeah, it's idiot proof). It's also one of the few data recovery programs developed specifically for use with flash media and pictures in particular. Other data recovery programs will work OK for logical errors, but unless there's a program that you've already purchased that you want to try on your card, go with Klix.
Prosoft's own Data Rescue II is my choice if you want the most in-depth program possible, or GetDataBack, though that's more of a professional tool, so read the documentation carefully. Try to use programs with trial versions that let you see what they can recover before you buy.
What Data Recovery Companies Do
Backup
Prevention is the best way to avoid data loss, so a few quick words on that before we continue. Backing up information on a flash drive is very easy; simply plug it into a computer and copy the data to a folder. If your flash drive contains sensitive
Now, if you didn't backup properly, that might be OK. On to recovery...
There are two routes to go depending on what happened to your flash drive. If it's intermittently reading or you deleted the data by accident, you'll want to try software; if it's physically damaged, you'll need a professional data recovery company.
Software
The software I recommend the most is for pictures is Klix, a flash recovery tool provided by ProSoft Engineering. Deleted files that haven't been overwritten will be easily pulled back, there's a fantastic user interface and very little risk of messing something up if you do it wrong (the program's built to avoid nasty user mistakes--so, yeah, it's idiot proof). It's also one of the few data recovery programs developed specifically for use with flash media and pictures in particular. Other data recovery programs will work OK for logical errors, but unless there's a program that you've already purchased that you want to try on your card, go with Klix.
Prosoft's own Data Rescue II is my choice if you want the most in-depth program possible, or GetDataBack, though that's more of a professional tool, so read the documentation carefully. Try to use programs with trial versions that let you see what they can recover before you buy.
What Data Recovery Companies Do
Data Recovery can be an expensive and complicated task using most of the software programs on the market, but Convar's PC Inspector File Recovery is completely free and very easy to use.
By Kay Reynolds | Published 4/6/2006 | Read more »
The need to carry gigabytes of information around has become increasingly popular. Wouldn't it be nice if you finally had a flash drive that is durable enough to last?
By Shannon Griffith | Published 8/18/2006 | Read more »
A look at common data backup mistakes, and an analysis of some common methods of backup. With good habits and a little bit of cash, data loss is never necessary
By Phil Dotree | Published 9/28/2006 | Read more »
When a hard drive fails, it's unlikely that any home user will be able to fix it. Here are some common hard drive recovery techniques that have been proven to be dangerous to your data.
By Phil Dotree | Published 10/11/2006 | Read more »
Whether you own a laptop or a desktop, your hard drive is central to your computer's operation and for many people, contains crucial files that can't afford to be lost. Here are some tips to maximize hard drive performance and life.
By Phil Dotree | Published 10/17/2006 | Read more »
Choosing a data recovery company can be risky business; here are some tips to keep you on track.
By Phil Dotree | Published 10/26/2006 | Read more »
Most Comments Today
- Death at Disney World in Orlando, Florida Monorails collide one driver has died at the Disney World Theme Park in Orlan... 20 Comments
- "Sorry" - a Card Message. A message for your the one whom you love, to trust you and say sorry. 19 Comments
- A Little Good News Today Here is...a little good news today. 17 Comments
- Forty is Fierce! I passed forty up a couple of years ago so I think I am now qualified to comm... 17 Comments
- Why Would a Web Writer Drop DayLife.Com? Before I share my story with you, dear readers, I want to point out that Dayl... 16 Comments
- Healthy Eating or "Nickeled and Dimed" into Disease - Whi... Just an educated guess at what causes some of our crazy modern-day health pro... 14 Comments
Alban Mehling ;-}}>
Posted on 07/08/2008 at 7:07:45 AM