Article > Computer Crash Or Virus Infection?

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At Fields Associates, we specialise in the recovery of the digital “fingerprints” left by the routine use of computers. Even erased files can be recovered and examined, ensuring that you have all the evidence available to support your investigation.

Established in 1999, we have earned an impressive reputation in the detection, analysis and presentation of computer evidence in the broadest range of criminal activities. These include fraud, extortion, data theft, child pornography and Internet abuse.

Our clients include legal firms, international banks, blue chip companies, law enforcement and military organisations.

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Computer Crash Or Virus Infection?

Data loss following a computer crash or an infection with a virus is met with differing reactions. 33% of the computer users simply resign themselves to the prospective loss. 13% of the users turn verbal in their frustration while 7% indulge in physical violence and damage the computer. The last segments of computer users effectively eliminate data recovery possibilities by their highly unproductive acts.

Impulsively panic reactions are totally unnecessary. Data loss is mostly temporary in nature. Data can be recovered and accessed even after a computer crash or a virus infection.

Immediate Reactions Determine Data Recovery Possibility

The first few moments after the loss determine the possibility of a recovery.

  • Data might be lost due to a hard disk crash. This is indicated by unusual noises emanating from the computer. A computer user should refrain from indulging in destructive acts. The success rate of data recovery is dependant upon the physical condition of the hard drive. Some data recovery experts ask computers users to walk away from the computer immediately after an episode of data loss to prevent vexation induced acts of damage to the computer.
  • But, users who lose data following a virus attack have to promptly isolate their computer from the other systems in a network to prevent the spread of the virus. Virus attacks silently infect the computer and spread over the network.

Whatever be the causative factor for data loss, it can be recovered in majority of the cases. However data lost due to a hard disk crash necessitates the services of a data recovery expert.

Data can be User Salvaged

Data can be recovered using the data recovery software. The software should be downloaded into a good computer that has a floppy disk. This should be run on the infected computer to retrieve lost files.

Alternately the software can be downloaded onto a good drive of the same computer. Running of the software will help recover lost data. The software should never be downloaded on to the drive that contains the deleted data.  And, the recovered data must be stored in another medium.

The software is so user friendly, that even novice computer user can attempt recovery work without much external help. But, computer users who experienced data loss due to a virus infection must be cautious.

Once the system is cleared of all viruses, the windows must be booted in and all the files must be scanned. Files recovered after a virus attack must be cleaned before they are used, for they might contain dormant viruses. The sudden disappearance of the C drive, or a sudden increase in the size of executable files help detect its presence much later.

A virus scanner must be able to remove the virus from the file. If the scanner is not able to remove the virus, the file has to be isolated by placing it in a floppy disk and deleting it from the system. The infected file might have corrupted other files. Running an anti virus software will help identify the damaged files. These files should also be instantly deleted.

If the computer user is unable to recover data in spite of using the recovery software, a computer technician can be expected to perform the job. Data retrieval is attempted by rebuilding the hard drive.

But, data that is extremely important and sensitive in nature or, data lost due to a hard disk crash should be sent to the data recovery professionals. For, mistakes might lead to a permanent loss of the data beyond the point of retrieval. Data recovery work should be performed by professional experts at the data recovery service centre.

Data Recovery Experts

Data can be recovered by the professional experts working in class 100 clean rooms. They maintain strict confidentiality. Their specialised tools help make data recovery a possibility even in the most difficult cases.

Data lost due to a virus infection or other causative factors can be recovered by the user. Sensitive or difficult cases can be handed over to the professional experts. Whatever be the reason for data loss, data can be salvaged in majority of the cases. It is the user’s initial reaction that determines the success rate of data recovery.

If you fear your security measures have been breached you may need the services of an Expert Witness.

Article: Computer Crash Or Virus Infection?

Created on: 2007-07-17 11:58:54