Back to FAQ and Technical Articles
 

While most disk software recovery utilities provide excellent preventative maintenance by fixing minor problems, they can render data unrecoverable in the event of extreme corruption. For example, you may experience recurrent whirling and squealing sounds while running Ontrack EasyRecovery or other software recovery utility such as Lost & Found, Get Data Back, R-Studio although the drive looks mechanically and electrically functional. In most cases, the sound is caused by head block hitting a platter. Modern drives are quite "smart" to hide these defects. Unfortunately, when a head hits a platter at speed as high as 10,000 RPM, it kicks out tiny particle(s) that may knock out other particles from the platter surface in an avalanche-like process.

Save an undo file (a record of the changes the utility has made to your drive), in the event it does not correct your problem. By sending this file along with your drive to us, you help ensure recovery of your data.

Do not use a utility program if it does not allow you to save an undo file of the repairs it makes. If your drive makes any unusual noises. Do not attempt to use any type of utility software. Damaging sounds include clicking, buzzing or scraping. Unusual sounds are indicative of a damaged head mechanism or a head crash. Shut down the computer to avoid further damage to the drive and its data. Send your drive to us for professional recovery.