Falkoner wrote:
For example, I've heard that it's fairly limited under Windows.
The majority of data recovery tools, software and hardware, are/have been developed for Windows based platforms as it has been the most popular.
However, other, especially Linux is making some strides.
Falkoner wrote:
Bad Sector Repair
With programs such as HDD Regenerator or SpinRite claiming to be able to repair discs, do these claims hold any water?
No. What these tools do is highly misinterpreted. These tools are not meant for data recovery. I guess they can be considered refurbishing tools, at least that is my interpretation of their goal, but they are very limited. In my opinion, due to such limitations, they are more detrimental than useful when used in "repairing" applications, especially when the ultimate goal is data recovery. Why? Because data recovery is about preservation or preventing (eliminating is really the goal) any further alteration of the failed drive with whatever software and hardware tools engaged. These tools do not serve that purpose.
One other critical thing about why these tools are highly misinterpreted is also directly due to the fact that the user misinterprets the damage and the extent of damage a drive has sustained. In lame terms, when a person has a specific health issue, the person should not use the wrong medicine for that.