Hi,

I've been trying to find a good/decent description of the different programs available for data recovery. I'm trying to get an *unbiased* overview of the different programs which can help a small forensic company grow. I know that PC3K may be able to levitate my desk, but may be out of my price range.
I'm just trying to figure out which software/program is "worth it".

Thanks

My opinion is surely biased, but why not to look at R-Studio? File Recovery Software. Why R-Studio?. It also has some features for forensic experts: Forensic Mode. You may also test it in its Demo mode to get a really unbiased overview.

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R-Studio Data Recovery Software

Active@ File Recovery may worth

Don't these compare to Encase though? I have Encase, but I am looking for something to recover data in case the drive isn't recognized, or there is a clicking and issues like that?

thanks

If the drive is not working, then it is not possible to use software to recover the data. You will have to get the drive working first.

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You don't have to backup all of your files, just the ones you want to keep.

If you are only offering digital forensics and only encounter the occasional drive that physically isn't working, it makes more sense to outsource for several reasons:

1. Too expensive to have all the equipment and facilities necessary to cover all the possible data recovery scenarios
2. Too much time needed to gain the necessary experience with data recovery in order to be successful
3. Too risky when it comes to a potential legal case...it doesn't look good when you have to explain to your client that you accidentally destroyed the evidence
4. Too much time required for data recovery. With digital forensics, you can bill by the hour. If you are dealing with data recovery, then you are not going to get paid for your time unless you are successful. Most labs will not charge if they are unable to get the data back, taking the risk away from you

Even the smaller data recovery shops outsource the physical work to the larger labs.

But, to answer your question about software tools...there aren't any that will help with physical issues. PC3000 will help with a few issues, but you still need to be able to handle the physical issues before it is really worth the investment.

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Luke
Recovery Force Data Recovery

Thanks for the info. That makes sense. I'll just find a local place that specializes in the physical aspect of it.

I wonder, what software can I use (if any) to recover my data from disc C after re-installing the OS so that everything was formatted ? I tried some programs (can't remember the names) but they didn't help so I'm seeking for something more 'professional'. TIA for any advice

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iphone development

Those that use so-called data recovery using file signatures (raw file search). You may try to use R-Studio for that purpose. Here its on-line help. Your case is 2, and your hope is Extra Found Files. But, frankly speaking, chances are grim, although it's worth trying, as R-Studio provides the "try before buy" approach, and you may see if the files are recoverable for free.

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R-Studio Data Recovery Software

I agree. R-Studio and File Scavenger would be my first steps to deal with this.

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http://www.northwind.gr
SandForce SSD Recovery
Ransomware Reverse Engineering - NoMoreRansom! partners

What were the results with Encase on the formatted drive?

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Hard Disk Drive, SSD, USB Drive and RAID Data Recovery Specialist in Massachusetts

can anybody recommend good software for fast data recovery.

You need to provide more detail than that. "Can you recommend good medication for fast recovery?"

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Luke
Recovery Force Data Recovery

You sound like you offer a data recovery service a bit like myself. Serious physical issues are outsourced and anything I can do with software I do myself.

My favourites are..

HDDSuperClone Pro. By far the best (Linux based) software available and it doesn't cost a fortune. Videos are available demonstrating it's capabilities which greatly help.
DMDE - Particularly when used with the above for data extraction. Again, very cheap to buy.
R-Studio - Reasonably priced and very good
GetDataBack - For Fat, NTFS, Apple and Linux Systems. Very good value and one of my faviourites.
HD Tune or anyother basic software to check the Smart info, particularly Reallocated Sector Count and Current Pending Sector

More expensive but can be paid for monthly as needed is MRT Labs. Not as easy to use as it should be and support is woeful but can be very good.

I'm also tempted by Rapidspar the cheaper version of DDI4 meant for those whose main business is not data recovery.

Hope this list helps..

Many techs tend to disagree with this, as it is $899.99 USD for the technician license, the only one permitted to be used by those charging for their services.

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Luke
Recovery Force Data Recovery

To be honest I haven't used it for a while. I tend to use DMDE now. I doubt many people pay those sort of prices..

$900 USD (Commercial use) is reasonably priced? Other versions (not for commercial use) are reasonably priced.

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Sabo Computer Repairs & Data Recovery

As I answered above.. Only really used it when testing old hard drives. No way I could justify those sort of prices for a bit of software..

R-Studio FAQ's are a bit vague on what version you need for commercial work.

R-Studio is licensed per machine not per user and you can't transfer the software from one PC to another if the software has already been installed and registered once.

However you can attach any HD like a slave drive (directly or through adapter for laptop's HD) to a PC where R-STUDIO is installed and recover lost data. It means the PC where R-Studio is installed can be used as a data recovery station and there is no limitation for attached or connected HDs.
For data recovery service companies or individuals we recommend R-Studio Technician License


Not exactly definitive, is it?

It's clear you can only use it on one computer but it only seems to "recommend" the Technician License not make it compulsory. Is this contradicted elsewhere in the T&C's or FAQ's? Most small computer repair companies probably have a dedicated computer for data recovery work unlike specialist DR businesses..