Windows 7 Data Recovery

Windows 7 makes data recover far easier than earlier versions of Windows. The System Restore option is more efficient and effective than the XP version, and you can often recover all of your inaccessible data using the built-in recovery options with Windows 7. If that doesn’t work, you may be able to retrieve your files using data recovery software. If neither of those options work, however, you can turn to a data recovery company such as Fields Data Recovery to get your information and important files back. Before you turn to a professional, though, try these steps.

Data Recovery with System Restore

If your computer has been compromised by a virus or a software malfunction, System Restore may be a viable way to get access to your valuable data. To use System Restore, follow these steps.

Click on the Start Menu, then on All Programs, Accessories, System Tools and finally, System Restore. A window will open offering you the option of starting System Restore. Click Next to continue. On the next page, you’ll see a calendar listing all of the recent restore points that you can use to attempt to restore your system to an earlier state. Choose the most recent restore point before your problem began. Click on that date, then click Next. This will not affect any non-system files, but it will restore all of the Windows files to their pre-crash state. If none of your files have been damaged, this option may be all you need to do.

Data Recovery Software

If some or all of your files are inaccessible, you may be able to recover them by using data recovery software, such as Partition Wizard. When choosing data recovery software, always follow the instructions precisely, and be sure to download and install the data recovery software on a different drive than the one with the inaccessible files. Run the data recovery software from another drive as well, to avoid accidentally overwriting important data you’re trying to recover.

When to Call in the Pros

If software doesn’t work, you may have to call in a professional data recovery service to retrieve your important data. A professional service, such as Fields Data Recovery, has access to more powerful software to get at your lost files, as well as clean rooms where they can safely open your hard drive and remove the disk in order to work on it directly. If your files can’t be recovered using conventional means, then a professional data recovery service is your best option for recovering your missing data.