"So the worst has occurred, your computer has actually crashed, the hard disk drive has actually stopped working. All those years of data now unattainable lost in the ether. You have actually tried whatever, ""Googled"" your tail off to discover a service, asked every techno-nerd you know for assistance and have now finally pertain to the realization that you might need a data healing business. How do you select a good one? Here are 5 questions you must ask before choosing.

1. Do they have a clean room?

This is probably the most essential question to ask. A cleanroom is a dust-free environment essential for opening hard disks. The smallest particle of dust might trigger damage to a hard disk, so this is incredibly crucial. Cleanrooms are categorized by the variety of particles per volume of air permitted. I recommend a minimum of a class 100 cleanroom. Make sure they have a cleanroom located onsite where your disk drive will be sent out. Don't be afraid to ask to provide proof. Watch out for companies that work as a ""intermediary"" and deliver your hard disk to another company that does have a cleanroom.

2. Do they charge an upfront charge or a diagnostic charge?

Take care here, there are numerous reputable disk drive recovery companies that do not charge any in advance costs. I have actually seen cases where somebody sent their hard disk drive, paid a diagnostic charge and had their drive returned to them without even being opened let alone any information recovered!

3. Do they charge without recovery?

Again, with numerous data healing business to choose from, I would suggest sticking with the ones that do not charge unless they recuperate your data. This is another scenario I have seen over and over again: a hard disk drive is sent to be recuperated; the client is charged and receives their drive back identified ""not recoverable"". I have personally seen these ""not recoverable"" drives recovered fully.

4. What is their standard turn-around time?

If the turn-around time appears incredibly long (i.e. a week or 2), there might be the possibility that this company is only a ""middleman"" and will ship your drive someplace else.

5. Can you speak with a professional?

Do not get me incorrect salesmen can be terrific to talk to, but if I'm paying a company to recuperate my information, I want to have the ability to speak to the individual really doing the healing.

Be really fussy with whom you send your information to. Don't think twice to search for their BBB ranking, request for recommendations, or do an internet look for their company name. This is your crucial data, after all."