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FAQ'S DATA RECOVERY

Hard Drives

My hard drive is recognized by the BIOS, but I cannot access my data

In many cases if you can see the hard disk in the BIOS setup, the problem is most likely attributed to a software problem as opposed to a hardware problem. In many cases TMD can recover data from thus type of hard disk failure.

My hard drive is NOT recognized by the BIOS and noises, such as clicking are coming from the hard disk

Some hard disk sounds are normal, however, most physical disk failures are caused by electronic or mechanical in nature. Some common abnormal sounds are clicking, grinding, and scraping noises coming from the hard disk. In most cases this type of hard disk failure requires the consultation of a professional physical data recovery service. TMD does not perform this type of physical data recovery.

What are some of the causes of logical (software) hard disk failure?

All operating systems provide some structure on the media to facilitate the allocation of data (files/directories/folders). These include partition tables and boot sectors. Both the Windows FAT and NTFS file systems the file tables are supposed to remain synchronized, sometimes they can become corrupt for many reasons. Partition and boot tables are equally subject to corruption and can prevent a PC from either booting or the hard disk being recognized by the operating system.

Please see our DATA RECOVERY FEES page for pricing on data recovery services offered by TMD.

FLASH CARD MEMORY & DIGITAL PHOTO CARDS

I deleted my photos by mistake. Can I get them back?

In most cases yes. This depends on how much the card/media is used after deleting. If more photos are stored on the card they could use the data area where the photos were deleted causing them to be partially or completely overwritten. The more files stored on the card since the deletion error the greater the chance of the loss of the photos will occur. If no more files have been stored on the card since deletion, the chances are excellent for the photos being recovered by TMD.

I formatted my camera card, can my photos be recovered?

Unless your camera is one of those that performs a "destructive format" then in most cases TMD can recover your photos/data. Subsequent saving of more photos or data to the card will lessen the chance of data recovery as the photos may be overwritten.

What is a "Destructive Format"?

This is a method used by a few digital camera where actual data files (photos) are overwritten during the formatting process and with some models also during the deletion process. Because when this occurs the actual data of the file is replaced it makes recovery impossible. This method appears to be limited to only a few manufacturers. Fuji, Sony and Olympus models all perform destructive formats on models encountered. Should you have suffered a loss of this type using one of these cameras and wish TMD perform a free analysis to determine if your photos can be recovered, we will willingly oblige. (Excludes return shipping charge)

What are some common "Card Error" messages?

Card not found; Images deleted; card not formatted; corrupt data; deleted data; Device no longer available; Unable to access removable media; Card unreadable; Damaged file structure; battery failure during write operation; Virus attack.

Should I format my camera in Windows or in the camera itself?

By default, Windows XP will format any photo card having a capacity greater than 32 MB with a FAT 32 format. Most digital cameras cannot operate using the FAT formatted card. TMD recommends you always format your camera card in the camera it will be used in to avoid file system problems, and loss of data/photos.

For information about how to ship your photo card to TMD, please see our SHIPPING section. Please DO NOT ship any digital media or photo card to TMD without obtaining a case number.