Data Loss And Its Prevention

Their failure invariably leads to data loss which usually creates much havoc. In fact, the very term, ‘failed hard disk’ strikes fear in the minds of business men and they try to evade possible data loss situations by being ready with data storage back up devices and disaster recovery plans.

Data loss is a traumatic experience and every computer user should take adequate measures to safeguard their data. However, before we discuss the measures of data protection, it is worthwhile to analyse the causative factors that lead to such occurrences.

Data loss occurs primarily due to the physical and logical problems of the computer.

Physical Problems Leading To Data Loss

Computers might get physically damaged due to sudden power surges, overheating of the system, electro static discharge or any other kind of force or impact. All these factors damage the internal parts like hard drive bearings, printed circuit board, read write heads, etc. Damaged internal components invariably result in loss of data.

However, physical data loss is not a cause for much concern. Data can be recovered by cleaning, repairing or replacing the non working internal parts of the hard disk. Though recovery is possible, the process is time consuming and involves high expenditure.

Logical Problems Leading To Data Loss

Data loss also occurs even when the computer is not damaged and is working well. Though the data exists on the hard drive it simply turns inaccessible. If such instances occur you can suspect a logical problem of the drive. Your doubts can be confirmed if repeated error messages that read, ‘Disk Not Recognised’ or ‘Format Error,’ pop up.

Such logical failure of the drive occurs due to viruses, software bugs, deletion of operating system components, badly written or non compatible software programs and corrupt NTFS or File Allocation Table (FAT).

Data loss occurring due to these physical and logical problems can be prevented by a few simple measures.

Prevention of Data Loss

Placing the computer in a dust free area prevents contamination thus reducing chances of a physical damage of the drive. Shut down the computer especially if strange noises emanate from it. Unusual noises are generally indicative of a physical damage of the drive. Even if you suspect a physical problem, do not attempt problem rectification by disassembling the hard disk.

Protect your computer from logical damages by never opening e mail attachments from unknown senders. Viruses are largely spread through email attachments. Use virus detection and protection programs. Keep this scanning software regularly updated.

Logical problems of the computer usually affect the ‘my documents’ folder. Install a second internal hard drive in the computer and create a back up for all the data in it. If you do not like the idea of installing a second internal hard drive you can store your data in an external hard drive. Even this process is simple and easy.

Another much advocated method for preventing data loss is by regularly creating a back up for all the generated data. Better still create hard copies for all your documents. However, a hard copy back up is a feasible idea only if the quantum of data is less. It is much more effective to back up generated data in any other back up storage media and place it off site. Even this data storage device requires proper handling and care to protect the data it contains.

Preventing Data Loss from Backup Storage Devices

The data storage media should be placed offsite, to prevent it being affected by natural calamities.
Temperature conditions affect data storage devices greatly. Having temperature-indicating software will monitor the conditions of the given area and send automatic notifications if there is any rise or drop in the temperature levels. The software also monitors humidity and light levels, air flow, and even the opening and closing of doors.
The back up media should be placed in a dust free environment away from sources of direct heat and should never be touched.
The digital storage media should be placed in rigid vertical shelves and not in simple folders.

Every episode of data loss has a history of logical or physical damage of the computer. Though, such damages to the computer are not fully preventable, data loss can be easily prevented.

By: James Walsh

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James Walsh is a freelance writer and copy editor. If you are concerned about data loss and would like more information on Data Recovery see www.fields-data-recovery.co.uk