Dataquest

Data Recovery You Can Trust

Author: John Wilson

  • Warning to customers with new WD hard drives

    Warning to customers with new WD hard drives

    Newer WD External drives come with password protection and 256-Bit encryption as standard. Even if a password is not set the encryption is still applied to the data written to the drive. The 256-Bit encryption is controlled by ROM on the USB controller. On portable USB powered hard drives the encrypted ROM is on the actual hard drive. On external desktop drives the ROM is on the interface controller within the external case.

    Make sure you keep hold of the external case the hard drive was in. Although not always needed, it could be  important later on. If you’ve lost data, have a look at our Western Digital Data Recovery service.

  • What is Hard Drive Encrytion

    What is Hard Drive Encrytion

    Encryption is a process to protect data by using sophisticated mathematical functions. Data is scrambled when written to the drive. This data is then not readable by an unauthorised person. When data is read back from the drive by an authorised person it is then converted back into readable data. Usually authorisation is provided by a password of some sort.

    When using encryption, there are few things to watch out for

    • If you forget your password, you will be locked out of your own data. Be careful.
    • If your hard drive starts failing you could lose access to all your data.
    • You need regular backups if using encryption, as it is usually uncrackable.
    • Data is encrypted when the computer is off, but if someone accesses the disk while powered on they can access the data the same way you can.

    Ideally, if you plan to use encryption try to speak to somebody knowledgeable about the system you have. The way a Mac handles things is very different to the way Windows does, which is different again to the third party options.

  • Apple Mac Time Machine Back Up

    I have lost count on the amount of times we have received hard drives for data recovery from Mac customers, who are not aware of the Time Machine back software. Time Machine has been preinstalled in every version of OS X since 10.5. This software is easy to setup, and once the first backup of the internal hard drive is complete, it will then carry on backing up as you create new data.

    As a small business or personal user it is ideal for your everyday backup needs.

     

  • ST9320421ASG Head Crash

    This hard drive was from a Macbook Pro. As you can see in the image, loss of data was caused by a severe head crash.  The damage is so severe you can actually see through the top foil layer to the glass platter beneath. Another good reason why Mac users should make sure they backup regularly.

    ST9320421ASG Head Crash
    ST9320421ASG Head Crash

  • Seagate Head Crash

    This Seagate ST31000333AS 1TB drive suffered a head crash resulting in severe media damage. The contamination caused by the damage can be seen on the disc surface as well as the internal filter. The filter is usually white but is now silver metallic in colour as a result of the contamination. The customer did not have any indication that this was going to happen.

    Seagate Head Crash ST31000333AS
    Seagate Head Crash ST31000333AS

     

    Seagate Head Crash ST31000333AS
    Seagate ST31000333AS Filter

  • Apple iMac 1TB Seagate Hard Drive Replacement Program

    We at Dataquest have been aware of the problem with 1TB Seagate drives for some time. It is pleasing to see that Apple are also recognising the problem and are offering their customers a free swap out. These drives are mainly seen in iMacs, but you may also get them in the Mac Pro so make sure your back ups are up to date.

  • Android Users Maleware Trojan

    A new Trojan called jSMSHider is targeting custom Rom’s. This malware predominately affects third party custom Rom’s. At the moment is appears to be the Chinese market that is seeing this malware.

  • OS X Lion

    Apple have announced it’s new and most advanced operating system to date. Due to release in July and with over 250 new features, including Multi-touch Gestures. OS X Lion is a snip at around £21, surely the buy of the year so far.

  • Dataquest part of Novatech’s New Managed Services

    Dataquest’s specialist data recovery services incorporated in Novatech’s bespoke IT & Telecomms hardware solutions. Novatech can now offer their customers the complete worry free IT Solution. In partnership with Novatech, Dataquest will provide their customers with 24/7 Data Recovery support.

    Novatech Blog (Dead link removed)

  • Mac Hard Drive Quick Diagnosis Fail Guide

    For Mac users who cannot get their Mac to boot, this is a quick guide to find out the level of the problem with your internal hard drive. If on start up you get to the Apple logo and beyond, then this means that your Mac can read the internal hard drive. For this to happen the drive will have carried out it’s own start up process when you pressed your mac power on button. This therefore tells you that your drive is functional to a point, but has some reading problems.

    If however on start up your Mac shows a folder with a question mark, then this means that your Mac cannot read the drive at all. Therefore your drive may have a more serious problem.