File Recovery Guide

Mechanical Failure
Mechanical problems are rare but always possible. Computer parts that are most likely to break down include;

• Power supply fan
• Microprocessor fan
• Hard drive

Proper computer maintenance is essential to the longevity of your computer.

Solution - Mechanical failures require the replacement of the failed part. Never attempt to install parts on your own. Seek the help of a specialist. If any type of contamination gets into the hard drive a breakdown will reoccur.

Computer Viruses
There are many reasons for computer breakdowns. Viruses can be tricky because they can imitate other symptoms of breakdowns including those related to mechanical problems.

Common Virus Symptoms

• Slow down of system
• Missing files
• Computer may instantly reboot on occasion
• Sticky mouse
• Lost passwords
• Error messages keep popping up
• Computer doesn't start up
• Cannot activate e-mail
• Trouble sending or receiving attachments

Computer Virus Protection
These are only some of the many symptoms that can arise when you have contracted a computer virus. If you are able to you should scan your system for viruses before jumping to any conclusions about the reason for the problem or making any repairs. File recovery can be achieved even when everything on your desktop has disappeared.

Important - Do not panic and start rebooting or playing around with functions on the computer. This can worsen the problem and make the file recovery process more difficult.

Installation of software or hardware - If you are experiencing computer difficulties, make a note of when it first began and try to remember whether you had installed any new software or added any hardware components to your computer.

Install programs slowly, this way if you experience a problem you will know what may have caused it to happen. File recovery is always faster and easier when the source of the problem is known.

Software Utilities
Be wary of quick fixes that software repair utility programs offer. They may provide a temporary fix but if the root of the problem has not been properly diagnosed and fixed then chances are that the problem will reoccur.

Spyware
There are many well-known factors that can cause a computer to break down - human error, mechanical failure and limited life span, to name a few. Click here to learn more about spyware.

Backing up is your best defence against any type of computer disaster and your best chance for complete file recovery. If you have been backing up regularly there is no need to sweat; at worst you will have to deal with some downtime and the cost of computer repair.

File Recovery Specialists
You may want to consider putting your computer in the hands of a file recovery specialist. They have the right tools and environment for the recovery process. This can be crucial for those who need their computer up and running ASAP. Whatever choice you make regarding your computer breakdown - good luck and God speed!

Other types of recovery covered in this site are hard drive recovery and data recovery.

Confused with some of the terms? Check out the glossary of terms.

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Data Loss and Hard Drive Failure: Understanding the Causes and Costs - This white paper analyzes the various causes of data loss, estimates the costs of each incident and suggests several strategies for responding to a hard drive failure. Guest article written by David M. Smith and Michael L. Williams.