San Antonio Data Backup

Data Backup – The most effective way to prevent data loss is a solid data back-up procedure.  Critical data should be backed-up at least once daily or possibly even more often for very active file systems.  The Data Backup frequency will depend upon the rate at which the protected data is modified or updated.

Data Backup falls into three basic categories:

  • Normal Backup. A normal backup copies all selected files and marks each file as having been backed up (in other words, the archive attribute is cleared). With normal backups, you need only the most recent copy of the backup file or tape to restore all of the files. You usually perform a normal backup the first time you create a backup set.
  • Differential Backup. A differential backup copies files created or changed since the last normal or incremental backup. It does not mark files as having been backed up (in other words, the archive attribute is not cleared). If you are performing a combination of normal and differential backups, restoring files and folders requires that you have the last normal as well as the last differential backup.
  • Incremental Backup. An incremental backup backs up only those files created or changed since the last normal or incremental backup. It marks files as having been backed up (in other words, the archive attribute is cleared). If you use a combination of normal and incremental backups, you will need to have the last normal backup set as well as all incremental backup sets in order to restore your data.

Normal Backup – Anytime that a new backup procedure is initiated a ’Normal’ backup must first be created before ‘Incremental’ or ‘Differential’ backups become possible.  A ‘Normal’ backup copies all of the selected files and stores a complete copy of them in the destination backup set.  Therefore, to perform a restore from a ‘Normal’ backup you need nothing more than the most recent ‘Normal’ backup set to restore every file that has been backed up.

So you may ask, what is the point of the ‘Differential’ and ‘Incremental’ backup options.  Well, it comes down to speed and storage space.  A ‘Normal’ backup can take quite a long time to perform depending on the amount of data that is being backed up as well as use a very large amount of storage space.

Differential Backup – The ‘Differential’ backup looks at the data that is stored in the last ‘Normal’ backup and compares it to the state of the data in the current system and then stores only that data that has changed in the interim.  In the typical computer environment, the ratio of the data that changes each day to the data that remains static is somewhere on the order of 1 to 2 percent.  Therefore, the size of the ‘Differential’ backup is fractionally tiny in comparison to a ‘Normal’ backup and the time it takes to generate and store a ‘Differential’ backup is minimal compared to the time it would take to create another ‘Normal’ backup set.  However, a ‘Differential’ backup set, in and of itself, is of no value.  To perform a data restore from a ‘Differential’ backup, both the original ‘Normal’ backup set as well as the ‘Differential’ backup set are required.

Incremental Backup – The ’Incremental’ backup looks at the data that is stored in the last ‘Normal’ backup set and also the changes that have been saved in the last ‘Incremental’ backup set and then compares that information to the current state of the system, storing only that data that has changed in the interim.  This type of backup uses even less storage space and theoretically can be done even more frequently (even hourly).  The biggest drawback to this type of backup is that to perform a data restore using this method you need the original ‘Normal’ backup set and all of the incremental backup sets as well.

A solid back-up procedure would normally be comprised of a combination of a periodic ‘Normal’ backup (maybe weekly or monthly) and either daily ‘Incremental’ or daily ‘Differential’ backups.  The reason periodic ‘Normal’ backups need to be performed is because of the fact that over time the ‘Differential’ backup sets grow larger and larger and take longer and longer to create.  In the case of the ‘Incremental’ backup, as time passes the number of backup sets continues to increase each time a backup is executed.  Performing a fresh ‘Normal’ backup allows this process to start over.

Every system configuration should include some form of Data Backup:

We know that your data is important to you.  A Data Backup plan is inexpensive and should be part of every basic system configuration.


Hardware Redundancy is essential if your data is extremely valuable or irreplaceable.  Our technicians can explain in detail all of the various ways to safeguard your data, from redundant hard drives to daily back-ups, on and off-site. 

We also offer data transfer to an external hard drive, USB drive or other Digital Media.   We can also migrate your data to a different computer if you would like.


Find out how our San Antonio Data Recovery specialists can create a system back up procedure for your valuable data.

San Antonio Data Recovery 

San Antonio Hard Drive Recovery 

San Antonio File Recovery 

San Antonio Laptop Repair

San Antonio Data Recovery | CD/DVD Recovery

CD/DVD Data Recovery is not always possible in all scenarios but in the majority of cases significant recovery is usually possible if the attempt to recover the lost data is made soon after the data loss occurs.

In every case the sooner the affected storage media is brought in for analysis the better the odds are that a recovery can be made.  Even in the worst case scenarios partial recovery should be possible.

Typical types of data recovered includes but is not limited to:  pictures, music, videos, spreadsheets, databases, letters, and documents of all types.


CD/DVD File Storage Disks:  CDs/DVDs can be very good storage media for backing up important data .  Sometimes however, these disks can become worn and/or scratched making it impossible for them to be read or to retrieve your important data.  We offer complete data recovery services for scratched, worn or otherwise unreadable CDs/DVDs.
If your CD/DVD data disk has become unreadable:

The sooner you attempt to recover the lost data the better.  The more time that passes when you have a worn or scratched CD/DVD the more difficult it will be to recover 100% of the data.

Find out how our team of San Antonio Data Recovery specialists can help recover your critical data.  210-260-0045.

San Antonio Data Recovery

San Antonio Hard Drive Recovery

San Antonio File Recovery

San Antonio Laptop Repair

San Antonio Data Recovery | RAID Recovery

Data recovery and/or file recovery is not always possible in all scenarios but in the majority of cases significant recovery is usually possible if the attempt to recover the lost data is made soon after the data loss occurs.  Data can be lost in many different ways, the most typical are:

  • Accidental deletion, erasure or format.
  • Malicious or intentional deletion, erasure, or format.
  • Operating system failure or software crash.
  • Physical damage to storage medium, ie. scratched CD/DVD.
  • Physical Hard Drive failure or crash.  Catastrophic hardware failure.

Typically the most severe data loss occurs with a catastrophic hardware failure.  This type of loss is usually the most complete and by far the recovery attempt is the most costly.  Thankfully, hardware failure is the least common type of data loss.

Simple accidental deletion is by far the most common form of data loss, and in most cases if the affected storage device is brought in immediately following the incident there is a near 100% recovery rate.

Malicious destruction occurs when data is intentionally destroyed or deleted, and the effectiveness of any recovery attempt from this type of loss is completely dependent upon the skill and thoroughness of the person responsible for the data destruction.  Recovery from this type of loss can range from a 100% full recovery, to a 0% total loss, depending upon the techniques that were used to destroy the data.

In every case the sooner the affected hardware is brought in for analysis the better the odds are that a recovery can be made.  Even in the worst cases, at minimum, partial recovery should be possible.

Typical types of data recovered includes but is not limited to:  pictures, music, videos, spreadsheets, databases, letters, and documents of all types.

We offer FREE hard drive or storiage media evaluation. Find out how our team of San Antonio Data Recovery specialists can help recover your critcal data.  210-260-0045.

San Antonio Data Recovery

San Antonio Hard Drive Recovery

San Antonio File Recovery

San Antonio Laptop Repair

San Antonio Data Recovery | Digital Media Recovery

Digital Media Data Recovery is not always possible in all scenarios but in the majority of cases significant recovery is usually possible if the attempt to recover the lost data is made soon after the data loss occurs.  Data can be lost in many different ways, the most typical are:

  • Accidental Deletion, Erasure or Format.
  • Operating System Failure or Software Crash.
  • Virus or Spyware Infection.
  • Malicious or Intentional Deletion, Erasure, or Format.
  • Physical Damage to Storage Medium, ie. Storage Media Has Been Exposed to Liquids.
  • Digital Media Device Experiences a Data Corruption Error.

Simple accidental deletion is by far the most common form of data loss.  In most cases if the affected storage device is brought in immediately following the incident there is a near 100% recovery rate.

The next most common data loss occurs when there has been an Operating System Crash or System Crash.  In this scenario chances are good that the data is still intact on the device, though it may not be accessible in the standard way.  A near full recovery should be possible in the majority of cases.

Virus and Spyware infections can also cause system failures and data destruction.  Data recovery in this instance varies depending upon how much damage has occurred.

Malicious destruction occurs when data is intentionally destroyed or deleted.  Once again, a data recovery in this case will vary depending upon the skill and thoroughness of the person responsible for the data destruction.  Recovery from this type of loss can range from a 100% full recovery, to a 0% total loss, depending upon the techniques that were used to destroy the data.

In every one of these cases, the sooner the affected hardware is brought in for analysis the better the odds are that a recovery can be made.  Even in the worst case scenarios, partial recovery should be possible.

Typical types of data that can be recovered include but are not limited to:  pictures, music, videos, spreadsheets, databases, letters, and documents of all types.


USB Flash Drive, Memory Stick, Thumb Drive,  or Pen Drive:  These handy little devices are becoming more and more common.  They offer convenience, affordability and portability.  However, they can be susceptible to fairly frequent data corruption errors.  We offer complete data recovery services for deleted, formatted or corrupted digital media devices.
If you suspect your Digital Media Device has experienced a data loss:

The first thing you must do is immediately power down your equipment.  After you have powered your system down, remove the flash drive and place it in a safe dry environment until you can contact a data recovery service.  Using your flash drive for any other activity can permanently modify and/or destroy your data. This is the single most important step to minimizing the amount of damage incurred in a data loss scenario.

Find out how our team of San Antonio Data Recovery specialists can help recover your critical data.  210-260-0045.

San Antonio Data Recovery

San Antonio Hard Drive Recovery

San Antonio File Recovery

San Antonio Laptop Repair

San Antonio Data Recovery | Hard Drive Recovery

Data Recovery and/or Hard Drive Recovery is not always possible in all scenarios but in the majority of cases significant recovery is usually possible if the attempt to recover the lost data is made soon after the data loss occurs.  Data can be lost in many different ways, the most typical are: 
  • Accidental Deletion, Erasure or Format.
  • Operating System Failure or Software Crash.
  • Virus or Spyware Infection.
  • Malicious or Intentional Deletion, Erasure, or Format.
  • Physical Damage to Storage Medium, ie. Scratched CD/DVD.
  • Physical Hard Drive Failure or Crash.  Catastrophic Hardware Failure.

Simple accidental deletion is by far the most common form of data loss.  In most cases if the affected storage device is brought in immediately following the incident there is a near 100% recovery rate.

The next most common data loss occurs when there has been an Operating System Crash or System Crash.  In this scenario chances are good that the data is still intact on the hard drive, though it may not be accessible in the standard way.  A near full recovery should be possible in the majority of cases.

Virus and Spyware infections can also cause system failures and data destruction.  Data recovery in this instance varies depending upon how much damage has occurred.

Malicious destruction occurs when data is intentionally destroyed or deleted.  Once again, a data recovery in this case will vary depending upon the skill and thoroughness of the person responsible for the data destruction.  Recovery from this type of loss can range from a 100% full recovery, to a 0% total loss, depending upon the techniques that were used to destroy the data.

Typically the most severe data loss occurs when a system experiences a catastrophic hardware failure.  Because this type of data loss involves physical damage to the hard drive, in some cases portions of the hard drive can be rendered completely unreadable.  To recover data from a physically damaged hard drive requires very specialized equipment and techniques which means that this type of data recovery can be fairly costly.  Thankfully, hardware failure is the least common type of data loss.

In every one of these cases, the sooner the affected hardware is brought in for analysis the better the odds are that a recovery can be made.  Even in the worst case scenarios, partial recovery should be possible.

Typical types of data that can be recovered include but are not limited to:  pictures, music, videos, spreadsheets, databases, letters, and documents of all types.


There are two general categories for Data Recovery: 
  • Logical Failure: The hard drive is mechanically sound – it spins correctly, the operating system recognizes the device, and all of the mechanical parts inside of the hard drive are functioning correctly. However, there is some reason that the data cannot be accessed through ordinary means. (This can include: accidental deletion or format, data corruption, operating system crash, or miscellaneous lost partitions or boot records.)
  • Mechanical or Physical Failure: The hard drive is somehow physically damaged. Some internal part within the hard drive is no longer functioning correctly. The hard drive may make clicking noises or is not recognized by the operating system any longer. (This can be a hard drive crash or control board failure.)

How hard drive data recovery works:
  • Logical Failure: The lost data is most likely still intact on the hard drive unless new data has been written over it. When a file is deleted or the drive is formatted, the data is not actually removed; the area where the data was stored is simply reallocated for new data storage and the file pointers are reset.
  • Mechanical or Physical Failure: The data may still be intact on the hard drive platters but is not accessible due to some mechanical malfunction. Recovering data from a physically damaged hard drive is a very delicate operation and needs to be performed using specialized equipment and processes.

In the case of either a logical failure or a physical failure there is a good chance that data can be recovered successfully if the attempt to recover the data is made immediately after the data loss occurs.


If you suspect your system has experienced a data loss:

The first thing you must do is immediately power down your equipment.  Continuing to use your system after a data loss for any other activity, even browsing the Internet, can permanently modify and/or destroy your data. This is the single most important step to minimizing the amount of damage incurred in a data loss scenario.

Find out how our team of San Antonio Data Recovery specialists can help recover your critical data. 210-260-0045.

San Antonio Data Recovery

San Antonio Hard Drive Recovery

San Antonio File Recovery

San Antonio Laptop Repair

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