• Create a list of all your servers and their exact locations.
• Create a "Restore Book" that documents procedures for rebuilding the network.
• Create an "Action Plan" for dealing with any sort of virus attack.
• Keep updated contact numbers for all disaster recovery team members.
• Keep updated contact numbers for all your suppliers of IT equipment.
• Make all your backups easy to maintain, access and remove off site.
• Perform an audit of your backups every 3 to 6 months.

Backups should be made according to a rigid schedule, and always have their dates recorded in a Backup Log. The backups should be stored off site, ideally in a fireproof safe. Backups of all critical data should be performed at least once per working day.


6. Is there a good free antivirus software available for Windows?
Computer Associates is offering free antivirus protection to Windows users for one year. There are plenty of other free virus and security applications available online, but this is the first time a major, commercial anti-virus application has been released that is totally free of charge. Learn more about the free antivirus software for Windows here.



1. What is a "cleanroom" and how does that work?
An errant dust particle on the platters inside your hard drive looms like a Himalayan peak to its read/write heads – an obstacle preventing proper functioning. Hard drives with a mechanical failure therefore require a "clean" environment for opening and making delicate repairs, with no margin of error for the smallest of particles.
Wearing special suits, hair caps, face masks, boots and latex gloves, DriveSavers' engineers work in a Class 100 Cleanroom, a pristine facility maintaining fewer than 100 circulating air contaminant particles per million (10,000x purer than our everyday environment), ensuring a regulated atmosphere for performing sensitive open drive surgery.


2. You mention stress support – is that really necessary?
Yes, as data loss can be a very traumatic experience. Our Recovery Advisors evaluate your unique situation and will help you decide what course of action to take. We also have a qualified Data Crisis Counselor who provides reassurance to relieve the emotional stress common among those experiencing data loss.


3. What information will you need from me for an estimate?
You will need to provide the following information to your Recovery Advisor and we will respond with an accurate and firm estimate for your recovery work.
1. Your contact information. Name, phone number, fax, Email address.
2. Operating system and version. Windows, DOS, Mac OS, NetWare or UNIX. If unsure, tell us the make and model of your computer.
3. Physical capacity of your drive or storage media. If unsure, we’ll help you find out.
4. Tell us if you use password protection or encryption software. We will need to know what program you are using, the version and the password.
5. Symptoms/Problems. Details on the symptoms or events that precipitated the loss or failure.


4. What is the typical turnaround time on a recovery job?
The Standard Service is 1-2 business days. This is the fastest standard turnaround time in the industry. The majority of DriveSavers' corporate clients choose this service.
For a list of all service options, visit the DriveSavers – Service Plans page and choose your turnaround time, delivery service and security options to create a custom service plan that meets with your budget and time requirements .


5. What is the average cost of a data recovery job?
Because the total cost of a data recovery job is the result of so many variables – from the size of the hard drive to the severity of the data loss, it is impossible to come up with a general figure. Costs range from hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars. DriveSavers will be happy to give you an estimate on your recovery needs. Call them with your details at 1-800-440-1904.


6. How do I get the 10% discount on all recovery fees?
We are an Authorized DriveSavers Reseller. Simply mention Discount Code DS1-32-30 and receive a 10% discount on your invoiced recovery fee. You'll also be eligible for DriveSavers' exclusive No Attempt Fee – if data is not recoverable, there is no charge. Call now, toll-free at 1-800- 440-1904 to have DriveSavers evaluate your unique situation, decide what course of action to take, and to help relieve panic and stress that is common in data loss crises.