Data Loss

It is defined as the inaccessibility of data. Data loss does not signify a loss in data from the data storage device. It means that the temporarily inaccessible data has shifted position. The data still exits on the data storage device. An apt example would be not being able to read data from a hard drive. You may think that your data has been lost. It is not lost. It is still there on your hard drive. It has shifted location from the working desktop to the recycle bin.

Increase in Data Loss

• More data is being stored in smaller spaces. Modern hard drives store 500 times the data stored on traditional large-sized hard drives. Increasing storage capacities amplify the magnitude of data loss.
• Backup tools and techniques are not 100% reliable. Computer users rely on backups as a safety net. Ontrack research indicates that 80% of its data loss customers regularly back up their data. But, modern day backup is less than adequate at the critical moment of data restoration. Backups are built on a number of assumptions. Your hardware and storage media have to be functional, the data has to be undamaged and backup is a recent purchase.

Causes of Data Loss

Data loss is a common scenario. The solutions to prevent data loss lie in user ability to deal with its causes. The user must always try to prevent data loss. Data loss prevention is much cheaper than data recovery.

Human Error: It is the single largest contributor to incidents of data loss. Human error accounts for more than 32% of all data loss accidents. Common human errors include:

Accidental Drive Format: Incorrect drive formatting leads to data loss. Usually data has to be saved in accordance with the drive formatting specifications. Data is lost when the saved data formatting clashes with that of the storage drive. Reformatting can cause overwriting leading to further data loss. Generally, such errors of formatting are caused when data is saved in a hurry. It can also be caused by the ignorance of the user.

Erroneous File/folder Deletion: Sometimes a user deletes the file and folder by mistake. This is a classic case of data loss. The user does not permanently lose the data from the computer. The data shifts position. It remains in the changed location for a specified time. The data has to be recovered during that specified time. It is important to note that the user sets the time specifications of holding deleted data in a position.

MIS/Administrator Errors: Data can also be lost due to administrative and manufacturing faults. It ought to be remembered that such defects cannot be fixed by DIY recovery software. These defects not only impact the surface of the device but also run deep. They cause the entire computer and the data storage device to corrupt beyond repair. These defects usually revolve around faulty network and connection problems and incorrect magnetic platter structuring in disk interior.

Mishandling: The data storage device is a robust but intricate piece of technology. It has to be handled properly. Usually data storage devices of floppies, DVDs and CDs are wrapped in protective gear. Care should also be taken to keep the device away from pets. Data storage devices are portable and handy. But a user should keep them in controlled temperature conditions. Overexposure to heat, light and humidity should be kept to a minimum. Users should avoid handling the device with oily fingers and palms. All dust should be cleaned with a cool-dry tissue cloth.

Trauma Caused by Drop or Fall: Users should avoid holidaying with the data storage device. The device should be tossed about. It should not be subject to any physical trauma or shock. All movement should be kept to a minimum. The device should be kept stationary and not thrown from a height.

Software Corruption: Software failure or faults damage popular desktop operating systems. The faults could be data storage device specific or computer drive specific. Usually the disk is not compatible with the drive. This corrupts the disk interior and the platters when drive tries to read data. Sometimes there is a software problem within the disk itself affecting the computer system.

Virus Attacks: These account for 7% of data loss incidents. A computer virus usually spreads via the email. A user knows of a virus attack when faced with symptoms of:

• Blank screen
• Strange and unpredictable behavior
• Error message stating
• "File Not Found" Message announcing virus appears on screen