Data loss on hard disks occurs relatively often. There are many factors that can make the user lose access to their saved data. In such a case, recovering data on one’s own is not recommended, as they may become lost forever. Special laboratories in which data are recovered are equipped with professional infrastructure which allows to retrieve lost information.

• Mechanical damage — this may happen as a result of various factors: not only from fall or shock, but also as a result of exposure to high temperatures or storing in a damp location. Trying to repair the disk on one’s own may lead to permanent damage to the carrier and the data. Recovering data from a disk damaged in such a way is conducted in laboratory conditions, with specialist software and equipment. The process of data recovery consists in replacing the damaged components and making a sector-by-sector copy of disk surface. The obtained resulting image will allow to recover selected data. — this may happen as a result of various factors: not only from fall or shock, but also as a result of exposure to high temperatures or storing in a damp location. Trying to repair the disk on one’s own may lead to permanent damage to the carrier and the data. Recovering data from a disk damaged in such a way is conducted in laboratory conditions, with specialist software and equipment. The process of data recovery consists in replacing the damaged components and making a sector-by-sector copy of disk surface. The obtained resulting image will allow to recover selected data.
• Logical damage — A different kind of data damage is the loss of their integrity. It may result from a random action of the user or intentional action of third parties (hacking attack, malware). It is a relatively simple kind of damage, which can be easily mended in a data recovery laboratory. The repair consists in rebuilding the structure of files and recovering selected documents.
• Damage to electronic circuit – the last kind of damage. It may be caused by a short-circuit, network congestion or faulty operation of the power system. The repair of damaged carrier and recovery of data is possible following a replacement of damaged electronics. The difficulty here is in selecting components which will be compatible with original specification. Using parts with different parameters may lead to more serious damage of the carrier and permanent loss of data.

Data on carriers may be lost for many reasons. Usually, it is caused by random actions; however, sometimes it is caused by a mistake made by the user, intentional action of third parties, or wear and tear of the carrier.

Depending on the kind of carrier, other reasons for data loss can be considered. In case of optical disks, most frequent problems with reading the data are caused by scratches to the surface of the carrier, which makes it impossible to correctly reflect the laser beam. Carriers with stained surface may behave similarly. In case of hard disks and flash drives, the situation is more complicated, as it usually entails permanent damage to the disk and its electronics.