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Not so long ago, about 5 years say, there were a bunch of data recovery firms which you could choose from, today this is very different; try typing "data recovery services" into Google, you will be astounded by the results, overwhelmed as to choice; how come you may ask?

In the last year alone, many so called DR firms have sprung up from nowhere with 20 years of DR business history! Clearly this is not possible and suspect and should be examined in great detail, as DR is a complicated business and cannot be learned "overnight".

Recommendation is obviously a great place to start as to who you will allow to look at your media containing your critical or precious data, ask friends and colleagues if they have been in a similar situation, who did they use and what was the outcome?

If you do not have any recommendations to work with, then perhaps this basic list will help you;

1. How long have the DR firm been in business? 4-5 years is a minimum.
2. Have they an independent testimonial page? In other words a website which is not connected with their site where previous clients have posted un-edited comments on the service they received.
3. Will they send you a file listing of recoverable files before you commit to any fees?
4. Are they a genuine DR company with clean room facilities near you ? (no long shipping which may damage your media further), or are they simply a reseller for a DR firm?
5. Do they offer any guarantee? For instance no data no fee, fixed costs, data security and no hidden charges?
6. Are they qualified? What experience do they have with your particular media?
7. How long will recovered data be held for? Can duplicate copies be obtained?, will the recovered data be securely destroyed following your safe and quantified delivery?

Following this basic list you should be able to find a suitable company which will recover your data in a cost effective and timely manner, above all else when you are faced with such a scenario it may be easy to select the first web site that you come across, and this is where another issue many lie, especially if you select from Google AdWords the first choice, does that mean they will fill all the criteria as a bove laid out?, possibly not as they have paid to be in that position and not organically built the web site and reputation over a period of time.

A wagging finger with the old cliche "you should have backed up" is not what you want to hear from the company which will be dealing with your hard drive failure, so customer service is also a very important step, create a shortlist of 3 companies then call them; a free phone number is welcome and also shows commitment, call them up explain your current situation, then let them explain their services to you, at some point you can then discuss the above points and make your mind about whether the company will suite your needs.