Data Recovery Using Windows
A Backup Article Contributed by Melissa Larose
Data Recovery Using Windows
Did you know the Windows operating system helps with basic data recovery? Some versions of the Windows operating system have a backup component that provides simple backup tools. Protecting your data can even be scheduled.
Why is Data Recovery Important?
Lost data can cause a loss in revenue, time, clients and your health. Backing up (or making copies) all pertinent systems and data can save you revenue.
A computer system is not fail-safe. Hardware can age just like the people using it. Viruses can enter the system in a number of ways and delete folders and files according to its creator's programming scheme. Natural disasters can lead to physical damage as well as propagate power outages. And power outages can fry a computer system with a grace mankind has yet to learn. All of these reasons just scratch the surface when it comes to the causes of data recovery. Backing up a system and storing those backups adequately can cut data recovery time and save money.
Data Recovery with Windows
The options in certain versions of Windows operating systems for data recovery cannot replace actual data backup software. The Windows option is limited in its capacity and is not quite as flexible as many would want. The process can be automated in some versions but it is basically a manual data backup process and you must have administrative rights to run the process to begin with. The utility can make a full system backup, which includes the registry.
In some versions, actual data recovery may prove there were some files and folders lost in the process if data recovery is not to the same file volume or same operating system. In fact, not all pertinent features transfer between the different versions of Windows operating systems. Follow all procedures carefully for proper data backup and recovery. Make sure this utility is the right one for your data recovery needs.
What to Remember for Easy Data Recovery
Always backup data to a removable media, a removable drive, disk or tape, and then actually remove it. Place all copied data somewhere safe, preferably in another location or at least in another room, and also make sure the data copied over correctly. Try opening the disk and reading a few files before storing it. Disks and tapes, as well as hard drives are easily damaged.
The Windows backup utility may not always copy over permissions or encryption settings so the process may not be the correct backup process for your data recovery. Most companies use permissions and encryption standards for a reason. Finding out at a later date that the precious data you have been protecting has been openly available on the backup media is, well, ridiculous. Refer to all documentation for your windows operating system version before making a final decision about using the Windows backup utility for data recovery purposes.
If you make the choice to use the Windows backup utility and find you need data recovery to occur, the utility has a restore wizard and an automated recovery wizard to assist you. Happy restoration!
