Vantage Data Recovery

We all love our laptops.  The thinner and lighter they get the more we love them…and the easier they are to break, leading to costly repairs or replacement and possible data loss.  The old saying “familiarity breeds contempt” comes into play here.  Laptops are such an everyday part of our lives that we often don’t pay attention to how we treat them.  While laptop problems are probably eventually inevitable, there are some things you can do to limit the chances of damage to both your hardware and your data.

1.  Don’t drop it.  Especially don’t drop it (even a little) while it’s running.  Seems pretty simple, but you would be amazed at how difficult that seems to be.  But it basically involves not walking around with powered on, not leaving it where it could get knocked over, and if you must move it while it is running, do it gently. 

2.  Use a case.  A real laptop case.  They come in a lot of styles these days, the old standard briefcase type, messenger bags, backpacks, etc.  At the very least, use one of the “sleeves” that are available for when you want to put your laptop inside a non-laptop case.  If you must put it into your regular backpack, put it in a sleeve, and put it on top of the books, not under them.  A good, protective case is much less expensive than data recovery!

3.  Turn your laptop off (not sleep mode) before putting it in the case.  It can get too hot inside the case. 

4.  Laptops are hot.  Anyone who has ever actually used one on their lap has learned that fact very quickly.   Hard drives and other electronic components don’t like heat.   If you are going to be using your laptop for an extended period, try to keep it as cool as possible by using one of the new cooling pads or even a stand to raise it off the surface slightly and let the air circulate.  You could even improvise as long as it is level and stable, and the laptop won’t slide off. (See one person’s solution ).   Do not use your laptop on a soft surface like a blanket or pillow that can block the cooling fan and air vents.  Don’t leave it in the car where it can be subjected to very hot or very cold temperatures.  If you have had it out in extreme temperatures, give it a few minutes to cool off or warm up before using it.

5.  Pay attention to low battery warnings, and always shut down your laptop properly.  Cutting off power abruptly can corrupt operating systems and programs, and cause data loss.  Plugging in your laptop is much less traumatic than losing your data and needing a data recovery company!

6.  Use a good surge suppressor (important with any computer, laptop or otherwise).  And I mean a good one, not one from the local dollar store.  They are not that expensive, especially measured against the cost of losing your data and frying your laptop. 

7.  Laptop screens are notoriously expensive to replace.  Be careful how you open and close your system.  Don’t pick it up by the screen.  Keep your pens, pencils and any other sharp objects away from it.  (Keep your fingers off it too!)  Don’t close the laptop with anything inside it.  Don’t clean it with chemicals such as window cleaner.

8.  If you are operating the laptop plugged in, make sure the cord is not trailing across the floor where you or somebody else might trip on it and pull your laptop down with them.  We have seen quite a few data recovery projects created by just this scenario.  Your laptop will appreciate it, and so will the people around you!

9.  Try not to get crumbs all over the keyboard.  (I won’t tell you not to eat at the computer – we all do it!)   If you spill something on the laptop, or otherwise get it wet, turn it off immediately, and leave it off until you have it checked out.  Water and electricity don’t mix.

10.  If you are traveling, keep your laptop in your carry-on, not in your checked luggage.�