Frequently Asked Questions About Our Services For Recovering Lost Data
Q: How long has Vantage been recovering data?
A: Vantage has focused exclusively on providing comprehensive data recovery and restoration services for all types of data storage media in virtually every operating environment. It has been our one and only business since our inception in 1989.
Q: Who is a typical client for Vantage?
A: We provide data recovery and restoration services for individual, business, education and government users throughout the US and the world.
Q: What types of data loss situations does Vantage typically deal with?
A: We handle both physical and logical data loss that occur due to any number of events, with hardware and software failures, human error or vandalism, fires, floods and power related problems being among the most common.
Q: What types of data storage media can be recovered by Vantage?
A: We recover data from virtually every kind of storage device: individual hard drives, multiple hard disk sets (RAID, SAN, NAS, striped and mirrored volumes, etc.), removable disk cartridges, diskettes, tape media, CD, DVD, re-writable and write-once (WORM) optical cartridges, USB flash drives, and digital data memory cards.
Q: What kinds of operating systems does Vantage provide services for?
A: We support Windows, DOS, Mac OS, Netware, Linux and Unix, as well as many other open and proprietary operating environments.
Q: What is the process for starting a data recovery project?
A: Most data recovery projects begin with a toll-free call to Vantage at 1-800-ITS-LOST (800-487-5678 US & Canada). We provide a free data recovery consultation - we discuss the problem with you to understand the circumstances leading to the data loss and to help determine the best course of action. If you prefer, you can fill out our short, on-line Data Recovery Information Request for a free data recovery estimate regarding your data loss and the possible options and costs. If you have already decided to ship your media for recovery, you can download and print our Data Recovery Service Form and enclose it in the box with your incoming shipment.
Q: How should a hard drive or other storage device be packaged for shipment?
A: When shipping media for data recovery, it should be placed in an anti-static bag whenever possible. When shipping a hard disk drive, the best packaging to use is an actual hard drive box from the manufacturer. If this is not available, the next best approach is to wrap the hard drive securely in "bubble" wrap or other cushioning material. Ensure that the device is not able to move around within the box. Enclose any documents and seal the box.
Q: Can damaged media be brought to Vantage, instead of being shipped?
A: Yes. Vantage is centrally located in Merrimack, NH, a one-hour drive north of Boston, MA and just 30 minutes south of Concord, NH. Easy-to-follow directions can be found on our website.
Q: Does Vantage need the whole computer or device, or just the data storage media?
A: We only need the data storage device (or devices). In some circumstances, when dealing with older hard drive storage (such as MFM or ESDI drives) or a multiple drive volume (such as a RAID volume), it can be beneficial to have the original controller that was being used at the time of the data loss event. Many times, it may not be possible (or convenient) to provide the original controller (as is the case with on-board RAID motherboards). Although it may be helpful for reference purposes, the original controller is usually not necessary for us to successfully recover data from individual or multiple data storage devices (including RAID volumes).
Q: What is the average turnaround time for a data recovery project?
A: Turnaround times can vary with each project, based on the extent of the damage and the time (and materials) needed to perform the recovery. Many recovery projects are completed within 24 to 72 hours.
Q: Does Vantage charge "priority" or "expedite" fees for emergency service?
A: No. We believe that every client is important, and that every data recovery project, regardless of size, is a priority. We value your business and your trust, and we will do everything we can to return your data as quickly as possible.
Q: How is recovered data returned to me?
A: Data is returned on the media that you prefer and in the format of your choice.
More FAQs:
Back to Main FAQ
|