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Issue/Question
I am missing files or my internal hard drive/external hard drive/portable drive are not working. Can these be recovered or fixed?
Environment
- Hard Drive
- External Hard Drive
- Portable Drive
Cause
The hard drive or removable media is no longer recognized by the computer, is missing files, is making strange noises, and/or no longer is being recognized by the operating system.
Resolution
Students
Toppertech does not offer data recovery for broken storage devices. If a device is functional TopperTech can back up and move data to a new device or operating system, but if non-functional our options are limited.
Faculty/Staff
Endpoint Support offers data recovery services to WKU Employees. There are three stages to data recovery at WKU. Once Endpoint Support has the device it will follow them in order:
- Software recovery - Endpoint Support will attempt to use data recovery software for Windows and OSX (macOS) to recover the data.
- Hardware recovery - Removable media (external hard drives or usb flash media) is sometimes housed in an external casing that can be opened in order to access the raw drive and connections. It usually renders the case unusable, but the drive is often fine and data can be recovered. Endpoint Support can also attempt to fix a USB drive through component level repair, but this has its risks. A member of Endpoint Support will contact you before attempting these options to get consent.
- Third Party Data Recovery - This is the last available data recovery option. Endpoint Support has partnered with DriveSavers to offer this service. An Endpoint Support staff member will work with you to get this setup if you desire. The initial evaluation and quote are free. See the attached PDF for more details.
If you have a device that you would like to have data recovery services run on please check it in for service or contact the ITS Service Desk.