How much does a new car cost? What about a house in your area? The price of a new pair of shoes? Similarly, how much will data recovery cost your business? The answer isn’t straightforward, as it depends on what happened to cause the loss. While it’s challenging to provide an exact figure, we can offer a range: a basic car might cost less than $15,000, whereas a luxury vehicle can reach six figures. Data recovery pricing follows a similar pattern, with costs ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the issue.
Steps to Take When You Suspect Data Loss
Before panicking, let’s assess the situation. Data loss severity generally falls into three categories:
Level 1: Accidental File Deletion
If you delete a file and empty the trash bin, the file might still be recoverable. Avoid adding or moving other files until the issue is resolved. Deleted files remain on your device but are invisible until recovered. They are retrievable unless overwritten by new data. Various file recovery applications are available for free or at a reasonable cost.
Before using any data recovery software, consult an IT professional. If DIY apps fail, a professional data recovery service can help recover data from HDDs, SSDs, external drives, SD and microSD cards, USB flash drives, and internal drives in mobile devices. These services typically cost less than $300, depending on the issue’s complexity.
Some might ask, “I only lost one file, shouldn’t that cost less to recover?” Unfortunately, the cost usually doesn’t depend on the data amount but on the recovery process’s complexity. Recovery companies often charge a flat fee, an hourly rate, or a combination of both. Ultimately, you’ll find the price worth it to regain your data, productivity and peace of mind.
Level 2: Logical Device Failure
Logical failures, though invisible, are problematic. Causes include malware attacks damaging file directories, corruption of the master boot record (MBR), or improper drive formatting.
Fixing these issues usually requires professional assistance, potentially costing up to $1,000 or more. Though pricier than Level 1 issues, logical failures typically don’t require hardware replacement, sparing you from buying a new computer.
Level 3: Mechanical Failures and Physical Damage
This category includes visible damage, strange noises, or non-functional devices due to mishaps like drops or spills. Such problems often cost more to fix than replacing the device, but replacement doesn’t solve the lost data issue. Repairs may involve advanced facilities like cleanrooms and replacement parts, with costs potentially exceeding $3,000.
Preventing Data Loss is Key
Backing up data is crucial. Losing a file on one device is minor if data is backed up elsewhere. No single device should hold irreplaceable information. For advice on remote server data backup, contact Invision.
For over 20 years, Invision has provided IT solutions, including outsourced IT support, IT consulting and IT services to businesses across the Kansas City metro area. From Olathe and Overland Park to Shawnee Mission, the Plaza, Westport, Independence, Gladstone and beyond, we tailor solutions to meet diverse business IT needs, helping them thrive. For outsourced IT support, contact Invision today.
