Windows 10 Data Recovery Implications. Well, tonight is the night. Microsoft is rolling out it’s latest offering Windows 10 starting later this evening. In fact, some people are already starting to see the data being downloaded into some system folders in preparation for the install. We’re all hoping this will be a refreshing finished product compared with the Windows 8 blunder.
One thing very different this time is the free upgrade program for most users of Windows 7 and 8. It seems that Microsoft is finally trying to get everyone on the same page and may ultimately streamline things for software developers if everyone is on the same OS for the first time since Windows 3.1. Along with this free upgrade program comes a sort of forced beta test on all the home users.
Forced Version 10 Update on Windows Home Users
Unless you opted to buy a copy of Windows Professional, you might want to seriously consider turning off your updates right now. At least until you’re sure you want to upgrade. Don’t worry, your reservation can still be made up to a year from now. Seems that anyone with automatic updates installed and a reservation is going to get a forced upgrade to the new OS, whether they like it or not. Many speculate that this is essentially to test it out on home users and find the major bugs before the Pro users start upgrading.
Hopefully it’ll all go smoothly, but history has taught us some hard lessons about being the first in line for a new product. Remember Windows Vista & Millennium anyone? So far the reviews are positive, but there’s sure to be some bumps in the road relating to certain programs, even ones from Microsoft. Just this week we had to help a customer export some Windows Movie Maker files to a different format because they were made in a version of the software that only Vista supported and can’t be opened in any other version (good job on that M$).
Data Loss and Data Recovery Implications
Obviously being pushed out as an “update” this isn’t going to be a clean sweep type of install. Your documents, pictures, etc. should all be kept intact while the OS around it is upgraded. However some possibilities for data loss do exist. For example, consider some of the following scenarios:
Example 1: Hard drive has some bad sectors, but they reside in areas of the platter seldom or never used. Moving around a lot of data in an OS upgrade is likely to find these bad sectors that may have been previously undiscovered. This could cause data corruption, failed install, or even complete HDD failure during the upgrade. We often see this scenario on machines that are rarely rebooted such as servers and production line machines.
Example 2: Computer loses power during forced upgrade and the install fails. Here in RI we’ve got a slew of thunderstorms rolling through right now, so it’s a strong possibility. While the user files will likely be safe in this event, it’ll take some time to reinstall the OS (figure out which version to install) and copy the data back to the machine.
Example 3: Specialized software loses important data due to improper storage location. While most programs default to store the user data in the user folder there are quite a number that allow the user to change the file locations. A few foolishly store the user data in the Program Files or even Windows directories. I certainly hope Windows 10 will keep a backup of these folders after the install, but I wouldn’t bank on it.
These are just a few possibilities of how you might lose data due to this upgrade, and there’s certainly other possibilities. The best solution is to have a backup before the upgrade happens.
Windows 10 Data Recovery
Don’t panic if you’ve lost data due to upgrading! In nearly all cases the data will be recoverable. The steps taken immediately following the data loss is the larger determining factor. Even if you want to attempt the data recovery on your own, you should consult a professional first. You can get input from dozens of data recovery professionals on our forum: Data Medics Forum
Or if your data is very important and you’d like a professional to look at it please contact us immediately.
Jared is patient and extremely knowledgable with the advice he gives. instead of trying to sell you the $$$$ service, he investigates and attempts to find the simple solution to data recovery. would definitely recommend.
Rouj Chalabi
16:33 06 Jul 17
Excellent Service, Very sharp and intelligent about the situation. Highly Recommended.
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17:07 20 Mar 17
So far it's been great - Jared took the time and patience to explain everything to me. I've chatted with several companies and he's has been the most helpful.
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03:04 05 Jun 15
These guys are honest and on the ball. They've helped me with recovery. I've even shared some of their advice with others. But actually a compliment for Data Medics. I run my own business and would recommend these guys any day. If you want my input, I'm at RIINTERCONNECT. COM
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14:18 09 Jun 15
These are honest and hard working people. So professional. They have answered every question I have had about my computer. Totally trustworthy. You won't be sorry you used Data Medics.
Gayle Patalano
Katie Abramski
18:43 27 Mar 18
Everyone at data medics was so professional, helpful, and pleasant. Their prices are very good compared to other companies that ask way more money. They were also able to recover ALL of my data in just a few weeks. Highly recommended!
Ale García Bardales
23:43 30 Apr 18
Wonderful help from Jared!
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07:56 23 May 18
Friendly and knowledge staff.
The Nice Company Bryn
21:21 18 Jul 18
I couldn't be happier with the service and the counseling, as they talked me off the cliff. Great Job, thanks again!
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17:40 26 Sep 18
Excellent service at a great price!
Mary Raum
22:14 18 May 19
This is a very professional company. They go through all scenarios, exceptional service at offIce.
Falkon Punch
21:07 29 Aug 19
Without them, I wouldn't have been able to retrieve any information from my old laptop, nor would I have my photos of Sally ( my dog who recently passed) back
Falkon Punch
21:07 29 Aug 19
Without them, I wouldn't have been able to retrieve any information from my old laptop, nor would I have my photos of Sally ( my dog who recently passed) back
Alix Cornay
13:16 30 Oct 19
Very EXCELLENT work! Highly recommend ??
Eric Brown
17:17 20 Mar 20
Great service - Was able to get my pictures of my kids back. Thanks again! Hopefully i do not need the service again.
Tim Frezen
17:47 20 Jun 20
Jared was kind enough to answer a lot of questions by email without me being a customer. He is an absolute expert who is extremely customer-friendly. I really appreciate that. Really great!
Eric MacIver
17:57 30 Jun 21
Jared worked with me on a RAID0 recovery project. He did so remotely and was fantastic to work with! He was prompt, professional, patient, helpful, courteous and extremely knowledgeable. I fully recommend working with him and Data Medics - I know they'll be my first call if I need any assistance in the future.
Soheil A
16:40 29 Sep 21
Mr. Palmer and Data Medics are quick, communicative, experienced and professional with lots of experience. I am living in Germany and was looking for someone to help me. He was able to identify an issue that many people who I had asked could not identify. He told me the best way to recover the data and his estimation are always correct, work is done quickly. I couldn’t imagine any better expert for this problem and I highly recommend his service worldwide.
Liz Farrell
22:04 03 Mar 22
After I dropped my external hard drive and it squealed like a dying animal, I bandaged & shipped it to Data Medics. Owner Jeremy Walsh was instantly responsive and provided a realistic prognosis for recovery of any data. He put Zach Lillibridge on the case and this computer "surgeon" forged a miracle. Most of my files were saved! My case is rare and so perhaps lucky, but I believe that the great docs' diligence and skills were at play in the "O.R." at Data Medics. I would trust them-- and The Right Click-- with any and all of my computer hardware and software needs. Don't sweat it, just call Data Medic and The Right Click.
Michael Ryan
18:16 23 Dec 19
I have brought 3 drives to this company in last 2 years. They recovered only one of them, the first one. Each time they charged me for parts couple hundred $ per drive. It took them over a month to get back with final result. I have sent the last drive to NJ and they were able to recover 60% of the data. I am very upset. This is not a good business.
