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Actions to be performed when data loss is discovered
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This checklist is to be completed as soon as
possible after discovering a data loss, before attempting data recovery. |
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- Turn off the system immediately. If you are running Windows, do not bother
shutting it down properly. Just turn the main power off as fast as you can.
From this point on, do not try to boot the affected system. Get some paper and
pen instead.
- Write down list of most important stuff that was stored on the crashed
filesystem. This should include file names, locations (i.e. directories), and
approximate file sizes. Mark out all items for which you know backups to be
available and adequate. Then sort all the items by their estimated value (for
example, you can use amount of time required to reconstruct those data to
measure the value).
- Write down all events that preceded the data loss, including but not
limited to recent software installations, error messages (if any), and
mechanical sounds from the hard disk (if any). Try to maintain the
chronological order. Record the exact action(s) immediately preceding the
crash.
- Record all applicable system configuration information. The following
items are required:
a. CPU and mainboard type and frequencies (including
overclocking information).
b. Operating system(s) installed. Include version information.
c. Brand, model name, and capacity of a hard drive involved.
d. Logical partitioning information for that drive, including
size and filesystem information for each volume.
- When all the above is done, get some break. At least 10 minutes are
required. Then, return to list and review it again. Include previously
forgotten items, if any. This step is performed to ensure nothing important
was oversighted.
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- Better understanding of what's lost and how much does it
cost to reconstruct. The data might turn out just not worth the repair
effort (e.g. if you have it properly backed up).
- Better understanding of what had happened.
- Information sheet which can be readily provided when
requesting assistance from someone else.
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