When your data is damaged or corrupted as the result of a hard drive crash or damaged discs that can?t be read properly, you may be able to recover it with one of many versions of software developed to assist you in retrieving your files. Examples are Ontrack Data Recovery, “GetDataBack” software from Runtime or one of a host of companies offering data recovery software.

Another option is to use a company that specializes in data recovery. Drive Solutions, Inc. is well known for their work in data recovery. You can find them at www.drivesolutions.com. Disk Doctors, Data Recovery Group, and hosts of other companies do great work at recovering data from corrupted and non-working drives.

For scratched Cds, many local computer shops, game shops, and even pawn shops offer resurfacing. You can even buydisc resurfacers at many retailers such as Wal Mart, Target, etc.

The most effective way to deal with lost or corrupted data is to back up all of your files. Keep your backups in a safe location away from your home or office in the case of fire, flood, or theft. There are many companies who offer secure data storage solutions.”Let you fingers do the walking” to browse your yellow pages for local data storage professionals.

A very effective and simple solution is to use one of the on-line backup providers such as www.backuphelp.com, www.globaldrive.com, www.usdatatrust.com, or www.itiqsolutions.com.