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File and Document Recovery

The Valdosta State University Information Technology Helpdesk does not recommend the use of 3.5 inch floppy disks. These disks have been known to easily lose data due to corruption and damage, moreso than alternative data storage methods such as CDs or USB Jump Drives. USB Jump Drives have dropped significantly in price over the last couple of years and one may be purchased at the Valdosta State University Tech Shop or other local electronics retail stores.

What can I do to avoid the need for file recovery?

Here are a few tips to help you ensure that your files are intact so you will not need to take advantage of our file recovery service/

  • Never use floppy disks.
  • Always make at least 3 copies of documents, one on your hard drive and one copy on each of two different devices, such as on a CD and Jump Drive, or on two USB Jump Drives.
  • Keep your devices in good condition. To do so, avoid allowing them to come into contact with anything that can damage them:
Floppy Disks
CDs
USB Jump Drives
Dust Dust Electrical Current
Vibration Anything that can scratch the surface Removing the device from a computer before ejecting it
Extreme heat or cold Extreme heat or cold Extreme heat or cold
Magnets or devices with magnets, such as phones    
Anything that can scratch the surface    

 

What can the Helpdesk do to help me if my files are corrupted?

The Helpdesk can attempt to recover data from a device. If you need this service, please bring the device to the Helpdesk.

  • We can only attempt to recover data from floppy discs, CDs, and USB Jump Drives.
  • File recovery may take between 20 to 30 minutes for floppy discs and up to 1 hour and 30 minutes for CDs and USB Jump Drives, depending on the size and number of files recovered.
  • You must bring an additional device, such as a CD or USB Jump Drive, to place the recovered files on.
  • We cannot guarantee that our software will be able to recover data or that the recovered data will retain its original formattting.