GetDataBack for FAT 2.31 - User Guide and FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions - GetDataBack for FAT

1. Can fragmentation of the disc affect the result of the recovery?
   GetDataBack is searching your hard drive to find one of the FAT (File Allocation Table). If no FAT is found. GetDataBack will attempt the recovery without this information. In this case the possibility of bringing fragmented parts from all over the drive together gets smaller.
   
   
2. Can I investigate the quality of my recovered files before I buy the software?
   Yes, GetDataBack contains a build-in viewer which lets you investigate the quality of your files and you can also open the files with their original application before you have to register the program.
   
   
3. Can I use GetDataBack to recover data from CD's, CDR's and DVD's?
   No, GetDataBack is a software for hard drives, floppy drives, Jaz drives, Zip drives, Memory Sticks, Smart Media, Compact Flash, Secure Digital and Multi Media Cards only.
   
   
4. Can I use GetDataBack to recover data if my hard drive is not recognized by the BIOS of my computer?
   No, if the BIOS is not recognizing the hard drive, our software is not able to perform a recovery. Please make sure that the connections, jumper settings and controllers are ok. If the hard drive is still not recognized, try to connect it to another computer and see if it gets recognized there.
   
   
5. During usage of GetDataBack I do receive a disk error, what does this mean?
   GetDataBack is a solution for software related problems, it cannot help you with failed hardware. A disk error is a sign for a hardware problem. We recommend to stop working with the corrupted drive until you make a disk image. (Every try to access data can increase corruption!) After successfully creating an image you can use the image file as an input for GetDataBack.
   
   
6. How can I optimize the quality of the recovery?
   What did you choose in the second step? We recommend choosing physical drive for your recovery.
   
   In Step 4 be sure to choose the file system which contains the most applicable information to perform the recovery on. You can compare the file system quality by viewing the details in the right window. Another indicator for better file system quality is the percentage rating on the right side of the graphic below. Before you register, please test enough files to be sure you are satisfied with the results of the recovery.
   
   
7. I cannot open the recovered files. Why?
   There are three possible reasons for the inability to open the recovered files.
   1. GetDataBack is searching your hard drive to find one of the FATs (File Allocation Tables). If no FAT is found GetDataBack will attempt the recovery without this information. In case of fragmented files, the chances of bringing all parts together gets smaller. However, only a fraction of the recovered file is usually affected by this problem. Another FAT related problem can occur if GetDataBack find a FAT that is not the file system's FAT. In this case GetDataBack uses misleading allocation information.
   2. Another possible reason is that your files were overwritten by other data. In this case there is no way to retrieve the data.
   3. The third possible reason is that you have chosen the wrong file system entry in Step 4 of the recovery. Be sure to choose the file system that contains the most applicable information to perform the recovery on. You can compare the file system quality by viewing the details in the right window. Another indicator for better file system quality is the percentage rating on the right side of the graphic below.