Tape Data Recovery - Step By Step Guide

If you have a tape data recovery requirement whether it be critical and urgent or you simply require the data back from a backup tape you can no longer read, Altirium will be able to help. Follow the steps below and you will be on your way to getting your data back.

Panic and stress can lead to errors that can compound what may start of as relatively straight forward problem.

unless you know what you are doing.

• If the tape is stuck in the drive and will not eject, do not try to remove it. In doing so you could be causing more damage to the tape. If possible remove the complete drive unit ready for shipping. Altirium's recovery engineers have working knowledge of tape load/unload paths and procedures and will be able to remove the tape from the drive.
• If the tape is snapped or creased, trying to repair or removed damaged sections of tape can have irrevocable effects, both to the tape and possibly to the tape drive

For immediate assistance call us anytime, telephone 01296 658737

Our engineers are always on call to help. If you have a non-urgent enquiry, other contact methods can be found on our 'Contact Us' page.

To minimize the cost to you, Altirium operate a 2 stage recovery procedure. The first step is the diagnosis. The diagnosis will allows us to fully assess the extent of the problem and determine how much of your data can be recovered. Where possible, if specific files are required, we will endeavour to report on the recoverability of those key files. On completion of the diagnosis you will be sent a report detailing the extent of the recovery possible and the cost to fully perform the data recovery. Ensure your tape media or hardware reaches us safely by:

1. Using appropriate packaging material. A good sturdy box with adequate packing should ensure your media hardware will not get further damaged in transit.
2. Complete the necessary Data Recovery Diagnosis authorisation form that will provide us with the authorisation to proceed with the diagnosis.
3. Include the Authorisation form with your package to allow us to identify your media or drive when it arrives.
4. Despatch your items to us. We would recommend using a reputable courier service rather and using standard postal services. If necessary we can arrange for your item to be collected.
5. When your item is received at our recovery lab. You will be notified of it's arrival.

On your assessment of the diagnosis report you can elect whether to continue to the next stage of getting you data recovered. At this stage we will discuss with you the most convenient method of returning your data. This is often determined by the volume of data being recovered and you working environment.

On completion of the data recovery, the files or data recovered from your tape will be returned to you, via sameday or overnight courier or can be collected in person from our recovery lab should you chose to do so.