Electronic devices storing large amounts of our data are all prone to failure. Your first line of defense against data loss must always be to make frequent backups to another location - an external backup disk or memory stick; a network storage server; and/or a cloud storage service like Microsoft OneDrive, Apple iCloud, Google Cloud, DropBox, etc. Having more than one backup in different locations provides even better protection.

If the worst should happen and you experience failure of a storage device that holds your only copy of needed data, you may need to attempt to recover data from the device.

If the issue is one of accidental deletion, or problems with the disk directory, while the hardware is still basically working and can be accessed from your computer, you can attempt data recovery on your own using software designed for this. One listing of such programs is https://www.techradar.com/best/best-data-recovery-software. Some programs support a range of device types including hard disks, solid-state drives, USB sticks, NVMe drives, etc.

If the problem is with the hardware of the storage device, such that your computer cannot access the device properly, you may need to resort to a paid third-party service for data recovery.

The following are data recovery providers that we have used previously or have had recommended to us:

Accurate data Recovery
http://www.a-datarecovery.com
18 Hurndale Avenue,
Toronto, ON M4K 1R7
Tel: (416) 465-4103

Seagate Data Recovery Services (formerly Action Front)
Tel: (905) 474-2162 ext 203 or (800) 475-0143 ext 203
Fax: (800) 475-0158

CBL Data Recovery Technologies
http://www.cbltech.com/contactus.html
Tel: (905) 479-9938

Ontrack Data Recovery
http://www.ontrackdatarecovery.com/
Tel: (800) 872-2599