Data Recovery

Damaged Data Files

If you have a corrupted data file or have inadvertently deleted or lost a file, ITS may be able to help.

If the document was saved on:

the network: call the Helpdesk at ext.6570. Depending on when the file was created and deleted it may be possible to restore an older version of the file. When you call, please have your username, the name of the file deleted (including the file-type), and the location the file was saved (including sub-folders).
the hard drive: call the Helpdesk at ext. 6570. A technician may be able to restore the file. When you call, please have your username, the name of the file deleted (including the file-type), and the location the file was saved (including sub-folders).

Precautions & Recommendations

Keeping backup copies of your important documents is crucial whether you are a student, faculty, or staff member. We recommend that you always make at least two copies of the current version of a document on two different storage devices. To protect yourself from data loss, we have outlined backup procedures for students, faculty, and staff below.

Recommended Backup Procedures for Students

Keep one copy of your documents on a CD or USB drive. Back up your data regularly. Save an additional copy of your documents to the network server. (This is drive "X" if you are on a Windows workstation in a public lab. Macintosh users need to be connected to the server to access their personal network share.) Students are allocated approximately 90 MB of disk space for personal storage. It is strongly suggested that you use this space as a backup location for your important files. Even though this is a very secure location to store your data, you should still use a CD or USB drive in case network problems exist when you need to produce course-related work (network problems may not be accepted by your professor as a reason for a late assignment).

Recommended Backup Procedures for Faculty & Staff

Keep a backup copy of your document on your hard disk. While this is a fairly reliable place to save your data, hard disks do crash; they also may get destroyed by spilling your favorite beverage on them. Do NOT take for granted that your data will always be there. Your primary place for saving should be on the network server. This procedure will vary depending upon what operating system you are using. Procedures for Windows workstation, and the Macintosh are listed below.

Windows:
Windows users are encouraged to save documents directly to the network server (drive X:). Backup copies of important documents should be saved to your hard drive (drive C:).

Macintosh:
Organize all of your documents under one main folder which can easily be moved to a backup location. Do not include application files. If you need help, please contact the Helpdesk.

Connect to your personal network space.
Drag your main document folder from your hard drive to your personal network share.
Note: During subsequent backups, you will need to delete the old backup file on your personal share before you create the new backup due to disk space limitations on the network server.

File Server Backup