Tape Recovery
Tape data recovery is the successful retrieval and copying of data from a tape cartridge that is damaged due to any of the following:- Heat and Smoke Damage
- Water Damage - Sprinkler System or Flooded
- Damage Resulting from Dropping the Cartridge
- Data Residing after an EOF Mark (Overwritten)
- Damage Resulting from the Tape Drive
- Damage as a Result of Aging (Past Warranty)
- Damage Resulting from Exposure to Extreme Temperatures or Humidity
- Internal Cartridge Mechanism Failing
- Permanent Errors Residing Mid File
As in all data recovery operations, data recovery from tapes is very specialized. There are two primary recovery types: Physical and Logical.
Physical Data Recovery
Physical Data Recovery is necessary when there is a physical problem with the media or plastics which prevents the data from being read normally.
This type of recovery may include dealing with issues such as deteriorating magnetic coatings, cracked or broken reels/cartridge shells, creased tape edges, twisted or folded tape, stretched or broken tape, etc. This recovery type also includes capturing the data from media that has mistakenly subjected to adverse conditions such as water, mud, or other debris.
Recovery of these types can usually be achieved in the high 98+% range.
Logical Data Recovery
Logical Data Recovery includes recovering the data portion of a tape that was successfully recorded, but for some unknown reason cannot be read. Recovering files logically is typically the most difficult, and consequently, the most expensive.
The recovery of files from this type of problem often requires multiple passes using proprietary software that restores the file to the HDD. If hard errors occur, "dummy blocks" are written in their place, the file fragments are pieced back together and the logically re-created file written to the appropriate output tape.
Other forms of Logical Data Recovery include tapes that were written with misaligned heads, and tapes that contain critical data and were re-initialized by mistake. All of these problems can be recovered, or at least partially recovered using internally developed proprietary software and processes.
Our Credentials
Some Success Stories
View examples of tapes that we've recovered
Quick Response Saves 23 Terabytes of Data After Flood
Basic Precautions
Precautions to Take with Water Damaged Tapes
Read eMag's Data Recovery Article