Removable media refers to any external storage device such as optical disks(CD / DVD) , 3.5” Diskettes (“stiffies”) and portable USB Devices (memory sticks). Loss of data is a fairly common occurrence and in most cases it is possible to recover lost data.

1. Examples of Data Loss Situations

• Inaccessible media
• Corrupted data
• Virus
• Fire & water damage
• Media surface contamination and damage
• Accidental reformatting
• Accidental deletion of data

2. The Recovery Process

4. Removable Types, Brands, Models and Interfaces

Diskettes in 3.5" format with 720Kb & 1.44Mb capacities, 5.25" format single and double-sided to 1.2Mb capacity.

CD ROM, CD R/W, DVD-R, DVD+RW and DVD-RAM disks.

Optical Formats for standalone & multi-cartridge Jukebox storage systems:

Pinnacle range
Imation range
Iomega range

FireWire and USB removable / portable drives.

FlashCards such as SmartMedia and CompactFlash