User Comments

Did you ever found any reference to the disgraceful failure of Windows Bakcup? There must be an explaination.

No. To be honest, I didn’t investigate it too deeply as I suspect the backups weren’t being performed and I didn’t want to embarrass anyone.

If it’s an SQL Server install, can one just not reattach the databases to the server? Obviously without knowing the environment further it’s hard to know for sure but you might have a chance of recovery without having to get the company out.

I don’t know Jonathan. If it were MySQL it would be possible to just copy the database files back into the “data” folder. I have no idea whether MS SQL Server works the same way or not.

Anyway, it’s besides the point. The point is that the client is now paying way over the odds because he omitted trivial costs during the original installation.

Okay, I know £777 is not “trivial” but it is compared to the costs involved in recovery now.

NOTE: This comment has been edited by its author! Additions are shown in italics, deletions with a strike-through.

You’re absolutely right, it was besides the point. Nothing beats a solid and tested backup strategy!

I detach and attach databases all the time in SQL Server which is why I mentioned it. It still may have not solved the problem but thought I’d present it for future knowledge. :)

I’ve been in the exact same situation: client doesn’t understand the risks involved with having a server without any redundancy, and even after the explanation of what could go wrong he still opts for the cheapest solution. Inevitably it leads to data loss and you find yourself having the exact same conversation you had back when you sold him the server, except now you’re probably dealing with someone who’s hostile towards you.

Ultimately imho, in cases where you’re also responsible for providing tech and admin support, it’s just not worth the hassle. Either you make sure the client is willing to make the investment, or you politely refuse to sell him the hardware and support package.

Ultimately imho, in cases where you’re also responsible for providing tech and admin support, it’s just not worth the hassle. Either you make sure the client is willing to make the investment, or you politely refuse to sell him the hardware and support package.

That’s exactly the conclusion I came to. I will never again install a budget package, if I am to provide subsequent support. But back then I needed the money so much that I unable to turn any prospective client down. In fact, come to think of it, my situation hasn’t changed much! :-)

But back then I needed the money so much that I unable to turn any prospective client down.

Oddly enough that was also the reasoning behind my snafu, go figure ;)

And on the subject of data recovery companies and the insane prices some charge: I’m not being derogatory, but I’d love to know exactly what they do and how they do it. Does the process itself warrant the price, or is it just inflated because they know people are desperate to get their data back?

Does the process itself warrant the price?

Actually, I think it does. Retrieving data from a dead hard disk is not easy and requires a clean room, specialised machinery and skilled engineers.

Obviously there’s some markup on the costs and I don’t doubt that there’s a little bit of inflation “because they know people are desperate to get their data back” but, let’s face it, if you’ve lost data that is essential, then you’re going to be prepared to pay whatever it costs to retrieve that data.

Should have gone to Disklabs Data Recovery. They are cheaper. http://www.disklabs.com

Disklabs has been added to my bookmarks. Thanks Simon.