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"One day our computers just stopped working. Our server had crashed. We sent our drive to CTE Computer Data Recovery and they restored all of our client and billing files back to working order. Fast and friendly service." Law Offices of Steven Pennington

Disk Copy Service

Frequently Asked Questions

Check here for more information about our low cost Disk Copy Service

What is the Disk Copy Service?
Our low cost Disk Copy service is designed to transfer data from old media onto newer or current media so the old files are now accessible using modern computers. Files are transferred verbatim, in the same file format and type as they were on the original media. Your files are opened, modified, or the content changed.

For example, transferring files from older 5 1/4" floppy disks to CD format. Files can be transferred to a number of different media, such as CD or DVD, or compressed in a zip file and emailed to you.

What media formats can be submitted for Disk Copy?
Since we are a full service Data Recovery lab, most older media formats can be processed here. The low cost Disk Copy Service works best on older 5.25" floppy disks, 3.5" floppy disks, and 100 MB, 250 MB and 750 MB Zip Cartridges. PC Dos formats and most Mac formats can usually be processed. Rates vary depending on size and type of media, as well as media format.

Numerous other media formats including Apple, K-Pro, CP/M, Commodore, TRS, Televideo and others can be processed with our Full Data Recovery Service.

Does the Disk Copy Service have guaranteed results?
The media you submit to us for the Disk Copy Service is old. While it is hoped that the condition and integrity of the data on the media is still 100% good, we will not know until the Disk Copy Service is performed. The Disk Copy work has to be completed before anyone will know the condition of your data. More time and labor is spent on disks that do not read or are partial reads. Multiple hardware equipment and multiple attempts are used to read partial disks or disks that appear to contain no transferable data. The Disk Copy rate is for the attempt to read the media, not based on the amount of data that is or is not transferred.

The media submitted to us for the Disk Copy Service is old. While it is hoped that the condition and integrity of the data on the media is still 100% good, we will not know until the Disk Copy Service is performed. This is true for all media submitted since we have no way of knowing if there is usable data or any transferable data on the media until the transfer attempts have been made. While we make every effort to transfer your data off of your old media, unfortunately, no one can guarantee the condition of your data and the Service is not guaranteed. If your media is not readable using our Disk Copy Service, it may still be recoverable using our Full Data Recovery Service.

Does Disk Copy Service include File Conversion?
Our low cost Disk Copy service is designed to transfer data from old media onto newer or current media so the old files are now accessible using modern computers. Files are transferred verbatim, in the same file format and type as they were on the original media. Your files are opened, modified, or the content changed. File Conversion is only required in certain cases and is not included in the Disk Copy Service.

What is File Format Conversion?
File Conversion is an additional optional step that can change an old type of file into a new type of file. Your original data is modified. Conversion is only needed in some cases. Many times, Conversion is not required. File Conversion rates can only be quoted after the Disk Copy Service transfer has been completed and the number, type and size of the old files are known.

For example, if your original old data included Word Processor files, after the Disk Copy Service was completed, these files might open up on newer Word Processing software without requiring any Conversion. There are many variables such as the software used to create the original files, the software used currently to open the files, and the file format. Many times, File Conversion is not required which is why it is a separate additional procedure. If you require File Conversion, just let us know. Once your Disk Copy job is completed, we will review your files and give you a quote on the Conversion process. While many file formats can be Converted, not all old formats can. When asking about Conversion, be sure to let us know what file format your original files are currently in and what file format you would like them converted to.

What shipping companies do you recommend I use?
You can ship your media to us using any carrier you choose. We recommend UPS or Fedex. A third option would be US Postal Priority Mail. Be sure to ship with a company that provides you with a tracking number so your package can be tracked if necessary.

How should I package my floppy disks?
Floppy Disks should be placed in their original protective sleeves and into an anti-static bag. Place this into a padded, rigid, box or heavy envelope. Your shipping container should be rigid enough to prevent any bending, damage, or warping of your media during transport.