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I once again made a mistake messing with drive partitions. I accidentally formatted my D: partition which held my Windows backup and wiped it out. Is there a way I can get that back? My computer only has one hard drive so it is kind of absurd but, I mess up so often it would be good to have a disk image to restore from. Is there any software that works well I could use?

Recovering Drive Partitions

Fortunately, it is possible to recover a partition off of your hard drive using data recovery software. This isn't a free solution, but it's not overly expensive either, especially if the data on the partition is valuable to you. We recommend ParetoLogic's Data Recovery program for recovering everything from individual files to complete partitions. The standard version of the product costs less than $50 and should be able to recover most of the D drive provided the formatting was fairly recent. The good news is that you can download a free scanner from ParetoLogic which will show you whether or not the partition is recoverable. If it is, then you can decide to purchase the fully functional product. In this case, the standard edition of Data Recovery is all you need. If you need to recover emails, then we'd recommend the Pro version.

Data Backups - Disk Image Software

Since you mentioned that you'd like the ability to make a disc image for restorations, we can also recommend different products for backing up your system and data. Whether you choose a disk image software product or a different type of backup system is up to you and your preferences. Norton Ghost and similar disk image programs are designed to backup and recover entire systems including the operating system, drivers, and data files. You'll need a way to store the disc image such as burning it to DVD or Blu-ray disc or storing the disc image on a partition.

Online Backup Systems

If you don't need to back up the entire system and are more concerned with protecting your data, consider an online backup system. Filetonic's Online Backup Category contains a number of posts about backing up data online as well as several reviews of popular online backup systems. Online backup systems come in many different packages ranging from 2 GB of free online backup and storage to monthly subscriptions offering unlimited storage. For example, iDrive offers 2 GB free. Once setup, the software automatically backs up your data and securely stores it online according to a schedule you create. You can also turn on "continuous data protection." When enabled, any time you create a new file or modify an existing one, the iDrive software makes an immediate backup of it!

Istorage by Iomega

If you've ever wanted your own iomega drive but didn't want the hassles of installing it into your computer, consider iomega's iStorage online data storage solution instead! The iStorage application is an online storage solution - no more discs, USB drives, or tape backup drives required. Automatic backups, online storage, remote access, and enhanced security services make iStorage an excellent choice for individuals and businesses alike.

Features

• Varying Account Levels - Choose from several different account levels with the capacities and prices to best meet your online storage and backup needs.
• A Commitment to Security - iStorage uses 128-bit encryption, firewalls, redundant storage (on opposite sides of the country), strict internal controls, and security monitoring to ensure that your data is safe and secure at all times from transmission to possession.
• WhaleMail - Drag and drop files into your iStorage account via your Web browser, synchronize data, backup data, share data, and access data remotely.

Benefits

Computers are prone to errors which often result in data loss. Without a good backup in place, data may be gone for good. However, using data backup equipment such as tape drives, recordable DVD drives, and so forth is a hit and miss solution. The fact is, many users fail to do their part by inserting the cassette tape, recordable DVD disc, or other media into the backup drive. Likewise, even if the backup went well, what if the building burned down and destroyed the computer as well as its backups? These problems are solved by iStorage because backups take place automatically and the data is stored online where it is safe from harm.

How it works

iStorage offers two basic plans (Home and Professional) with varying capacities. In addition, you have a choice of interfaces to use such as the Lite interface, Drag and Drop interface, and optional iStorage clients that you can download to your computer. Once you've signed up and installed the software, you can begin backing up your data online, file sharing, and remotely accessing your data.

Recommendations

iStorage is an extremely secure online storage system with numerous security controls in place to ensure the integrity of your data backups. If you want an online backup and storage service that is secure and easy to use, iStorage is a top contender.

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OnlineStorageSolution offers unlimited online storage for a low monthly price. This service allows you to upload as many files as you want for backup purposes, file sharing, and photo hosting.

Features

• Ease of Use - OnlineStorageSolution is easy to use with a small OnlineStorageSolution download that adds a new drive letter to your computer. Use this drive just as you would use a physical hard drive. For example, you can save documents directly to the OnlineStorageSolution drive, drag and drop files to it, share it, and more.
• Unlimited Storage - Whether you use up one gigabyte or one hundred gigabytes is up to you.
• Multiple Platform Support - OnlineStorageSolution works on any operating system.
• No Long Term Contracts - Pay month to month or purchase an entire year.
• Unlimited workgroups - Create as many users and workgroups as you need for sharing and collaborating on files.

Benefits

Having an easy to use storage solution such as OnlineStorageSolution ensures that your data will actually move from the vulnerable hard drive up to a safe, secure online storage location. Should a disaster ever wipe out your computer and its hard drive, you can rest easy knowing that your data is safely stored on OnlineStorageSolution's heavily secured servers.

How it works

Sign up for a month or year's worth of storage and then download the OnlineStorageSolution client. This places a virtual drive on your computer that looks just like any other lettered drive in your computer's file explorer interface. When you save your file to the OnlineStorageSolution drive, you are actually saving it to your online account. Once uploaded, you can access that file from any computer in the world so long as it's connected to the Internet. Should you lose data on your computer, any files that you have previously saved to OnlineStorageSolution remains safe.

Recommendations

OnlineStorageSolution is an ideal data storage service for those who unlimited storage options and file sharing abilities at a low price.

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Protect Your Files. Store, Backup and Access Important Files Online using ElephantDrive - FREE TRIAL!

If you're thinking that an online data storage solution with the name of "ElephantDrive" has got to be huge, you're right! With unlimited storage space, government strength data encryption, and file transfer technology that doesn't slow your computer down, you can't go wrong with the Elephant Drive.

Features

• The Elephant's Trunk - That's right, your files are stored in a trunk! This unique interface functions much like the familiar Windows Explorer where you can drag and drop your files.
• Unlimited Storage - The basic plan starts at around $5 a month and gives you unlimited online storage.
• Automatic Backups - Backups are a snap. First, ElephantDrive comes with several preset backup templates which cover most of the file types and folders you will want to backup. In addition, you can easily create your own backup sets and schedule either regular backup sessions or continuous backup sessions.
• File Sharing - Share files with others by setting "share" permissions within the ElephantDrive's Trunk Explorer
• Security - Elephant Drive uses Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and 256-bit encryption. Data is stored in a protected facility with strong internal controls in place to keep your data safe
• Compliance - ElephantDrive is HIPAA compliant, making it an excellent choice for those in the medical industry who must safeguard the privacy and security of protect patient data.

Benefits

Backup your files continuously to a secure, online location and access them from any location. Not only does ElephantDrive make data backups easy and automatic, it also provides you with all of the storage space you will ever need. Store as many files as you want without any worries about data theft or loss.

How it works

ElephantDrive offers a free 15-day trial. Simply create an account, download the software and the automatic backup begins by backing files located in your My Documents folder (and other predetermined locations). Other options include downloading the TrunkDrive software which allows you to map a drive to the ElephantDrive. Several different account types are available including accounts for home and business users.

Recommendations

Because of the unlimited storage capacity, low monthly price, seamless file transfers, strong encryption, and ease of use, Elephant Drive is hard to beat.

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Try Carbonite Online Backup FREE for 15 days!

Carbonite is an online backup solution that offers unlimited storage capacity.

1. Back up your irreplaceable files automatically and securely.
2. No credit card required!

No matter how much data you need to back up, with a Carbonite account, you can safely and securely do so.

Features

• Automatic Data Backups - Carbonite works in the background, silently searching for new files and files that have recently been updated. When it finds a file that needs to be backed up, it quietly uploads it to the Carbonite servers where you can later access it remotely or in case of disaster.
• Security - Data is encrypted using the same technology that financial institutions use - twice! The encrypted files remain encrypted once stored on the Carbonite servers so that no one else can view them.
• Full automation - You don't have to do a thing!
• Windows XP and Vista Compatibility - Carbonite is compatible with both XP and Vista, including the 64-bit version of both operating systems.

Benefits

Carbonite does everything for you including automatically backing up crucial data in default locations such as the My Documents folder. This means that any computer user can quickly and easily get started with a secure backup solution. Since the backups take place automatically in the background, you don't have to worry about remembering to do anything. Simply let Carbonite do what it does best and relax.

How it works

Simplicity is a key theme with this online backup service. Full automation is on by default. You can add your own backup sets to the software and further customize it if you wish but it's ready to go for most common uses from the moment it is installed.

Recommendations

If you're looking for an unlimited online data backup solution that is fully automated and extremely secure, its definetely worth giving the Carbonite unlimited plan a try!

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AllMyData is an online storage and data backup product that sets itself apart from its competitors by offering unlimited storage capacity. For a small monthly fee, AllMyData subscribers can storage as many files as they want without fears of running out of space or seeing their monthly fees increase.

Features

• Unlimited Online Storage - Store an unlimited amount of data online for a small monthly fee. You pay the same whether you are storing 5 gigabytes or 50.
• Free 1 Gigabyte Account - AllMyData offers a 1 GB account for those with more modest online storage needs. Best of all, there are no advertisements and no credit card is required.
• Business Storage Plans - Business storage plans are priced according to actual storage and bandwidth usage. 
• File Sharing - Share select files online with other people.
• Encryption - Data is encrypted for security. Only you, and the people you have granted file sharing permission, have access to your online data.
• Online Backups - AllMyData works with your existing backup software such as the backup utility that is built into the operating system. Simply schedule the folders and files for backup to the AllMyData drive and let automatic backups take place.

Benefits

AllMyData offers a basic, no frills online data storage solution with unlimited storage capacity. With the AllMyData unlimited plan, you can rest easy knowing that all of your important data is protected. No more picking and choosing files because of capacity concerns. Simply backup all of your data to the AllMyData drive.

Computer crashes, viruses, and data loss are less of a concern when you know that your data is safely stored off site where you can download and recover your files should disaster strike.

How it works

AllMyData features an online interface as well as a downloadable AllMyData client which becomes a virtual drive. Using the online interface is as simple as logging in and clicking the Upload button. The AllMyData download is a simple application that replicates a local disk drive. With this virtual drive, you can save your data files directly to a drive letter on your computer as well as drag and drop files to and from your AllMyData drive.

Recommendations

If you're looking for an inexpensive option for storing large amounts of data online, AllMyData is an excellent choice. This product avoids many of the bells and whistles of other online storage applications thus keeping it straightforward and affordable.

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