Can I get my data back?

I have a Hypertec password protected USB key.

The manual for it includes this bit:
"You only have six chances to enter the password correctly.
If you enter an incorrect password six times the HDD partition of your
Secure
HyperDrive will be automatically formatted resulting in the loss of all
data."

So, if the password has been incorrectly entered and the data is 'gone,
how recoverable is it? Could anyone, including a specialist, read any
of it?

Thanks for any help,

F

"Flyn" <flint@f2s.com> wrote in message
news:1125319602.796536.243830@z14g2000cwz.googlegr oups.com...
> I have a Hypertec password protected USB key.
>
> The manual for it includes this bit:
> "You only have six chances to enter the password correctly.
> If you enter an incorrect password six times the HDD partition of your
> Secure
> HyperDrive will be automatically formatted resulting in the loss of all
> data."
>
> So, if the password has been incorrectly entered and the data is 'gone,
> how recoverable is it? Could anyone, including a specialist, read any
> of it?

Depends how good the erasing algorithm is. It takes time to do it properly
(i.e. an "oh sh*t, pull the plug" might help, or at least give you a shot
with a data recovery specialist. But with the hardware being so specialised,
it's not something to bet your shirt on. Conventional HDDs aren't exactly
easy, and they're well understood)

I'd *strongly* suggest that you contact the vendor forthwith, if you're
about to hit five "oopsies". And to think what might happen if they ever go
bust..

--

Hairy One Kenobi

Disclaimer: the opinions expressed in this opinion do not necessarily
reflect the opinions of the highly-opinionated person expressing the opinion
in the first place. So there!

Thanks Hairy.

Flyn,

Assuming that the statement from the manual is accurate and the
application only formats the drive upon six failed password attempts,
the I would say the chances of obtaining the data are good with
specialized software.

Rich

Hi Rich,

Do you mean before or after the 6 wrong entries are made? Let's assume
the drive has been formatted - then what?

F

Flyn,

After the drive has been formatted it is possible to recover all data
that has not been overwritten with new data. (Formatting will not
overwrite data) One caveat: the partition created by the Hypertec
application may be encrypted which would complicate the recovery.

A good data recovery outfit will be you're best bet to recover the
files as the tools to carve out data from a formatted partition are not
readily available or typically easy to use.

A reputable data recovery firm will not charge you if they cannot
obtain your data.

If you're up for the challenge and are familiar with Linux you could
always try using Autopsy and SleuthKit to attempt to recover your
files.

Good Luck

Rich

Hi Flyn,

If the drive was simply formatted (and not "scrubbed") then your data
is still likely intact. Here are some freeware data recovery software
tools you can use to try to mine out your data:

http://free-backup.info/data-recovery-software.htm

Let's just hope the drive did not also encrypt the data!

Good luck,
Chad