Even though data recovery software and undelete utilities are both designed to recover deleted and lost files, they are different in two ways: data recovery software offers you multiple functions to handle many different situations, and it can also recover a lot more data.

Cost reflects quality

The best way to figure out the level of software is by the price. Anything you find priced under $75 USD means it's an undelete program; they usually fall within the price range of $35 to $40, but some are higher. undelete utilities can usually be found around forty dollars, but I've seen more expensive ones.

You may also notice that when you are looking for data recovery software many companies sell each component separately or a la carte. The reason behind this is: about half of the users only plan on using one specific utility - and hopefully only once; while technicians hope to obtain various tools for different data loss situations for their business. So when looking around, make sure the program you are searching for is the one that can help solve your problem.

Four common recovery issues

Data recovery software and undelete recovery utilities can each retrieve lost, deleted, corrupt, and damaged files, and sometimes partition and boot sector problems. But there is an important difference between the two when it comes to recovering data. Before I get to this point, some background info about each kind of program and what they can offer will help you understand this major point:

1. A deleted file is a file you have decided to throw away by sending it to the recycle bin or by emptying it.

2. Lost files may have been emptied from the recycle bin, deleted by a virus, caused by a software crash, or an accidental format. Boot sector and partition table problems make files inaccessible, meaning they aren't really lost since they can be recovered once the problem is repaired.

3. Corrupted files are either unable to be opened, or the content is unrecognizable when it does.

4. A damaged file may be able to open, but the content will usually appear distorted. You may be able to read one part, but the other part may look like a special code or scribble.

Here's the difference

Both data recovery and undelete recovery software are designed to retrieve all data loss circumstances, but there is one major difference between the two: Data recovery software is able to rebuild and repair a file system that is not intact to recover data - something undelete data recover software can't do. An intact file system means every component that holds individual files together has not been altered.

Find these technical terms confusing? If you are still shaking your head with all this tech talk, don't worry? Just keep the cost guide I spoke about earlier in mind to help you choose the best data recovery utility.

Additional recovery option

In the end, disk data recovery software outperforms an undelete utility. However, when either one is unable to correct your data issues, you can turn to a hard disk data recovery specialist to restore your data manually. It can be somewhat costly, but when you need to restore your files, it could end up being your only solution.