Data Recovery Compendium
When your computer acts up – or before it does. Data recovery, backup strategies, and PC security from 30 years of Engelmann practice.
When the hard drive suddenly rattles or Windows won't start, panic is the worst advisor. In this compendium, we share knowledge from 30+ years of software development – when you can recover data yourself, when a professional is needed, and how to prevent emergencies with good precautions.
With our tools Rescue Stick (bootable first aid) and Forensic System (professional data recovery), you're prepared for most cases.
⚠️ First rule of data recovery
If you have just lost data: Do not move any data on the affected disk. Every write operation can overwrite deleted files and thus destroy them permanently. Stop all work and calmly plan the next steps – the clusters on this page will help you.
What is it about?
40+ topics, divided into three thematic clusters.
Recover Data
When the PC won't cooperate: Boot media, hard drive diagnostics, first aid workflow.
- When Windows won't start
- Hard drive defective — what to do?
- Emergency stick & boot media
- Logical vs. physical errors
- When to call a professional?
Loss & Recovery
What's truly deleted – and what's just marked as "gone". File recovery in practice.
- Recover deleted files
- Recovery for Windows, Mac, Linux
- SD cards, USB sticks, smartphones
- Data forensics for private users
- DIY or professional?
Backup & Security
To prevent it from happening: Strategies that offer real protection – without marketing hype.
- 3-2-1 backup rule
- Cloud, NAS & external media
- Protecting against data loss
- Insurance for data loss?
- PC security without exaggeration
All topics at a glance
The most important terms sorted alphabetically by cluster.
🆘 Emergency
🔍 Recovery
More from the Engelmann Blog
Tips, tutorials, and background knowledge from over 30 years of software development – practical topics around data recovery, security, backup, and recovery.
🛠️ The right software for emergencies
Rescue Stick as bootable first aid for your PC. Forensic System as professional data recovery – finds what others overlook.