Over the counter data recovery software is a term that refers to the use of readily available, commercially purchased data recovery software programs. These are programs you can purchase and download at your leisure, without the requirement of specialized technical expertise. These programs are made available so that you can attempt to recover deleted or lost files from either your computer or storage device. In other words, these programs offer a DIY approach to data recovery allowing you to sidestep the need to hire a professional data recovery service.

It sounds good, right?

However, with data recovery and the DIY approach to it, things can go either in your favour or cause more issues. There is also the possibility of a complete disaster where even a professional data recovery engineer can’t help you.

To start, let’s state that DIY is a good idea ONLY if the approach is restricted to dealing with minor logical failures. You should never engage in attempting to recover data when the issue is either electronic or mechanical in nature. There is no way to address these issues on your own, even if you possess a Master’s degree in either electrical or mechanical engineering. Data recovery is on a completely different plane, and the knowledge of fixing a broken radio is going to fall short of the skill set you actually require.

Now back to the software.

Let’s say the scenario is a quick accidental format glitch. The over the counter data recovery software can be of some help in this instance. That is because there are types of OTC software that allow you to use the demo, which will reveal the files that need to be recovered. The hook is that you have to pay a fee to perform that recovery.

More serious logical failures ranging from fragmentation to severely corrupt file systems, are outside of the capabilities of OTC software. There are currently hundreds of different types of OTC data recovery software available online. A quick Google search will boggle your mind with countless results but the bottom line is that all of them rely on basically the same algorithm.

Beware

Beware as some developers will pitch rebranded versions of software, as a marketing gimmick.

Then there is a professional level of software, which can cost twice as much as the OTC products and can overcome more complex scenarios, but there is more. For example, to properly execute it, you must navigate a steeper learning curve and possess an understanding of data engineering. So, don’t expect it to work with just the click of a “recovery” button.

Chasing after more expensive software with hopes of the quality matching the cost may be a bit discouraging after you try it. That will be just because you don’t happen to have the level of knowledge required to work with it or how to make it work for you.

So, how do you decide whether or not to attempt to purchase OTC data recovery software for your needs?

Some parameters can help you make an informed decision on this.

First, the data you are trying to recover should not have much value to you. That is to say, it shouldn’t be data you can’t live without.

On a Budget

Second, if you are on a budget, this should give you the financial guidance you need. If a professional-level software program seems too expensive for you, then it most certainly will be.

If you meet these two deciding factors, then OTC software may be the right choice for you. It may even work when you need to use it provided your data problem is not complex.

However, if the data you are trying to recover is vital to you in any way, your best option is to hire a professional data recovery engineer or service. The bottom line is that you should not risk your data if you are trying to save a few bucks. It is not worth it in the end.