Langmeier Backup

The 10 most common reasons for data loss - and what you can do about it!

This woman has backed up her data and is enjoying her drink. This woman has backed up her data and is enjoying her drink.

Data loss is a frustrating experience for any PC user. Yet, the underlying causes are often the same. To help you protect your valuable information, we have compiled the ten most common causes of data loss—and how you can avoid them.

It should come as no surprise that regular data backups cannot prevent every type of hardware damage, but they do ensure that your data remains safe, even if the worst happens.

  1. Water Damage
    Be especially cautious with drinks around your computer—this is even more important for notebook users. A single spilled coffee can damage internal components and render your device unusable. Investing in a waterproof notebook case is highly recommended.
  2. Cold Damage
    Extreme cold or rapid temperature changes can lead to data loss. Only use your computer when it has reached room temperature. This is particularly relevant if you have left your laptop in a cold car overnight.
  3. Dust
    Dust and computers are a dangerous combination. Dust particles can damage internal components and clog fans, causing overheating. Over time, this can lead to complete hardware failure.
  4. Hard Disk Failure – Head Crash
    A head crash is a mechanical failure where the read/write head of the hard disk comes into contact with the disk surface, often due to shocks or drops. In such cases, consult a data recovery professional—DIY attempts usually make things worse. Always ensure your device is placed securely.
  5. Heat Damage
    Excessive heat can also cause data loss, often due to the expansion of hard disk components. Avoid temperature fluctuations and operate your device within recommended temperature ranges. Use monitoring tools to keep an eye on system temperatures.
  6. Magnetism
    Since data is stored magnetically, external magnets—such as those in speakers—can cause data corruption. Be mindful of where you place your devices.
  7. Lightning Strikes
    A lightning strike can generate electrical surges that destroy your computer. During thunderstorms, switch off your devices or use your laptop on battery power.
  8. Overzealous Cleaning
    While dust is harmful, excessive cleaning can also be dangerous. Avoid strong cleaning agents, especially inside your device. Use specialized products from reputable retailers.
  9. Improper Removal of External Drives
    Always use your operating system’s “safely remove” function before unplugging external drives. Data writing processes may not always be complete, and improper removal can result in data loss.
  10. Empty Battery
    Surprisingly, the most common cause of data loss in notebooks is a depleted battery. Although users are usually warned in advance, these warnings are often ignored. Always respond to low battery alerts and save your work regularly.
What can you do to prevent data loss?

When it comes to data loss, prevention is always better than cure. By setting up an automatic and reliable backup solution in advance, you can restore your data quickly and easily in the event of a problem—without unnecessary stress, frustration, or financial loss.

Langmeier Backup equips both businesses and private individuals with the right backup strategy and software, so you can rest easy knowing your data is protected. Instead of worrying about forgotten file copies, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having a backup ready whenever you need it.

For years, many companies—large and small—as well as private users with important data have relied on Langmeier Backup. They have been grateful to recover their data quickly and easily when it mattered most.

about the author Sebastian Müller
Partner support


Sebastian Müller is a partner and top customer advisor at Langmeier Software and therefore the best contact person for Langmeier backup solutions.

Phone: +41 44 861 15 70
Email: sebastian@langmeier-software.com
 

Look it up further: Backup, Langmeier Backup, data backup, recovery

Related articles
Which type of backup is the best choice for my data?
This is how important data backup is in real life
FAT32 or NTFS? Which format is better for backups?


Post a comment here...

This article covers the topics:
Causes of data loss
Causes of data loss
Data backup and data loss