Ontrack EasyRecovery FileRepair

The version of FileRepair we reviewed is designed to rebuild damaged files created by Microsoft Office applications. In fact FileRepair is more of a toolkit than a single, integrated product, and the basic package is a framework within which you install the particular file repair utilities you need.

Well, that's the plan anyway. Our version came with the repair tool for fixing Word files, and further enquiries revealed that modules for sorting out Excel worksheets, Access databases, PowerPoint presentations and Outlook files will be available "later this year".

We gave the product a low value-for-money rating because it's rather expensive for a utility. However, we are aware that if you've just lost a week's hard work or half your novel, you might be happy to lay down the money to get it back.

In operational terms the program couldn't be simpler. You open the Word repair tool from inside the main application, then select the file or files you want to rebuild, and choose whether to have them reconstructed in their original location, or in a folder somewhere else.

Sadly, the file-open dialogue only allows one file to be selected at a time, and doesn't retain the location, so for every single file you are obliged to set the path anew. Drag and drop would have been a real plus here.

We fed FileRepair a selection of duff Word files from archaeological deposits reaching from as far back as version 1.1 to the present 2000 edition, and were gratified to find that it didn't actually choke on any of them.

Some of FileRepair's output was rather patchy, with lots of weird line breaks, odd characters and formatting bits and bobs, but they loaded into Word and the contents were at least salvageable.

Specifications:

• Repairs damaged and corrupted Microsoft Office files
• Modular construction allows you to add specific tools to the suite as required
• Incorporates basic advice on recovering damaged files plus links to Ontrack's website and help lines for more detailed advice and assistance.

Price: £89.99 (no VAT, download only)

Minimum requirements: 486MHz PC, 16Mb Ram, 10Mb free hard disk space, Windows 95 or NT 4.

Contact: Ontrack 00800 1012 1314
www.ontrack.co.uk

See also:

Wincleaner Destroy-it Pro

An easy way to ensure data is really gone.  11 Jun 2004

Ontrack EasyRecovery Lite

A godsend for lost file crises.  08 May 2003

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