So how do you find what's available and what's the best? Chances are you will use Google and do a search, and they will all claim to be the best and recover all sorts of deleted files. You may be tempted to try the free download or just settle for the free trial versions, but many of the features and, probably the most important ones, won't be available to you.

One added advantage of data recovery software is that it will increase the speed of your computer since these programmes can also retrieve files lost through fragmentation.

Whatever DIY data recovery software you decide on, try a demo first. Look for one that will actually enable you to recover files, a sort of test drive.

iRecover and iUndelete trial versions allow you to do a proper test before you decide to buy. In addition, they try to predict the chances of recoverability, so you won't be wasting your money on the impossible.

iUndelete? is a quick, easy and safe way to recover lost files using Windows XP/2003/Vista. A wizard type process guides you through the process.

And it does not require a setup. Just run it straight from the CD or USB key.

However, the test version has some disadvantages:

Price: $30

iRecover is a Windows (2000, XP, 2003 and Vista)-based data recovery programme. It is also read-only, easy to use, and safe as well as comprehensive.

Price: $79.95

Try the demo of Seagate with its File Recovery for Windows software. This program can perform the same tasks as other Data Recovery software, including retrieving files types such as Word, Excel, Outlook PSTs, PowerPoint, databases, Microsoft SQL, AutoCAD, MPEG, MP3, AVI, and image files from FAT12/16/32 and NTFS file systems.

What's more, like the other two, it can also examine your damaged hard drive for the possibility of successful recovery, so you don't buy unless you're sure.

IT Manager, Kevin Halladay, from the Sundance Ski Resort in Utah says that he downloaded this software and recovered all his data. He adds that it was easy to use and ?very intuitive?, and called it a ?true bargain?.

Choose a programme that has the undo option. If you fail to retrieve the data, and cannot reverse the changes you made, you will have to call in the experts.

Know how your computer works before making your choice. Cheaper programmes may work well when your file systems are all right. If your file system is damaged, opt for the more expensive software since these are likely to have multiple recovery options, but to use these options, you need to know your computer well.

Buy read-only non-destructive software, and do your research thoroughly. Find out which software is applicable in your case, since different software are designed to work in different environments.

So, given the three choices above, which one would I choose? Being no computer whiz, I will opt for the user-friendly but rather expensive iRecover. I can't afford to lose all my short stories or novels. Pictures and emails are not so bad to lose, but imagine rewriting four whole novels!