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Data Corruption
Causes and Precautions
During the usage of any application, the application file always remains unchanged
where as the data files(s) keep on changing. Since the data file changes dynamically
during the usage of application, it becomes more vulnerable towards any
abnormality.
In case of an abnormality, it is the data files that get physically damaged whereas
the application file remains intact. By physical damage of data files(s) we mean that
either some contents of the data files(s) are lost or some junk contents are added to
it disturbing the original format of file. Since applications read/write data in specific
format only, physical damage of data file(s) makes them unusable with the
application.
In case of physical damage of data file(s), although the data file(s) are available
physically containing data, there format gets disturbed making it unusable with the
relevant application. This is known as Data Corruption.
Precautionary Measure
Ensure that you have power backup to avoid data corruption due to power failure.
You should have a UPS of sufficient capacity as power backup.
Note: A common problem faced by many users is that sometimes even with a UPS,
the computer restarts if there is a power failure. This can be due to a fault with the
UPS backup, prolonged switching time between main power supply and UPS or some
uncontrollable fluctuation in the power supply. In such a scenario, the data may get
corrupted due to power failure even if you are using a UPS.
The program can get terminated due to a hardware problem such as malfunctioning
of hardware parts or devices. For example, due to a problem in the motherboard or
RAM, the computer can shutdown leading to abnormal termination of the program.
This leads to corruption of data.
Precautionary Measure
Precautionary Measure
Shutdown the computer in a proper manner by performing the following steps: Click
Start Menu > Select Shut Down option > Click Ok button
2. Network Problem
Network problem is one of the primary causes of data corruption in case of multi-
user applications. Multi-user applications are those where different computers share
a single copy of data. It is generally observed that network problem affects the data
of certain applications more than it does others. Let us discuss this scenario in detail.
Let us understand with the help of an example. You are working with two
applications, MS Word and BUSY. Both the applications have the data stored on the
server. Now in case of MS Word you keep on saving the document after half hour.
This means that the data exchange is not a continuous process when using MS Word.
On the other hand, when you are working with BUSY there is continuous data
exchange between the client and the server. This means that BUSY requires constant
connection with the server while MS Word does not require continuous connection.
Thus, in case of network problem, BUSY data may get corrupted while MS Word may
function properly.
Another point is the size of data being shared. In case of MS Word or MS Excel, the
file being shared is very small in size, normally 2-3 KB where as in heavy Business
Applications like BUSY the data being shared is very huge 10-1000 MB. Now in case
of MS Word or MS Excel, a very small amount of data (2-3 KB) is exchanged at a
very large interval of time (10-30 Minutes) whereas in BUSY very large amount of
data (10-1000 MB) is shared almost continuously. So in case of any network
problem, chances of data corruption of a heavy Business Application like BUSY are
quite high.
Thus, network problem is a common cause of data corruption in most cases. Network
problem can be due to the following reasons:
This type of intermittent problem with network connection normally happens due to
the usage of low & poor quality network components such as Network Cards, Hubs,
Switch, Cables & Connectors and so on or due to poor quality of workmanship in
cabling and crimping of network cables and connectors.
Precautionary Measures
Precautionary Measure
Ensure power backup for the HUB/SWITCH device in a multi user environment.
Precautionary Measure
Store the data or take backup of the data on a reliable media such as hard disk, cd
(compact disc), or zip disk.
4. Virus Attack
A virus attack on your computer system or computer network such as LAN can
corrupt the softwares and the data stored in the computer system. To avoid virus
attack, you need latest anti virus software with the Virus Definition Files being
updated on regular intervals. Most common mistake committed by users is that they
do not update there Virus Definition files on a regular basis making the anti virus
software ineffective against the new viruses.
Precautionary Measure
Install the latest anti-virus software on your machines and ensure that you regularly
update the virus definitions to protect your computer system against latest viruses.