8 Best-Selling Data Recovery Books Millions Love

Discover best-selling Data Recovery Books authored by leading experts including Peter H. Gregory, Susan Snedaker, and Darl Kuhn. These books offer proven strategies widely adopted by IT professionals and DBAs.

Updated on June 28, 2025
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8 of 8 books have Kindle versions

There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love—especially in a technical field like Data Recovery where reliability matters above all. Data loss can cripple organizations, making the ability to restore systems quickly essential. That explains why these 8 best-selling Data Recovery books have found lasting favor among IT professionals, database administrators, and system architects who depend on trusted, proven approaches.

These books are written by seasoned experts deeply embedded in their fields. For instance, Peter H. Gregory draws on decades of experience securing critical systems, while Darl Kuhn specializes in Oracle RMAN, providing clear guidance for database recovery. Susan Snedaker's work stands out by addressing the evolving challenges in IT continuity and risk management. Their combined expertise ensures these titles offer actionable frameworks that have stood the test of time.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific Data Recovery needs might consider creating a personalized Data Recovery book that combines these validated approaches with insights unique to their environment and skill level. This blend of broad expertise and tailored focus can accelerate your mastery of critical recovery techniques.

Best for practical disaster readiness
Kindle version available
Peter H. Gregory, CISA, CISSP, is a seasoned security strategist with a prolific writing career including fifteen books on security and technology. His extensive background spans wireless telecommunications, banking, and government sectors, informing his practical approach to disaster recovery. Gregory's role on advisory boards for cybersecurity education underscores his expertise, making this book a reliable guide for anyone charged with protecting information systems. His experience ensures that you’re not just following theory but learning from proven security practices.
IT Disaster Recovery Planning For Dummies book cover

by Peter H. Gregory, Philip Jan Rothstein·

2007·384 pages·Data Recovery, Risk Management, Business Continuity, Disaster Planning, IT Security

What started as a deep engagement with security challenges across diverse industries became a tailored guide for anyone responsible for safeguarding information systems. Peter H. Gregory leverages decades of experience in security strategy to walk you through the essentials of disaster recovery planning, from assessing vulnerabilities to assembling a response team. You'll gain concrete skills like conducting business impact analyses, developing both short- and long-term recovery plans, and testing those plans effectively. This book suits IT professionals, business owners, and nonprofit managers seeking a clear, approachable framework to prepare for disruptions ranging from cyberattacks to natural disasters.

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Best for SQL Server DBAs
Kindle version available
Shawn McGehee is a recognized authority in SQL Server management, specializing in backup and recovery strategies. With extensive experience in database administration, he has authored several books and articles on the subject, providing valuable insights for both novice and experienced DBAs. His expertise ensures this book delivers focused, practical guidance on critical backup and restore operations essential to maintaining database integrity and availability.
SQL Server Backup and Restore book cover

by Shawn McGehee·

2012·408 pages·Data Backup, Data Restoration, Data Recovery, SQL Server, Backup Automation

What happens when deep expertise in SQL Server meets the critical need for reliable data recovery? Shawn McGehee, a seasoned authority on database administration, presents a focused guide on backup and restore practices vital to every DBA's role. You’ll learn how to implement automated and manual backup strategies using SQL Server Management Studio, T-SQL scripts, and Red Gate’s SQL Backup tool, including alert systems for failure detection. Chapters detail real-world methods to prepare for and respond to database corruption or loss, emphasizing readiness over theory. This book suits database administrators who must ensure uptime and data integrity rather than casual learners or those outside SQL Server environments.

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Best for custom recovery plans
Can send to Kindle
This custom AI book on data recovery is created based on your technical background and the specific recovery challenges you face. By sharing what aspects of data restoration you want to focus on and your current knowledge level, you receive a book tailored to your needs. This approach ensures you get focused content that helps you tackle real-world scenarios effectively without wading through unrelated material.
2025·50-300 pages·Data Recovery, Error Diagnosis, Backup Techniques, Corruption Analysis, File Restoration

This tailored book explores the intricacies of data recovery by focusing on your specific interests and skill level. It combines widely validated knowledge with personalized insights to address real-world challenges in recovering lost or corrupted data. The content examines essential recovery techniques, error diagnosis, and practical scenarios, ensuring a thorough understanding of both foundational principles and advanced tactics. By matching your background and goals, this book reveals a clear path through complex recovery processes, making the learning experience engaging and highly relevant. The personalized approach helps you grasp proven methods while adapting them to your unique environment and technical needs, enhancing your mastery of data restoration.

Tailored Guide
Recovery Optimization
1,000+ Happy Readers
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What makes this book a staple in the data recovery field is its thorough approach to business continuity and disaster recovery planning specifically for IT professionals. Susan Snedaker’s updated edition addresses the evolving challenges faced by organizations, including cloud technologies and mobile device security, showing why so many rely on it for guidance. The book’s practical framework, enriched by case studies and focused on risk management, helps IT teams prepare for and respond to disasters effectively. It’s a valuable resource for anyone tasked with maintaining data integrity and system availability in dynamic environments.
2013·620 pages·Data Recovery, Strategy, Risk Management, Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery

Susan Snedaker's decades of experience in IT risk management led to a detailed exploration of business continuity and disaster recovery tailored for today’s complex infrastructures. You’ll find practical guidance on managing risks from natural disasters to cybersecurity threats, with chapters dedicated to cloud computing, virtualization, and healthcare IT security. The inclusion of real-world case studies helps ground theoretical concepts in actionable strategies, making it a solid reference for IT professionals responsible for safeguarding data and maintaining uptime. If you’re involved in IT operations or security, this book delivers focused insights without unnecessary jargon, though it might be dense for newcomers.

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Abhilash G. B. is a virtualization specialist and VMware vExpert with a decade of consecutive recognition, holding multiple certifications and authoring several VMware-focused books. His extensive experience designing and implementing VMware solutions led him to write this detailed manual on disaster recovery using vSphere Replication and vCenter Site Recovery Manager. This expertise ensures you receive practical insights grounded in real-world application, making complex recovery strategies accessible for administrators and engineers alike.
2014·145 pages·Data Recovery, Data Restoration, Disaster Recovery, Virtualization, VMware Tools

After analyzing numerous virtualization cases, Abhilash G. B. crafted this guide to address the complexities of disaster recovery with VMware tools. You’ll learn how to deploy and manage vSphere Replication 5.5 independently and orchestrate recovery using vCenter Site Recovery Manager 5.5, with clear diagrams and screenshots simplifying intricate configurations. The book suits solution architects, administrators, and support engineers looking to deepen their grasp of VMware-based disaster recovery, even if you’re relatively new to virtualization technology. Chapters walk you through practical setups and troubleshooting, making this a solid resource for hands-on professionals focused on data center resilience.

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Best for beginner to mid-level DBAs
Kindle version available
SQL Server 2014 Backup and Recovery stands apart by focusing squarely on the foundational skills every database administrator must master: making backups and performing restores. The authors break down the types of backups available within SQL Server, including the latest capabilities like backing up to Azure Storage and native SQL Server encryption. This book meets the needs of DBAs who want clear guidance on protecting and recovering their databases, making it a practical choice for those seeking to strengthen their data recovery expertise in modern SQL Server environments.
SQL Server 2014 Backup and Recovery book cover

by Tim Radney, John Sterrett

2014·166 pages·Data Backup, Data Restoration, Data Recovery, SQL Server, Azure Storage

The methods Tim Radney and John Sterrett developed while working closely with SQL Server environments emphasize the crucial role of backups and restores in database administration. You’ll learn not just the basics but also the nuances of different backup types and how to restore them effectively, including newer features like Azure Storage backups and native encryption. This book caters especially well to beginner and mid-level DBAs eager to solidify their core skills in managing SQL Server data integrity. If you’re looking for straightforward explanations with relevant examples on backup strategies and recovery techniques, this resource delivers without unnecessary frills.

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Best for rapid recovery plans
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This AI-created book on data recovery is crafted using your background, skill level, and specific recovery goals. You share which aspects of data recovery interest you most and your experience, allowing the book to focus on precisely what you need to learn. Personalizing the content makes it easier to target the most relevant techniques and challenges, so you can accelerate your recovery success without wading through unnecessary information. This tailored approach ensures you grasp the critical steps and tools that fit your unique situation.
2025·50-300 pages·Data Recovery, Backup Techniques, Restore Processes, Disaster Response, File Systems

This tailored book explores a step-by-step plan designed to accelerate your data recovery journey with focused, actionable guidance. It covers essential recovery techniques, common challenges, and best practices while matching your background and addressing your specific goals. By blending widely validated knowledge with your personal interests, it reveals how to approach data restoration efficiently and effectively. This personalized guide emphasizes rapid progress through customized learning paths that concentrate on the areas most relevant to you. Whether you seek to master recovery tools, troubleshoot complex failures, or secure critical backups, this book offers a tailored roadmap to help you achieve success in your data recovery efforts.

Tailored Guide
Recovery Acceleration
1,000+ Happy Readers
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Best for new Oracle DBAs
Kindle version available
Darl Kuhn brings over 15 years of expertise in Oracle Database backup and recovery to this approachable guide. His extensive background in teaching and writing on the topic equips you with practical knowledge on RMAN’s core functionalities. This book was created to help those new to Oracle administration gain essential skills in database protection and recovery, making it a valuable starting point for anyone tasked with safeguarding critical data.
2014·298 pages·Data Recovery, Data Backup, Data Restoration, Oracle RMAN, Database Administration

Darl Kuhn's extensive experience in Oracle Database backup and recovery shines through in this focused guide aimed at newcomers to Oracle RMAN. You’ll learn fundamental skills like creating full and incremental backups, recovering lost data and control files, and even cloning databases for testing purposes. The book zeroes in on the most essential RMAN use cases, helping you build confidence without getting lost in complexity. If you’re taking your first steps in database administration, Kuhn’s clear explanations and practical examples will help you grasp the core tasks that every DBA must master.

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Best for Oracle DB duplication
Kindle version available
Darl Kuhn is a recognized expert in Oracle database management, with extensive experience in database administration and a strong background in RMAN. He has authored several books on Oracle technologies, providing valuable insights and practical guidance for database professionals. This book reflects Kuhn's deep knowledge and offers practical methods for fast and easy provisioning of duplicate databases, meeting growing demands in development and testing workflows.
2015·200 pages·Data Recovery, Oracle Database, Database Duplication, Backup Automation, Cross Platform

Darl Kuhn's decades of experience in Oracle database administration shine through in this focused exploration of RMAN's duplication capabilities. You learn not just backup and recovery basics, but how to efficiently create and refresh duplicate databases with a single command—streamlining the provisioning process for developers and testers. The book delves into cross-platform duplication scenarios, such as moving databases between Linux and Solaris or from RAC environments to single-node instances, equipping you with practical techniques to automate and schedule these tasks. If you're managing Oracle databases and need to support rapid development cycles, this book offers precise skills to simplify your workflows without unnecessary complexity.

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Best for advanced Oracle DBAs
Kindle version available
Robert G. Freeman brings unparalleled expertise as an Oracle Certified Professional and master principle database expert at Oracle Corporation. His authoritative knowledge underpins this detailed guide to RMAN backup and recovery for Oracle Database 12c. Freeman’s proven track record and hands-on experience ensure you get reliable methods and insights to protect and restore mission-critical data effectively.

Robert G. Freeman, an Oracle Certified Professional and master principle database expert at Oracle Corporation, wrote this book to share his deep expertise in RMAN backup and recovery techniques. You’ll discover how to efficiently deploy RMAN tools across various Oracle Database environments, mastering tasks like command-line operations, automation of backups, and Oracle Flashback recoveries. The book also explores cloud integration, performance tuning, and security features, providing detailed examples and workshops that clarify complex operations. If you manage Oracle databases and want to safeguard critical data with proven methods, this book offers precise, practical insights.

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Conclusion

This collection highlights three clear themes: practical disaster readiness, specialized database recovery techniques, and strategic risk management. If you prefer proven methods for immediate application, start with "IT Disaster Recovery Planning For Dummies" and "SQL Server Backup and Restore". For validated approaches in Oracle environments, combine "Oracle RMAN for Absolute Beginners" with "Oracle Database 12c Oracle RMAN Backup and Recovery".

For virtualization specialists, "Disaster Recovery Using VMware vSphere Replication and vCenter Site Recovery Manager" offers focused expertise. Alternatively, you can create a personalized Data Recovery book to combine proven methods with your unique needs.

These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed by providing clear, dependable strategies for protecting and restoring critical data infrastructures. With these resources, you’ll be equipped to face data loss challenges confidently and effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "IT Disaster Recovery Planning For Dummies" for a solid foundation in disaster recovery basics. It provides a clear framework suitable for IT professionals and business owners alike.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Data Recovery?

Not at all. Books like "Oracle RMAN for Absolute Beginners" and "SQL Server 2014 Backup and Recovery" are tailored for newcomers, easing you into essential concepts without overwhelming detail.

What’s the best order to read these books?

Begin with general disaster recovery principles in Gregory's and Snedaker's books, then move to specialized guides on SQL Server, Oracle RMAN, or VMware based on your focus area.

Do these books assume I already have experience in Data Recovery?

Some do, but many are designed for a range of skill levels. For example, "Oracle RMAN for Absolute Beginners" caters specifically to novices, while "Oracle Database 12c RMAN Backup and Recovery" suits more advanced users.

Which book gives the most actionable advice I can use right away?

"SQL Server Backup and Restore" offers practical, step-by-step backup and recovery techniques that DBAs can implement immediately to protect data.

Can I get tailored Data Recovery insights without reading all these books?

Yes! While these expert books deliver valuable methods, you can also create a personalized Data Recovery book that blends proven strategies with your specific needs for faster, more relevant learning.

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