Abstract: A data storage system is adapted for performing a plurality of data recovery procedures and data recovery routines. A selection switch is provided for manually selecting the plurality of data recovery procedures and routines preferably stored in, and performed by, a controller disposed in the data storage system. Alternatively, a host computer system, coupled to the data storage system, preferably produces a selection code instructing the data storage system to perform selected data recovery procedures and routines. Automatic execution of selected data recovery procedures and routines is facilitated by a controller in the data storage system which determines the type of data stored on the data disk, and executes selected data recovery procedures and routines upon detection of a read error in accordance with the determined type of the affected data.