Abstract: A method and apparatus for initiating and analyzing an error recovery procedure in a data storage device is disclosed. Error recovery procedures are initiated by the simulation of an injected error event onto a particular location of the storage device. The simulation is implemented by corrupting the differential read signal of the storage device prior to error detection and decoding by the storage device. The operation and control of the software error recovery analysis tool is administered through a software application offering a graphical and interactive environment for measurement and automation. The application, corruption device, and a circuit designed to operate the timing and control of the tool are linked such that communication between the components defines the invention as a whole. During the signal corruption, the application allows the monitoring of any responses to the simulated error events by the data storage device.