Read a drive backwards

TinyApps points out that picking up bits in reverse might override buffers and error routines.

DataRescue's DD - Freeware "graphical disk imager intended for data recovery and backup of partially corrupted storage devices...

The creation of the copy can be done by reading the device forward or backward... Copying backward may be interesting because, in some cases - typically hard drives - it disables the look ahead buffer and therefore reduces the risk of lock up on a full track."

Windows and OS X versions available.