In a method of obtaining a complete forensic image of an electronic storage media containing electronic data, the storage media is part of a computer system. The method includes the steps of: (a) storing a data collection program on an external storage device; (b) sending the external storage device to a custodian of the electronic data, together with means for the custodian to easily return the external storage device; (c) requiring the custodian to connect the external storage device to a computer system containing the storage media; (d) requiring the custodian to use the data collection program to forensically collect the electronic data to create a complete forensic image of the storage media containing the electronic data; (e) authenticating the forensic image; and (f) preserving an exact copy of the forensic image without making changes to the forensic image.