What is data recovery?
Getting back files that can no longer be reached in the normal way, because they were deleted, the drive was formatted or corrupted, or the drive itself has failed.
What is the difference between logical and physical recovery?
A logical recovery is needed when the data is damaged but the drive still works, for example after deleting files or formatting. A physical recovery is needed when part of the drive has failed, such as the heads, motor or circuit board, and is carried out in a clean room.
My hard drive is making a noise. What should I do?
Switch it off straight away and leave it off. Clicking, grinding or beeping usually means a physical fault, and every time the drive spins up it can destroy more data.
Is the consultation really free?
Yes. We find out whether the fault is logical or physical and advise you on the best way forward. It doesn't include opening the drive in the clean room or attempting a recovery.
How long does data recovery take?
Deleted file recoveries usually take up to two hours of work, and larger logical recoveries 24 to 48 hours. Physical recoveries depend on the condition of the drive and whether a donor drive is needed.
What is a donor drive?
Some physical repairs need parts from an identical drive. We send you a link to buy the right one, or we can buy it on your behalf.
Can you recover data from an SSD?
Yes, when the fault is in the firmware or electronics. Deleted files on most SSDs are cleared very quickly, so recovering deleted files from an SSD is often not possible.
Can you recover data from a laptop that won't turn on?
Usually, yes. In most laptops the fault is elsewhere and the drive is fine. On laptops where storage is built into the motherboard, such as recent MacBooks, recovery is done through a board repair.
Should I use data recovery software?
Only on a healthy drive with deleted files, and never save recovered files back to the same drive. Never run software on a drive that clicks, disconnects or is very slow.
Is my data kept private?
Yes. We only open files to check the recovery worked, and we don't keep copies once you have your data back.
Do you recover RAID and NAS systems?
Yes. See RAID recovery and NAS recovery.
How do I get my drive to you?
Bring it to our London Bridge or Beckenham branch. No appointment is needed, but you can submit a case first.