Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions we receive from our clients. If you have other questions, don’t hesitate to call us at 1-800-237-4200 or speak with your case manager.
How does the data recovery process work?
Our process is designed to be simple, transparent, and secure. It starts with a free evaluation. Once we receive your device (whether it’s a hard drive, SSD, flash drive, or mobile phone), our engineers perform an in-depth analysis to determine the exact cause of failure and the potential for recovery.
We then provide you with a firm price quote and an estimated turnaround time. With your approval, we proceed with the recovery work in a certified secure laboratory. We use specialized hardware and proprietary software to access and retrieve your data. Once the recovery is complete, we return your data on a new storage device.
How much does data recovery cost?
The cost of data recovery is determined by the complexity of the failure, not the amount of data you need to recover. A simple logical issue on a flash drive will cost significantly less than a severe mechanical failure on a high-capacity helium-filled hard drive.
Our free evaluation provides a no-obligation price quote. There are no hidden fees. The quote covers all parts, labor, and other expenses.
How long will it take to get my data back?
The turnaround time varies depending on the service level you choose and the nature of the damage. Standard service typically takes 3-7 business days after your case is approved. We also offer emergency services for time-critical situations, with a turnaround of 24-48 hours. Your case manager will provide a more precise estimate after the initial evaluation.
Is my data secure with you?
Absolutely. We adhere to the strictest security and privacy protocols in the industry. Our labs feature 24/7 surveillance, and all of our recovery processes are audited to ensure compliance with data security standards. Your data is handled by security-cleared engineers in a controlled environment from the moment it arrives until it is securely returned to you.
Will the engineers look at my data?
We may open files that you have identified as important to your case in order to verify that recovery procedures were successful. Engineers do not have “free roam” to look through your storage device, and all of their activities are monitored to preserve our clients’ privacy.
We access client data during recovery procedures within closed networks. We store client data in disconnected drives sitting on a shelf. Laboratories are monitored with cameras, and engineers are not able to remove client data from the laboratory under any circumstances.
Will my warranty be voided?
Manufacturers’ warranties will not be voided by seeking a professional data recovery service. We are an authorized data recovery provider for major brands like Western Digital, Seagate, and others.
Will my warranty or home insurance cover the cost of data recovery?
Device Warranty: Warranties typically do not cover the cost of data recovery itself. We can provide documentation to support any warranty claims you make.
Home Insurance: It depends on your policy. Check with your provider, as some policies have optional coverage for data recovery, especially in cases of disaster like fire or flood.
What causes data loss?
Data loss can be broadly categorized into two types of failures:
- Logical Failures: These occur when there is no physical damage to the device. Common causes include accidental deletion, formatting, file system corruption, or malware infection.
- Physical Failures: This involves a hardware problem. For hard drives, this could be a head crash or motor failure. For SSDs, it might be a failed controller chip or NAND degradation. Physical failures require cleanroom intervention and specialized tools.
What is the success rate for data recovery?
Success depends on several factors, including the type of storage media, the extent of the damage, and whether previous recovery attempts have been made. For example, physically damaged hard drives with platter scratches present a greater challenge than a flash drive with a simple logical error.
The most important factor is acting quickly and not taking steps that could cause further damage. While some industry surveys suggest an average success rate around 75%, our specialized teams and state-of-the-art facilities allow us to consistently achieve higher rates.
Can I recover the data myself?
We strongly advise against DIY data recovery attempts, especially if the device is making unusual noises or is not recognized by your computer. Using data recovery software on a physically failing drive can cause irreversible platter damage. Likewise, opening a hard drive outside of a certified cleanroom environment will expose the sensitive internal components to dust and other contaminants, drastically reducing the chances of a successful recovery.
Will I be able to use my fixed device after recovery?
Generally speaking: No, we don’t recommend using the device to store data. Depending on the failure, it is likely unreliable (or non-functional).
We do not repair the device to full working order during the recovery. The goal of the process is to image the drive (create a bit-for-bit clone), not to repair it for normal use. To that end, we may operate the drive at slower-than-normal speeds to obtain an image; the drive may be incapable of operating at a normal speed of 5400-7,200 rotations per minute.
With solid-state media, the device may be usable, but the nature of the failure will play a big role in determining whether it’s reliable. For example, if an SSD loses data due to a controller issue, you certainly wouldn’t want to trust that device to operate perfectly in the future.
In some specific situations and failure types, you may be able to use the device (in which case, we’ll inform you at the end of the case). We strongly recommend keeping at least 3 copies of all important data, including one off-site backup.
