No matter what the issue (be it a server that will not boot; a RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks) configuration that’s “off line”; a corrupted database; a virtualisation host that is down), we are here to help you with all Dell, HPE, Lenovo and most other servers, and all versions of Windows Server, VMware and Hyper-V. We will image each disk in the system; recreate your original RAID configuration off the hardware; and recover your lost data using copies rather than attempting to restore from the damaged originals.
If your server will not boot; if your RAID array is now offline; or if your RAID rebuild has stalled, stop. Don’t allow it to continue rebuilding, reinitialising or resyncing. Once a rebuild begins it starts writing across all of the disks involved in the rebuild. Unfortunately, this process can write over some or all of the exact data that we’ll be trying to recover. So shut down the server immediately. Mark which disk sat in each bay. And contact us. It’s highly likely that your drives will last longer than the server itself. And often times the best chance at successfully recovering your data is going to be on the first attempt at doing so.
From a server that won’t boot to a corrupted database, these are typically the types of server failure that we do the most recovery work for: hardware, RAID, operating system and database.
All servers come through (Dell, HPE, Lenovo, Supermicro etc.) with all operating systems (Windows Server, Linux, VMware and Hyper-V), all types of configurations (RAID, single disk). The type or role of server determines how we approach fixing it but does not determine if we can assist you.
Dell PowerEdge; HPE ProLiant; Lenovo ThinkSystem; Supermicro; Fujitsu PRIMERGY; Cisco UCS; tower, rack and blade; Windows Server; Linux; VMware ESXi and Hyper-V; Dell PERC and HP Smart Array RAID; Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Exchange and Active Directory; SAS, SATA and NVMe.
Server recovery is about getting to your data on the disks that make up the server, irrespective of what the server itself was doing at the time of failure. Once you ship us the disks, we will rebuild any RAID arrays from read-only disk images, recover your operating systems (including virtual machines), databases, and files, without ever altering your original media.
Provide us with as much information as possible regarding the server: make and model; RAID configuration; what applications were running on the server when it failed; the nature of the problem (crash? power outage? etc.). This will allow us to perform an assessment of your servers and provide you with a written quote typically within 48 hours of receipt. If possible, please identify which bay each disk resides in prior to removal.
Every single disk in the server including those that have failed will be imaged onto our equipment using read-only procedures ensuring that all the work we do will take place upon copies of your original media and that no changes will be made to your originals.
When a disk fails either mechanically or electrically, we will attempt to restore it to working condition by repairing its mechanical components (heads) and/or electronic components (logic boards) to the extent necessary to obtain a valid read-only image of the disk. Disk-level repairs require 50% of the total fee to be paid at the commencement of the repair process.
When using RAID on the server, we build the array (disks in order, striping, and parity) from the images and restore the volume precisely as the controller had it built, off the hardware.
We restore the file system and what is located on that (files and shares, VMs, SQL and Exchange databases, Active Directory) as well as repair those items if necessary and then pull the most consistent copy possible.
Prior to returning any of these to you, we verify that all restored volumes, databases, and VMs will successfully boot or open with no missing components.
Once verified that everything has been successfully restored, we return your data on new storage to match your server, prepared to be rebuilt or restored and returned to service.
With our process being able to recover each server (Dell, HPE, Lenovo etc.) regardless of operating system (Windows Server, VMware or Hyper-V), through imaging every drive and restoring the array, OS and workloads, there is never lost data due to a downed server.
Tell us what happened and we’ll get back to you, usually within a working day.
We’ll be in touch shortly. If it’s urgent, call 0191 406 1051.
The price to restore your servers will be clearly defined by tiers; you will receive a written estimate prior to any work being done on your server and there is no cost to have us diagnose the issue or determine if we can assist you with restoring it.
We’ve recently completed a handful of server restores from various issues such as an array that was not online; a machine that would not boot; corrupt databases; and virtualised host machines. Details were redacted to protect confidentiality but all results were verified.
The customer had two disks fail in the RAID array. We decided to image all six disks. We then rebuilt the RAID set and managed to recover the file shares and SQL databases that were stored on it.
The customer’s virtualisation host would not boot up after its motherboard had failed. We imaged the disks that made up the virtualisation host. We then rebuilt the RAID set and successfully recovered all of the virtual machines that had been running on it.
The RAID unit was in good shape; however, the Exchange database was corrupted. We created an image of the mirror and recovered and fixed the mailbox store.
A part of the rebuild had written over some of the other disks. We created images of all disks, rebuilt from those images and then restored the VMFS datastore as well as the VMs on that datastore.
The controller had failed on the SSD storage. We were able to recover the NAND and rebuild the file system so we could restore all of the site and database files.
Very little had been written, so we were able to build back up the original array and recover the deleted volume and all of its associated shares.
When you send the unit in for its free diagnostic, let us know what happened with the unit. An engineer will review the unit and confirm your quote in writing prior to starting on your recovery.
Before you post or drop off your device, please get a quote from us by phone or with the form. Once we receive your device, our recovery process can start. Safely pack your device, include your name and contact information within the packaging and ship it to us. After performing your free diagnostic, we’ll send you a written confirmation of the exact price of our services prior to starting any work.
If you decide to post it, we would advise using a trackable and insured postal service. Or if you prefer to drop it off, we are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm, and you don’t need an appointment. Just pack the unit as described in step one before dropping it off.
Would you like a little more background information prior to sending it? Fill in the form to provide more details about your problem; an engineer will evaluate it and reply with a customised quote.
We’ll be in touch shortly. If it’s urgent, call 0191 406 1051.
Things you may want to call us with regarding a recovery of your server.
Yes, usually. A server that will not turn on or POST properly will have an issue with its board, power supply, or controller but your drive(s) should be okay. You can then take the drive(s) out and ship them to us and once we rebuild any RAID arrays we can recover the data from those drive(s), thus a non-functioning server is almost never a roadblock.
Yes. The majority of servers use RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks) to protect all of their data in case of one or more drive failure(s). When we are asked to fix the problem with the RAID, it is typically because of an entire array failing (dead disks), a failed rebuild process or a failed controller. To fix this type of issue, we will image each disk read-only and then put all of the images together into one complete RAID configuration. Please do not allow the server to rebuild itself or initialise the array before you call us. This can take away our ability to retrieve your lost data.
Yes. We will recover both ESXi and Hyper-V servers when the issue is caused by hardware, RAID issues or problems with the datastore. After we have completed rebuilding the storage component of your host machine, we will repair the VMFS, CSV or NTFS file systems which contain your virtual machines. Once repaired, we will be able to recover your virtual machines along with the data that they contain, i.e. VMDKs and VHDXs.
Typically, yes. We will recover and repair SQL Server, Exchange and Oracle databases from the disks contained within your server. Issues with these types of databases are often as a result of an array failure, volume corruption or deletion of a database store. We will rebuild the storage component of your server, copy the damaged database files to safe storage where we can repair them. Your data and e-mail should now be available again.
The price to recover a single disk or mirrored server is from £500 + VAT. If it’s a multi-disk RAID server (RAID 5, 6, 10 etc.) the starting price for recovery is £800 + VAT. Each job begins with a complimentary diagnostic followed by a written quote. In most cases you only pay if we recover your data.
In most cases, yes. For drive-level repair jobs we ask for a 50% deposit prior to starting work on your project and charge you the balance when we successfully recover your data. If we cannot recover it, then you don’t pay the remainder of our fee.
All makes: Dell PowerEdge, HPE ProLiant, Lenovo ThinkSystem, Supermicro, Fujitsu etc. (tower, rack and blade) all running Windows Server, Linux, VMware and Hyper-V. The type of make and the role of the server will dictate the method used to recover the data. Whether the data can be recovered is not affected, as we can get at it regardless of what server you have.
We simply require your hard drives. We do not disassemble servers or RAID units. Take the drives out and post them to us, including those which are failing. Please label each drive by its bay position. This will allow us to rebuild your RAID array and recover your data; your server’s cabinet and controller unit(s) are unnecessary.
Most likely yes. Even if a domain controller has failed, it is highly likely to retain an image of the Active Directory database on the server’s hard drive(s). We take these drives, rebuild any RAID configuration which may be in place, extract the AD database and system state, so this can be restored back into a functioning environment.
For a single disk or mirrored server we typically have turnaround times of 3 to 4 working days. Turnaround time on a multi-disk RAID server may run as long as 4 to 7 days depending upon how many disks there are and if any disks require individual repair at the drive level prior to the image being taken. As a rule, our free diagnostics are available within 48 hours and rush jobs involving significant business disruption can often be expedited.
Send us the hard disks themselves; we do not remove them from a server or RAID unit. Please label the bay that each drive is coming from. Pack them so they won’t rattle against one another. Either drop them off at our Newcastle location (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm) or have them shipped via a carrier of your choice using full insurance. Include your name, address, phone number and email so we can contact you as soon as possible to give you a quote prior to commencing any service.
We have a free diagnosis, our prices are based on tiers that start at £500 and in most cases you only pay if we recover your data. We will recover data from all servers, including those with Dell, HPE, Windows Server, and VMware as well as others, off the hardware. Start your recovery now.