If a drive appears as RAW on your computer, you receive an error message when trying to access a card, or you are unable to open your files, the actual data most likely remains intact. The problem lies with the structure of your file system. Our engineers have experience repairing and rebuilding corrupted file systems from virtually all types of media (hard drives, solid state disks, USB sticks and memory cards), while maintaining your files in-house.
A damaged file system may trigger a ‘scan and repair’ option from Windows, or allow you to format the drive. Applications such as chkdsk will often move or overwrite some of the existing data on the drive when attempting to repair the file system. Formatting the drive completely wipes out the file table, which means you may not be able to recover data after formatting. Please do not format your damaged drive; do not use utilities such as chkdsk or fsck; if your damaged drive makes unusual noises, shut it down immediately and contact us before proceeding.
The majority of the time when a user suffers from corruption to a file or group of files it damages the structure surrounding the file(s) but leaves the data intact. This is why so many corrupted files are able to be recovered. The reasons listed below represent most of what we encounter.
We have recovered corrupted files from all types of storage media including all major brands. In fact, if your device stores your files we most likely can assist you with recovering those files.
Hard drives · solid state drives (SSDs) · flash memory sticks or USB drives · SD, microSD and CompactFlash cards · external drive · portable drive · laptop internal drives, desktop internal drives, Mac internal drives.
Data recovery from corrupted media involves extreme care. We do not touch your original devices; instead we create an exact duplicate (image) of your media. Then we rebuild your file structure off this new media. Finally, we use the rebuilt file system to attempt to recover your data.
Identify exactly what is corrupted, and where it exists on a device. We determine if the corruption is in the file system or individual files or hardware failure. Then we provide a written quote, typically in less than 48 hours.
Once we have taken a forensic image of the device, all recovery work is performed from this copy. The original failed device receives no additional stress from our recovery process.
In cases where possible, we reconstruct the file system structure that was damaged to regain access to your folders and files.
If individual files were damaged, we attempt to repair those that can be repaired; otherwise, we will carve out the complete data based upon its file signatures.
We check to ensure that each of the recovered files will open properly and in their correct state prior to returning these files to you.
Once your files are returned to you, all of your files are placed into new storage devices, organised and ready for use.
We provide copies of your data to an external device, which is then posted back to you, or provided as a no-cost download (if it is under 75 GB).
Our company provides recovery services from corrupted file systems and damaged files on hard drives, SSDs, USB sticks, memory cards, and external devices: we rebuild the file system and restore or carve out your files using a forensic copy of your original data storage device.
Tell us what’s corrupt 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.
There are no additional fees and there is no pressure sales tactic: we provide you with a free diagnosis prior to beginning any work and provide you with a written quote of what services we would like to perform.
Corruption cases on multiple devices; each case’s identifying information has been removed to protect privacy; verification was performed with all results confirmed.
After a loss of power, an NTFS file system became corrupted. An image of the drive was made. Then, we rebuilt the file system by using the data within its structures. Finally, we reconstructed the entire tree of folders as well.
The card had been yanked out while in the process of writing, so that damaged the file system. So then, we rebuilt it and were able to recover the photographs and videos that the camera could not read.
When an unsafe removal was performed on the original unit, the file system became corrupted. We were able to perform a safe recovery using a forensic image of the unit. As such, all files were successfully recovered in their entirety.
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.
These are things most users will be asking about when it comes to recovering data from damaged or corrupted hard drives and file systems.
Generally speaking, yes. Corruptions tend to affect the structure that contains your data (file system or file header etc.) as opposed to damaging the data itself. We have the ability to restore the file system or fix corrupted files so that you can once again access your data from a forensically created copy of the drive.
In this case it usually indicates that there is something wrong with the file system as opposed to indicating the drive is blank; your data remains intact and hidden under whatever is causing the issue. Do not format the unit; we can create or rebuild a file system and recover the lost files from your corrupted drive.
No. The risk of using disk check and similar tools on a failed or corrupted disk is that you may move or replace existing information with the tool’s attempt to fix your problem; this usually only decreases your chances of recovering the lost data. Disk imaging is a much better way to get a copy of your data (and we always do).
Yes, damaged SD cards are very common due to being removed while still active. In most cases we are able to rebuild the file structure of the card and recover all of your photos and videos even if your device or phone can no longer read the card.
Usually due to a poor shutdown, loss of electrical power, removal of the drive or card before completion of the write cycle. Other causes include bad sectors in the media, software failures and loss of communications during transfer.
Yes, sometimes. The occasional one-off fault caused by a power outage might be simply logical, however repeated faults or failure of bad sectors means that the drive may well be failing. At this point, we will let you know when we are doing the diagnostics as to whether or not the device is failing and then use specialist hardware to recover the data prior to its potential complete failure.
Memory card and USB stick recovery costs £250 + VAT whilst hard disk recovery costs £300 + VAT. We offer a complimentary diagnostic service, and in most cases you only pay if we recover your data. For drives that have failed physically causing the corruption we will quote for the price to recover the data prior to commencement in writing.
All types of hard disk drives (HDD), solid state disks (SSD), USB sticks, Secure Digital (SD) cards and micro Secure Digital (microSD) cards, CompactFlash (CF) cards, external hard disk drives, portable hard disk drives and laptop, PC and Mac internal hard disk drives. In general terms, we can probably assist with recovering your lost data wherever your files are stored.
On average, file recovery will take place within 1 to 3 working days and often sooner. The diagnostic process typically takes less than 48 hours. If this is an emergency situation, please indicate that and we can move it up.
Bring it to our Newcastle office Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm, or post it, insured against loss during transport. Place all of your contact details (name, address, phone and email) inside the sealable package; this will allow us to book it in once it arrives. After it has arrived we will complete a complimentary diagnostic and provide a written quotation prior to commencing any work.
Free diagnostics, and in most cases you only pay if we recover your data; we also do file recovery from any type of storage device (drives, sticks, cards). Do not run repair programs; start your data recovery today.