For each device, there is straightforward guidance on “what to do” and “what not to do” once a drive fails.
More data is lost after a drive dies than during its actual failure, because you just keep going. The best thing you can do is stop.
Complete the next ones before calling anyone. It costs nothing and frequently solves this problem.
Back up everything right now, most important first, on anything that isn't the failing disk. A lab cannot improve on what you already see when reading your disk. A failing drive will get worse every hour it remains operational.
Disconnect it from power and don’t turn it back on. Mechanical failure is the one class where how you respond affects outcomes more than anything we do subsequently.
Version history via cloud backup software, Previous Versions, Time Machine, a copy saved on an old external drive, an email sent with a copy attached. A substantial number of enquiries are resolved within five minutes using these methods.
In particular regarding deletions. A mechanical drive could retain the deleted file for months; an SSD with TRIM enabled erases deleted files generally in minutes.
“You need to format the disk before you can use it.” Windows cannot read the file system, which does not mean it is empty. Cancel formatting, as it writes over all your files' structural data.
“Data error (cyclic redundancy check).” The machine was able to read the sector in question but its checksum did not match. Physical degradation of the drive typically causes this. It's sometimes just a bad cable. Test with another cable first.
“No bootable device found.” The computer could find nothing to boot from. Frequently, this will be because of a problem with how the machine boots up rather than because the drive is dead. Often, the data underneath is still fine.
“File record segment is unreadable.” The NTFS index is damaged. The content underneath typically remains fine. Don't let chkdsk repair it if what matters is the files underneath rather than the volume as a whole.
Drive shows as unallocated. A full disk shows up as empty. The partition table has been lost. Do not accept an offer to initialise the drive: this will erase enough information so you won't know how to rebuild the original layout on the disk.
Apple soldered storage on a logic board that won't power on. The key is fused into a security chip on the same logic board and cannot be moved.
Encryption without the key or password. Neither BitLocker nor FileVault allows back doors to be created. When a key is properly generated, there are no shortcuts available for recovery.
Files TRIMmed from a working SSD. Once a controller erases files from the blocks, there are no longer files to read.
Currently used ransomware strains. Nobody can currently decrypt these current versions of ransomware. However, everything that was missed by the encryptor is recoverable (which is often significant).
Do not continue using the device. Regardless of what may have caused the problem, continued use will result in either overwriting what you need recovered, or wearing down what is still able to be read from.
On a perfectly normal drive with a logical fault, possibly, as long as the software is installed on a completely different drive. If the drive makes any type of noise, then no. First ring us up, and we'll tell you which of these you have, at no charge.
No. This is old advice from thirty years ago, meant for different engineering. In modern drives it introduces condensation into a sealed unit. It has made it impossible to recover data in cases that would have been routine.
Mostly by sound. If there are clicks, grinding, or if the drive won't spin, it is mechanical. Silent and vibrationless failures are usually electronic, and they cost less than mechanical failures.
We do not accept whole computers, laptops or servers. Only the bare drive is accepted. Any computer shop will remove the drive in minutes if you would rather they take care of this for you.
There is no charge for our analysis of your drive. We provide a verdict in writing within 48 hours of receipt of your drive, including one fixed price for recovery services offered, and an honest no where that applies.