FAQ
Data recovery is a highly skilled process which consists of the retrieval of data that can no longer be accessed. There are two types of data recoveries: logical recovery and physical recovery. The information to be recovered can include documents, photos, videos, emails, database, spreadsheet and any other other digital elements stored on any type of storage device, including a hard drive, an external drive, a SSD, a server, a RAID system, a flash drive or a USB drive.
Data recovery is necessary when the user is no longer able to access data from their computer, laptop or system. It can happen when the drive is no longer recognised by the system. There are also physical situations when the drive had a fall, an impact or has been damaged by liquid.
If your hard drive is making noises, the first thing you need to do is to stop trying to launch the system. The noises emitted from the hard drive are a sign that the hard drive has some issues such as a firmware related problem, broken or displaced heads, or the pre-amplifier of the heads is damaged. It could also be a PCB board failure that can be due to the hard drive bios being corrupted or damaged components on the board. If the hard drive has been in contact with some liquid, there could be an issue with the contact between the PCB board and the head connector. These are serious issues that need immediate attention from a professional - or your data can be lost for good.
If you are you no longer able to access your data, please call us on 020 7064 4996 or bring your data storage device to our data recovery drop off centre in Regent Street for a quick evaluation. We are open Monday to Friday from 0900 until 1800. As soon as the device is received in our data recovery centre, one of our technicians will carry out an immediate diagnostic and will be able to suggest the best possible and quickest way to recover your data based on the symptoms and the results of all the checks carried out.
The best way forward is to bring your data storage device or computer to our data recovery centre for an evaluation. If you are not able to come in person, we can organise a courier collection either by same day bike courier or by UPS. Once the equipment has been checked, we will send you a written quote for approval. It's only when the quote is approved that we start working on your drive. All the services we provide have a short lead time except for data recoveries in need of a donor drive for the transplant. In this case, the drive has to be ordered and the data recovery will be completed as soon as the drive is received.
Once the files have been recovered, you can tell us where you want the files recovered. They can be saved on an external hard drive that you are providing or we can sell you one. You can also decide to transfer your data to a computer hard drive or a laptop.
When we provide you with a data recovery quote, we will give you an indication of how long the process is going to take. During the process, we will keep you update on progress made and confirm when you will be able to get your data back.
Data Retrieval is part of Creative IT (UK) Ltd. The company is ISO 27001 certified in IT system security. In addition, we are registered with the Office of Communications Officer, ICO, which guarantee that your data is in safe hands with us.