Data Recovery · LanCologne

What factors determine the cost of professional data recovery?

It is only possible to quote a realistic price for data recovery once the cause of the damage has been established. The same set of symptoms („hard drive not recognised“) could indicate a faulty USB adapter, a damaged firmware sector or damage to the read/write heads – each of which requires a completely different level of effort.

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Technical background

The cost depends primarily on the severity of the damage: logical errors (deleted files, corrupted file system) require software-based recovery. Electronic faults affect the circuit board or controller. Firmware errors require work on the drive’s service areas. Mechanical damage, such as faulty read/write heads, requires intervention on an open drive under low-particle conditions.

What you should – and shouldn’t – do now

  • Describe the fault in detail: noises, detection in the BIOS, error messages, last action before the failure.
  • Don’t try any further software solutions if the drive is making clicking or grinding noises or switching itself off – this could make the problem worse.
  • Setting priorities: Which folders or file types are actually needed?

Here’s how we do it

  • Diagnosis: Classification into a damage category and assessment of the storage medium’s condition. The initial assessment is non-binding; should the item be rejected and you wish it to be returned, postage and packaging costs may apply; there are no postage costs if the item is collected from the laboratory.
  • A written quote, which takes some effort to prepare; only then do you make your decision.
  • Prioritised recovery of essential data when a drive is only partially readable.

Borders

  • The capacity and read speed of a damaged drive have a significant impact on the processing time.
  • Hardware encryption, RAID arrays and rare models (spare parts) increase the effort involved.
  • A fixed price quoted before the diagnosis would either be too high or would need to be adjusted later.

Possible results

Following the diagnosis, you will receive a quote setting out the damage category, the estimated cost and – where foreseeable – the expected data available.

How we carry out data recovery

Every data storage device is first diagnosed in our own laboratory in Cologne; the diagnosis is free of charge. You will then receive a written quote and can decide whether to accept it. If you decline, you can collect the data storage device from the laboratory by appointment – there are no postage costs involved – or we will post it back to you; in which case postage and packaging costs may apply. Data is recovered from copies, not from the original – using professional data recovery hardware such as the PC-3000. If a drive needs to be opened, this is carried out on a HEPA H14-filtered clean bench. We do not offer a guarantee of success prior to diagnosis, as this is simply not possible in a professional context. Your storage device and your data will remain confidential and will not be passed on to third parties.

1Enquiries and submission by post or in person at the laboratory by prior appointment
2Free diagnosis of the cause of the damage
3Written quotation – we will only proceed once you have approved it; if you decline, you may collect the item from the laboratory or we will return it to you (postage and packaging costs may apply)
4Recovery, data verification and confidential handover

Request a diagnosis   Find out more about the process, costs and confidentiality →

Frequently Asked Questions

Why don’t you quote a flat rate over the phone?+
Because the cause of the damage cannot be determined without a diagnosis. A definitive figure can only be given once the investigation has been carried out.
Will data recovery cost more if I’ve tried using software myself beforehand?+
Not necessarily in the case of logical errors. In the case of mechanical damage, additional scratches on the magnetic disc may increase the effort involved and the risk.
How much will it cost if I turn down the offer?+
The initial test is non-binding. If you subsequently decide not to proceed with the service and wish to have the data carrier returned, you may be charged for postage and packaging. No postage charges apply if you collect the item from the laboratory.
Is there an express service?+
Yes. Upon request, priority processing is available for an express surcharge, subject to availability. The surcharge is shown separately in the quotation.

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