Data Recovery · LanCologne

What does a faulty controller chip in an SSD mean for data recovery?

An SSD’s controller manages where specific data is stored within the NAND chips (Flash Translation Layer) and, in many models, encrypts it internally. If it fails, the SSD is often no longer recognised or reports an incorrect capacity – although the data in the chips may still be present.

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Technical background

Typical scenarios include „Safe Mode“ (incorrect capacity, incorrect model name), the system getting stuck during recognition, or a total failure. Where the controller uses hardware-based encryption, simply reading the chips directly will not achieve the desired result. With many controllers, specialised tools can be used to put the firmware into a technical mode and reconstruct the mapping scheme – though not every model is supported to the same extent.

What you should – and shouldn’t – do now

  • Do not switch the SSD on and off repeatedly – some errors are exacerbated by background processes.
  • Do not run any firmware Updates or Secure Erase functions.
  • For laptops with a soldered-in SSD, please send in the entire device.

Here’s how we do it

  • Identification of the controller, NAND type and firmware.
  • If possible: Access via the controller’s technical mode and reconstruct the mapping scheme.
  • For unencrypted controllers, as a last resort: reading the chips (chip-off) and virtual reconstruction.

Borders

  • For controllers with internal encryption, chip-off alone is not sufficient; the controller or its key is required.
  • Areas deleted using TRIM are generally irrecoverable.
  • Tools for technical mode are not available for every controller.

Possible results

Recovered data, or a reasoned explanation as to why access is technically impossible.

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Would replacing the controller help?+
Rarely directly, because the mapping data and keys are located in the original controller or its environment.
What is an SSD’s „Safe Mode“?+
A fault-tolerant mode of the firmware in which the SSD reports an incorrect capacity or designation. This is often a starting point for data recovery.
Can data be recovered after TRIM?+
Generally not, because the controller treats the affected blocks as empty or physically deletes them.

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