Data Recovery · LanCologne

Why isn’t free data recovery software always the best first choice?

Data recovery programmes are designed to deal with logical errors: accidentally deleted files, formatted partitions, corrupted file systems. They rely on the storage device being able to read data without any problems. In the case of physically damaged drives, every full scan means hours of continuous strain – and can exacerbate the damage.

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Technical background

Warning signs of physical damage include clicking noises, grinding noises, very slow read speeds, system crashes, frequent „I/O device errors“ and rising SMART values for pending or reallocated sectors. A scan will then repeatedly read from the same weak areas, which can put additional strain on the heads.

What you should – and shouldn’t – do now

  • Do not start a scan if warning signs appear.
  • Never install programmes on the affected drive, and never write recovered data back to it.
  • If there is a logical error but the disc is physically sound: first create an image, then work on the image.

Here’s how we do it

  • Status check to determine whether there is a logical or physical error.
  • In the event of a physical error: a controlled read operation using hardware that reads the weak sectors last.
  • Logical reconstruction based solely on the image.

Borders

  • If programmes have already written data to the affected drive, any overwritten areas will be lost.
  • Any additional surface damage caused by lengthy scans is irreversible.

Possible results

A clear assessment of whether software is sufficient or whether hardware intervention is required.

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

Is recovery software generally a bad thing?+
No. It can work well in the case of logical errors on healthy storage media – ideally on an image.
How can I tell that I should stop?+
Noises, extreme slowness, crashes or rising SMART error values.
I’ve already scanned it – is everything lost now?+
Not necessarily. The key factor is whether the data has been overwritten or whether the surface has also been damaged.

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