Data Recovery · LanCologne

How can a retailer resume operations following a failure of the point-of-sale (POS) system’s hard drive?

POS systems store receipt details, sales figures and master data locally in a database or in files. If the hard disk or SSD fails, this data is vital for accounting, stock-taking and record-keeping – even if the TSE also signs the transactions.

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Technical background

Since the introduction of the TSE, till transactions have also been logged in the technical security device. However, this does not replace the till database: product, staff and reporting data are still stored in the till system. In the case of systems with a cloud connection, a second copy may be held by the provider.

What you should – and shouldn’t – do now

  • Do not reset the till or have it reinstalled by the retailer’s service team until the data has been backed up.
  • Check with the POS provider to see whether cloud or Server backups are available.
  • Do not remove the TSE or have it reinitialised.
  • Record the period of absence.

Here’s how we do it

  • Backing up the data carrier as a raw image.
  • Reconstruction of the file system and extraction of the database and export files.
  • Checking the database for consistency and passing it on to the till manufacturer or tax adviser.

Borders

  • The TSE data itself is retrieved via the TSE or its export function, not via data recovery.
  • Proprietary database formats may require consultation with the manufacturer.

Possible results

Recovered till data for further use by manufacturers, accounts departments or tax advisers.

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 the TSE export sufficient for the tax office?+
Please check with your tax adviser to see whether the TSE export is sufficient in this specific case. Technically, we can also recover the till database.
Is the cash register service provider allowed to replace the hard drive?+
Yes, but please keep the faulty disc and don’t let it be formatted.
Are SSDs and SD cards in tills also affected?+
Yes. Many cash registers use SSDs or memory cards; data recovery is carried out according to the type of storage.

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