Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ - Secure Data Recovery Services 1. How will my data be returned to me?
This will depend on how much data was recovered. If the amount of the recovered information is 15GB or less, we will put it onto DVD’s free of charge. If the recovered amount exceeds the 15GB limit, we ask you to provide us with a transfer drive or purchase one from us. Please note you may want to include the transfer media along with the damaged disk. In certain satiations a direct copy is able to be performed hence saving time. Make sure the transfer drive is of equal or greater capacity then the damaged drive.

2. How long does the recovery process take?
We will do our utmost to accommodate your needs, but some situations may be complex and require more time than others. This also depends on the amount of data stored on the hard drive. If it’s a Logical failure with the hard drive, the recovery itself may take 2-5 business days, ranging and depending on the amount of data. If it’s a Physical failure which requires replacement parts, the process to acquire such parts may take up to 2 days. The recovery may take up anywhere from 3-5 days once again depending on the amount of data. It’s difficult to state a turnaround time without analyzing and performing diagnostics on the hard drive. However, once the diagnostics is complete a firmer turnaround time will be pinpointed.

3. What do you mean Logical failure?
Logical failure is a software related issue with the hard drive. This could relate to Master Boot Record, Bad File System, Bad Sectors*, and damaged Master File Table. The recovery process does not require disassembly of the hard drive, however in certain logical issues parts may need to be replaced such as a circuit board. Depending on the type of failure, weather electric or firmware related, it may be subjected to physical type of recovery.

4. What do you mean Physical failure?
Physical failure is a mechanical issue within the hard drive itself. This means a component or sometimes components such as read & write heads, actuator arm, spindle, or a motor have failed. This type of failure requires parts replacement in order to swap out the damaged components with working ones prior to successfully extracting the information. The recovery is complete in a clean room environment to ensure the least amount of dust particles present. This provides the best chance for a successful data recovery operation.

5. My hard drive works fine, I reinstalled the operating system. Can you still recover it?
This will depends on type of operating system being used, free capacity space of the drive, and amount of data saved since completing the reinstallation process. In most cases, the answer is “YES” , unless the disk is close to full capacity. In all cases, writing new data to the disk reduces the probability of retrieving the original data.

6. I heard if I put my hard drive in the freezer I can restore my information, is that true?
NO. This will not work. Originally suggested that if a damaged hard drive is placed into a freezer for some time, upon taking it out and powering it back up it may be possible to recover some information. This is guaranteed to do more bad then good. By putting the drive in the freezer, the surface area may be severely affected. It’s best not to think twice about this.

7. I have a 500GB hard drive that has 300GB of data on it, but I only need 20GB back. Will that cost less than a full recovery?
Unfortunately not. The same amount of work goes in to get one file or a thousand. A scan is being performed on the entire disk in order to find all the data before specific files and folders can be identified.

8. Will I get all my files back?
If the drive is recoverable, all uncorrupted files from undamaged sectors of the drive will be retrieved. If there are specific files that you may need, you should let us know so that we can verify whether they have been uncorrupted and reside in retrievable sectors. Our policy is to issue a full list of recoverable files so that that the customer can establish whether or not the truly critical data has is recoverable.

9. I deleted files from the Recycling Bin. Can these files still be recovered?
Similar to the reformatting scenario, this will depend on the free capacity of the drive. In many cases, the answer is ‘YES’. In all cases, writing new data to the disk reduces the probability of retrieving the original data.

10. Will I receive my original media back?
Yes. It is our policy to return a customer's property, even if non-functional.
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