Data recovery from rotational drives
HDD
and hybrid SSHD
We work where software options end. We handle everything from platter surface degradation and service zone errors to physical head replacement and internal component modification.
What we repair
What is happening
with your drive?
Identify your device's behaviour. Each of the scenarios below signals a different type of failure.
Files or partitions disappeared
The drive works, but the system asks for formatting or the partition is invisible? The data is most likely still there – only the logical structure is damaged.
Logical damageComputer is extremely slow
File copying takes forever, the system freezes, or the external drive keeps disconnecting? This is most likely a sign of magnetic surface degradation.
Bad sectorsNo response at all
The drive motor does not start, no vibration, burnt smell? These are characteristic symptoms of external electronics (PCB) failure – often after a power surge.
Electronics failure (PCB)Drive detected with wrong capacity
BIOS detects the drive but shows 0 MB, a different model name or capacity inconsistent with the label? This is a sign of internal firmware damage.
Firmware damageDrive makes strange noises
Hearing repetitive clicking, ticking or a squeal on startup? This is usually a mechanical failure.
Mechanical failurePricing
How much does HDD data recovery cost?
Remember that the final cost depends on the actual technical condition of the media, not just the visible symptoms. An accurate and binding quote is prepared after analysis in our laboratory.
Logical
Logical damage
from 500 PLN
- Deleted files
- Formatted partitions
- Damaged file system
- RAW format drive
Degradation
Degradation / Service zone
from 900 PLN
- Slow operation
- Read errors
- SMART errors
- Drive detected, no data access
Mechanical
Mechanical damage
from 2500 PLN
- Clicking / ticking drive
- Damaged read heads
- Drop damage
- Spindle motor failure
Process
How does data recovery work?
Ship the drive
In person or by courier to our premises.
Diagnostics & report
We check the device condition, workability, and recovery potential and classify the case with a service quote.
Recovery
You make the decision to proceed based on the technical report and file list.
Delivery
Recovered data is copied to a new device or made available for download from our server.
Laboratory video
Seagate head replacement
See what the process looks like in practice
We record our work to show the real flow of the service. The video below is the full head replacement procedure on a Seagate SMR M11 drive – due to damage to one of eight heads, a full head stack swap and supplementary read were necessary, resulting in over 99% of files recovered.
Technology
Equipment
for special tasks
We don't limit ourselves to off-the-shelf solutions. We develop our own procedures and proprietary read methods that allow successful data recovery where standard tools fail.
Hardware-software interfaces
- AceLab PC-3000 Express with RAID extension
- AceLab PC-3000 Express with SSD extension
- AceLab PC-3000 UDMA with SSD extension
Specialist tools
- Laminar flow cabinet KM Clean Air Lamil 10
- HddSurgery tools
- ApexToolLab tools
Laboratory equipment
- JBC and Quick soldering stations
- Fluke measurement equipment
- QIANLI SUPERCAM X 3D thermal camera
HDD logical damage
Data can disappear not only due to hardware failure, but also from logical problems.
These include deletion or corruption of partitions, errors during system repair, or creating a new Windows installation media.
In such cases creating new partitions or formatting overwrites information about the previous data and significantly reduces the chance of recovery.
Do not install new systems or write files – that is when the chances of recovering data are greatest.
Why software cannot fix a damaged drive
If a drive starts freezing, works slower and slower, or read errors appear – any attempt to "repair" it with software may only make things worse.
Software does not reverse physical damage, and its use often puts additional stress on the drive, increasing the risk of permanent data loss.
The safe solution is to create a sector-by-sector clone, from which data can be recovered without putting the original at risk.
Damaged HDD electronics
A PCB failure can prevent the drive from starting properly or cause unusual behaviour.
In most models simply swapping the PCB from another unit does not work, because the ROM chip contains calibration data unique to that specific drive.
An additional complication is that an increasing number of devices use hardware encryption. After electronics repair the drive may appear "empty" – careless initialisation attempts lead to logical damage.
Damaged read heads
Repetitive clicking or a recurring squeal often indicates head stack failure.
Heads can be damaged by shock, a drop or sudden power loss. They may detach, damage the platter surface or stick to it, preventing the drive from starting.
Powering on the drive in this state risks severe platter damage and irreversible data loss.
Spindle failure
and platter transplant
Spindle motor failure is extremely rare – usually after flooding or severe impact.
In such situations two approaches are possible: repairing the drive without disassembly, or – in extreme cases – transferring platters to another drive.
This is one of the most complex and risky service operations. Any attempt to open a drive and manipulate platters at home almost always leads to permanent platter surface damage.
What not to do
with a hard drive
Some actions, instead of helping, almost always lead to permanent data loss.
- Continuing to use a drive with failure symptoms – every write reduces recovery chances
- Hours-long scanning with repair software – stresses the drive and accelerates degradation
- Freezing or heating the drive – a popular myth that worsens the media's condition
- Opening the drive enclosure at home – dust immediately destroys the platter surface
- DIY platter transplant – only possible in a specialist laboratory
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is the analysis fee included in the recovery price and what does it cover?
No. The analysis is a separate service paid upfront (250 PLN in standard mode or 1,000 PLN in express mode), which keeps the actual recovery cost lower than at companies offering a "free diagnosis". It covers a detailed inspection of the device, identification of the damage type, and assessment of recovery chances. On this basis we classify the case, prepare a report and provide an accurate quote.
How long does data recovery from a damaged hard drive take?
The turnaround time depends on the drive model and the extent of damage. In simpler cases the process usually takes 5–7 working days; in more complex cases it takes proportionally longer. Exact timing is given after diagnostics are complete.
Do you recover data from every HDD model?
Yes. We recover data from 2.5" and 3.5" HDD and SSHD drives, SATA, PATA (IDE), external and server drives from most manufacturers – Seagate, Western Digital, Toshiba, HGST, Samsung. For very rare models we inform you of any limitations after diagnostics.
Is the recovered data safe and confidential?
Yes. All work is carried out in a controlled laboratory environment. Data is processed exclusively on dedicated workstations, and we can sign an NDA at the client's request.
Can I continue using a drive that shows failure symptoms?
No. Every write or power-on attempt reduces the chances of a successful recovery. Power off the drive and do not reconnect it until you have spoken to a specialist.
Is it worth scanning and repairing a damaged drive with software?
No. Hours-long scans and repair attempts stress the damaged media and accelerate its degradation. Every failed attempt reduces the chances of a later successful recovery.
Can I open a hard drive's enclosure myself?
No. Dust and contamination in home conditions immediately destroy the platter surface. Opening a drive outside a cleanroom almost always results in additional damage or permanent data loss.
Contact us
Have a question about your drive?
You don't need to know the technical aspects of data recovery. Describe briefly what happened – our engineer will assess the situation and present the possible methods.
During working hours we reply within 20 minutes. Outside working hours we reply as quickly as possible.