Magnetic and hybrid storage media
Data recovery from
HDD and SSHD
We work where software solutions run out. We handle cases ranging from platter surface degradation, through service area errors, to physical replacement and modification of internal components.
Failure classification
Most common failures
in HDD and SSHD drives
Standard
- Deleted files and folders
- Formatted or invisible partitions
- Corrupted file system (RAW)
- Operating system error
Advanced
- Magnetic surface degradation
- SMART errors, slow operation
- Damaged PCB electronics (power surge)
- Corrupted firmware / service area
Expert
- Clicking, ticking or squealing noise
- Damaged read/write heads
- Drive drop, motor failure
- Scored platter surfaces
Process
How does data recovery work?
Send your drive
In person or by courier to our facility.
Diagnosis and report
We assess the device condition, recoverability, classify the case, and provide a quote.
Recovery
You decide whether to proceed based on the technical report and file list.
Collection
We copy the recovered data to a new drive or make it available for download from our server.
Video from the lab
Seagate head replacement
See how the process works in practice
We film our work to show the real service process. The video below is a complete head replacement procedure on a Seagate SMR M11 drive — one of eight heads failed, requiring replacement of the entire head assembly and supplementary reading, resulting in over 99% of files recovered.
Technical equipment
Tools
for specialist work
We are not limited to off-the-shelf solutions. We develop our own procedures and proprietary reading methods that allow us to recover data 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
- KM Clean Air Lamil 10 laminar flow chamber
- HddSurgery tools
- ApexToolLab tools
Laboratory equipment
- JBC and Quick soldering equipment
- Fluke measurement instruments
- QIANLI SUPERCAM X 3D thermal camera
Logical drive damage
Data can disappear not through hardware failure, but due to logical problems.
These include deleted or damaged partitions, errors during system repair, or creating a new Windows installation drive.
In such cases, creating new partitions or formatting overwrites information about previous data and significantly reduces the chances of recovery.
Do not install new systems or save files — that is when the chances of data recovery are greatest.
Why software cannot repair a damaged drive
If your drive starts freezing, works increasingly slowly, or read errors appear — any attempt to "repair" it with software can only make things worse.
Software cannot reverse physical damage, and using it often puts additional strain on the drive, increasing the risk of permanent data loss.
The safe approach is to create a sector-by-sector clone, from which data can be recovered without risking the original.
Damaged drive electronics
A PCB electronics failure can prevent the drive from starting correctly or cause unusual behaviour.
In most models, simply swapping the PCB from another unit does not work because the ROM chip stores calibration data unique to each individual drive.
An additional complication is that an increasing number of devices use hardware-level data encryption. A drive after PCB repair may appear "empty" — inexperienced initialisation attempts lead to logical damage.
Damaged heads of the drive
A characteristic clicking or repeating squealing noise often indicates a head assembly failure.
Heads can be damaged by vibration, a drive drop, or a sudden power loss. They can detach, scratch the platter surfaces, or stick to them, preventing the drive from starting.
Powering on a drive in this state risks serious surface damage and permanent data loss.
Motor failure
and platter transplant
Motor failure is extremely rare — it usually occurs after flooding or a severe impact.
In such situations two approaches are possible: repairing the spindle without disassembly or — in extreme cases — transferring the platters to another drive.
This is one of the most complex and risky service operations. Attempting to open a drive and manipulate the platters yourself almost always causes permanent 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 showing failure symptoms — every write operation reduces recovery chances
- Hours-long scanning with repair software — strains the drive and accelerates degradation
- Putting the drive in a freezer or heating it — a popular myth that worsens the media's condition
- Opening the drive casing at home — dust immediately destroys the platter surfaces
- Attempting to transplant platters yourself — only possible in a specialist laboratory
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is the analysis included in the recovery price, and what does it cover?
No. Analysis is a separate service paid upfront (€65 standard or €250 express), which keeps the recovery itself cheaper than at labs offering "free diagnostics". It covers a thorough examination of the drive, identification of the failure type, and an assessment of recovery chances. Based on the results we classify the case, prepare a report, and provide an exact quote.
How long does HDD data recovery take?
The turnaround depends on the drive model and extent of damage. Simpler cases typically take 5–7 business days; more complex ones take longer accordingly. We give an exact timeline after the diagnostic is complete.
Do you recover data from every drive model?
Yes. We recover data from HDD and SSHD drives in 2.5" and 3.5" form factors, SATA, PATA (IDE), external and server models from most manufacturers — Seagate, Western Digital, Toshiba, HGST, Samsung. For very rare models we will inform you of any limitations after the diagnostic.
Is the recovered data safe and confidential?
Yes. All work is performed in a controlled laboratory environment. Data is processed only on dedicated workstations, and we can sign an NDA upon request.
Can I continue using a drive that shows signs of failure?
No. Every write operation or power-on attempt reduces the chances of successful data recovery. Power off the drive and do not reconnect it until you speak with a specialist.
Is it worth scanning or repairing a damaged drive with software?
No. Hours-long scans and repair attempts put additional strain on the damaged drive and accelerate its degradation. Every failed attempt reduces the chances of a successful recovery later.
Can I open the hard drive casing myself?
No. Dust and contaminants in home conditions immediately destroy the platter surfaces. Opening a drive outside a cleanroom almost always results in additional damage or permanent data loss.
Get in touch
Describe your HDD problem
You don't need to know the technical details. A brief description of what happened is enough — our engineer will assess the situation and outline the possible approaches.
During business hours we reply within 20 minutes. Outside business hours we respond as quickly as possible.