Data recovery from HDD and SSHD drives
Most common hard drive failures
What types of drive damage do users most frequently report to us?
- Logical damage – formatted partitions, deleted files, corrupted file system
- Drive not visible to the system – no response, slow operation, SMART errors
- Electronics (PCB) failure – power surges, burned components, short circuits
- Firmware / Service Area issues – the drive is detected but does not allow data reading
- Mechanical damage – clicking sounds, physical drops, damaged read/write heads
How much does hard drive data recovery cost?
The cost of data recovery depends on the type of drive damage. Below are approximate prices — you can check an estimated quote using our online calculator.
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Logical Damagefrom 120 €
- Deleted files
- Formatted partitions
- Corrupted file system
- Drive in RAW format
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Degradation / Service Area Issuesfrom 210 €
- Slow operation
- Read errors
- SMART errors
- Drive is detected but does not provide access to the data
-
Mechanical Damagefrom 580 €
- Clicking sounds
- Read/write heads failure
- Physical drop
- Motor damage
What the data recovery process looks like
- Drive submission – filling online form out the and delivering the device
- Diagnosis and quotation – detailed report and service cost
- Repair and data recovery – laboratory work
- Delivery of recovered data – on a new device or available for download
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Is the diagnosis included in the recovery cost and what does it cover?
No. The analysis is a separate service, paid upfront (50 € for standard mode or 170 € for express mode), which keeps the actual data recovery cheaper than in companies that offer a “free diagnosis.” It includes a detailed inspection of the drive, identification of the type of damage, and assessment of the chances of data recovery. Based on this, we classify the case, prepare a report of the performed procedures, and provide an exact cost estimate.
How long does data recovery from a damaged drive take?
The turnaround time depends on the drive model and the extent of the damage. In simpler cases, the process usually takes 5–7 business days; in more complex cases, it takes longer. The exact timeframe is provided after the diagnostics are completed. Our priority is data safety, so we work to make the recovery as fast as possible while achieving the best possible results for each case.
Do you recover data from all drive models?
Yes. We recover data from 2.5” and 3.5” HDD and SSHD drives, SATA, PATA (IDE), external, and server drives from most manufacturers, including Seagate, Western Digital, Toshiba, HGST, and Samsung. For unusual or very rare models, we inform you of any potential limitations after diagnostics.
Are the recovered data secure and confidential?
Yes. All work is carried out in a controlled laboratory environment. Data is processed only on dedicated, encrypted workstations, accessible solely to authorized specialists. The entire process is covered by a confidentiality policy, and upon the user’s request, we can sign an additional NDA.
Logical hard drive damage
Sometimes data disappears not due to hardware failure, but because of logical issues.
Such situations include deleted or damaged partitions, errors during system repairs, or creating a new Windows installation drive.
In these cases, creating new partitions or formatting the drive overwrites the previous data and significantly reduces the chances of recovery.
The most important step is to immediately stop any further operations on the drive.
Do not install new systems or save files – this gives the highest chance of successful data recovery.ększe.
Why software cannot repair a damaged drive
If your drive starts freezing, slowing down, or showing read errors, any attempt to “repair” it with software can only make the situation worse..
Software cannot reverse physical damage, and using it often adds extra stress to the drive, increasing the risk of permanent data loss.
The most important step is to stop using the drive immediately and avoid running repair tools.
A safe approach is to create a sector-by-sector copy from which data can be recovered.
Damaged drive electronics
An electronics (PCB) failure can cause the drive to not start properly or behave abnormally.
In most models, simply swapping the PCB with one from another drive does not work because the ROM stores calibration data unique to that specific drive.
There are exceptions in newer designs, but usually, the ROM contents need to be transferred.
Another challenge is that an increasing number of drives use hardware data encryption.
As a result, after repairing the electronics, the drive may appear “empty,” and improper attempts to initialize it can cause logical damage and make data recovery much more difficult.
Damaged drive heads
The characteristic “clicking” or repeated squealing often indicates a failure of the drive’s read/write heads.
These are delicate components responsible for reading and writing data on the platters.
They can be damaged by shocks, dropping the drive, or sudden power loss.
In such cases, the heads may detach, damage the platter surface, or stick to it, preventing the drive from starting.
Powering on a drive in this condition risks severe platter damage and permanent data loss.
Motor damage and platter swapping
Motor failure in a hard drive is extremely rare, usually occurring after liquid exposure or a strong impact.
In such cases, there are two approaches to recovery: repairing the motor without disassembly or — in extreme situations — transferring the platters to another drive.
However, this is one of the most complex and risky service operations..
Attempting to open the drive and manipulate the platters yourself almost always leads to permanent platter damage and irreversible data loss.
What not to do with a Hard Drive
Some actions, instead of helping, almost always lead to permanent data loss. Avoid:
- Continuing to use a drive showing failure symptoms – any writes or attempts to power it on reduce the chances of data recovery
- Hours-long scanning or repair attempts with software – these stress the damaged drive and accelerate degradation
- Freezing or heating the drive – a common myth that can only worsen its condition
- Opening the drive casing at home – dust and contaminants immediately damage the platter surfaces
- Attempting to swap platters yourself – one of the most difficult service operations, only feasible in a specialized laboratory