Can I do my own data recovery?
If your drive is making unusual noises or important files are inaccessible, stop using it and seek advice before attempting recovery. The safest next step depends on the fault and whether you have a usable backup.
The question is, “Can you do your own Data Recovery?”
When to stop DIY recovery
Unusual mechanical noises can indicate a hardware problem, but the exact cause needs assessment. A quiet drive can also fail. Do not open the drive casing, initialise or format the disk, or install recovery software onto the affected drive.
What to check first
- Check for a separate backup of the missing files.
- Record the device model, error messages and what happened before the files became inaccessible.
- Keep any encryption recovery keys available, but do not send them in an initial enquiry.
- If the files are important and you have no backup, seek an assessment before further attempts.
Contact PCFIXIT to discuss your recovery options. Recovery is not guaranteed and depends on the condition of the storage media.
If your data recovery efforts fail, that is a typical sign that your media has physical damage. Don’t power up your drive much longer after such a failure as it could cause irrevocable damage. If that occurs, you can always call us to check it out for you. We will give you a diagnostic first before committing. Data Recoveries typically range from $400-$4500 depending on the damage to the drive, and could be thousands of dollars so you want to be the one who says yes, we’ll always get your written permission prior to proceeding with Data Recovery.
If you’ve take a stab at this option and you still can’t access your data, PCFIXIT can help with our Clean Room hard drive lab recovery service, Give our Office a call on 1300 930 179 or make an online booking.
Just a Note: Don’t try this at home. Even the slightest of dust could kill the hard drive platters and files.
We offer a free pickup service Covering the Gold Coast & Tweed Coast Region.