Hard Drive Recovery
Mechanical, electronic and logical failures need different approaches. AS assesses the drive first, images it where possible, and recovers from the image so the original is never put at further risk.
When you need this
- Drive is not detected by the system or BIOS
- Clicking, grinding or repeated spin-up attempts
- Drive detected but files inaccessible or extremely slow
- Bad sectors, read errors or SMART warnings
- Accidental deletion or format on a working drive
- Drive dropped, water-damaged or power-surged
What we do
Diagnosis
We identify whether the failure is mechanical, electronic, firmware or logical, and whether the drive can be safely imaged as-is.
Controlled imaging
Failing drives are imaged with read-error handling and head-map control to capture as much data as possible before condition worsens.
Logical recovery
File systems (NTFS, exFAT, HFS+, APFS, ext) are reconstructed from the image to restore folder structures and file names where they survive.
Hardware-level work
Where a drive needs component or head work, it is handled in a controlled environment and only after the assessment confirms it is worthwhile.
How it works
- Step 1
Consultation and scope
We establish what failed, what has been tried, and which data matters most. This shapes a targeted plan rather than a generic one.
- Step 2
Secure imaging and diagnosis
Where possible the source media is imaged before any work, so the original is never altered. Diagnosis then determines the safest recovery method.
- Step 3
Recovery
Data is extracted from the image or source using methods matched to the failure — logical, structural or hardware-level as required.
- Step 4
Verification
Recovered data is checked for integrity and completeness, and a file list is shared so you can confirm what matters is there.
- Step 5
Secure delivery
Verified data is returned through an agreed secure method, with guidance on validation before it goes back into production.
What affects the outcome
Outcomes are never guaranteed. Every case is assessed on its own condition, and we tell you what is realistic before you commit.
- Physical condition of the media and the extent of any damage
- Whether the media has been written to, reformatted or re-initialised since the failure
- Encryption, corruption or partial overwriting of the data
- Availability of source data such as images, backups, logs or transaction records
- Attempts made before assessment (rebuilds, repair tools, repeated reboots)
AS Data Recovery
For healthy drives with deleted or formatted data, the software may recover what you need without a service engagement.
Frequently asked questions
Should I keep trying to power the drive on?
No. Each attempt on a mechanically failing drive can cause further platter damage. Power it off and contact us for an assessment.
Can data recovery software fix a clicking drive?
No. Clicking indicates a mechanical or firmware problem. Software can only help with logical issues on a drive that reads normally.
Do I need to send the drive to you?
For physical failures, yes. For logical failures on a readable drive, remote recovery may be possible after assessment.
Related services
Not sure what you're dealing with?
Describe the situation and we'll tell you what's realistic.