Repairs
Data recovery from computers and drives
Getting files back from failed, deleted or damaged drives.
Deleted folders, a laptop that will not boot, an external drive that suddenly shows as empty - in many of these cases the files are still there and can be copied off safely. We assess the drive first, copy what can be read to new storage, and tell you honestly what we can and cannot recover. Recovery is not always possible, and drives with physical damage may need a specialist cleanroom lab.
- The drive assessed before any recovery attempt
- Recovered files copied to new storage, never back to the failing drive
- An honest assessment if a specialist lab is needed
Signs you need data recovery
- A folder or project was deleted and is not in the recycle bin
- The computer will not start and the files were never backed up
- An external drive asks to be formatted when you plug it in
- A drive makes clicking, grinding or beeping noises
- A camera card shows no photos after an event
How we do it
The first rule of data recovery is to avoid making it worse. We assess the drive before trying anything, checking whether the fault is logical - deleted files, a damaged partition, a corrupted system - or physical. Where the drive can be read safely, we take an image or copy of it first and work from the copy, so the original is not stressed by repeated attempts.
Recovered files go onto new storage and we go through them with you to confirm what matters is there. We are honest about the limits: overwritten files are often gone, and drives with mechanical damage such as failed heads need a specialist cleanroom lab. If that is the case we explain the options before you spend anything, and help with backups so it does not happen again.
Typical data recovery jobs
- Accidentally deleted files and folders
- Laptops and desktops that will not start
- External drives and USB sticks not showing up
- Memory cards from cameras
- NAS and RAID failures
- Files left after ransomware or corruption
Specific data recovery jobs
- Data recoveryA drive has failed or files were deleted and you need them back.
- Hard drive replacementThe drive is clicking, failing checks, or has died.
- Recover deleted filesI deleted a folder by mistake and it isn't in the recycle bin.
- External drive not recognisedMy external hard drive won't show up or it asks to be formatted when I plug it in.
- NAS or RAID failure recoveryOur NAS says the volume has crashed and the shared files are gone.
- Camera memory card recoveryThe camera card shows no photos after a wedding or event and we need them back.
Data Recovery for businesses
For businesses, lost data usually means a shared folder deleted by mistake, a failed NAS or a laptop that held the only copy of something important. We recover what can be recovered, check whether backups were actually working and set up a plan so the next mistake is a quick restore from backup rather than a recovery job. Recovered files are handed back on storage you control.
Data Recovery at home
At home it is usually family photos, a thesis or years of documents on one laptop or external drive. Stop using the device as soon as you notice the problem and switch it off. We come to you, assess the drive and copy what can be saved to a new drive, then set up a simple backup.
Before we arrive
To make the visit quick, it helps to have these ready:
- The affected drive or computer, switched off
- A list of the most important files or folders
- A new drive to receive the recovered data, if you have one
- When the files were last seen and what happened since
What a visit looks like
When you book data recovery, you tell us what's going on and we reply with a time that suits you and a price. Nothing starts until you're happy with both.
On the day, the technician arrives, looks at the problem in person and confirms the plan with you before starting. If something turns out different from what was expected - a part is needed, or the cause is somewhere else - we stop and agree the change with you first.
When the work is done we test it with you, show you what was changed, and leave the area tidy. For business jobs we note what we did, so there is a record for whoever looks after your IT next.
Pricing
Each data recovery job is priced before work starts. The price depends on what's involved - the size of the site, the equipment, and whether parts are needed - so the quickest way to a number is to tell us about the job on the booking form.
There is no contract and no monthly fee. You book the job you need and pay for that job.
Data Recovery: common questions
Can you always get my files back?
No. Recently deleted files and drives with logical faults often recover well. Files that have been overwritten, or drives with failed heads or motors, may be partly or entirely unrecoverable.
My drive is clicking. What should I do?
Turn it off and leave it off. A clicking drive usually has a mechanical fault, and each power-on can scratch the surface further. Drives like this generally need a specialist cleanroom lab, and we can explain that route.
Where do the recovered files go?
Onto a new drive or storage you provide, never back onto the faulty one. We then check the folders with you so you know what came back before anything is wiped or disposed of.
Data Recovery by area
- Data Recovery in Auckland CBD
- Data Recovery in Ponsonby
- Data Recovery in Remuera & Newmarket
- Data Recovery in Mt Eden & Mt Albert
- Data Recovery in Onehunga
- Data Recovery in North Shore
- Data Recovery in Albany
- Data Recovery in Hibiscus Coast
- Data Recovery in West Auckland
- Data Recovery in Kumeu & Hobsonville
- Data Recovery in East Auckland
- Data Recovery in Botany & Flat Bush
- Data Recovery in East Tamaki
- Data Recovery in Manukau
- Data Recovery in Papakura & Takanini
- Data Recovery in Pukekohe
- Data Recovery in Mangere & Airport Oaks
- Data Recovery in Hamilton