What Is Data Recovery?
A complete guide to professional data recovery
Data recovery is the process of retrieving lost, deleted, corrupted, or inaccessible data from damaged storage devices such as hard drives, SSDs, RAID arrays, and flash memory.
When a storage device fails or data becomes inaccessible, data recovery specialists use advanced techniques and specialised equipment to extract and restore the information. This requires laminar flow boxes, proprietary tools and years of expertise.
DataHelp has run its own data recovery laboratory in Prague since 1998 and has handled more than 57,000 cases for private and business customers.
Logical vs. physical data recovery
Recovery approaches fall into two categories, depending on whether the device is logically corrupted or physically damaged:
Logical Data Recovery
Recovers data from devices with software-related problems: accidental deletion, formatting, file system corruption, virus attacks or lost partitions. The hardware works, but the data is inaccessible.
Physical Data Recovery
Recovers data from devices with hardware failures: damaged read/write heads, failed motors, burnt-out electronics or physically damaged flash chips. Requires a laminar flow box and specialised equipment.
When is data recovery needed?
Professional data recovery is necessary when standard methods fail to access your data. Common scenarios include:
- Hard drive making clicking, grinding or beeping sounds
- SSD not detected by the computer or showing the wrong capacity
- Accidentally deleted important files or formatted the drive
- RAID array failed or degraded, server not booting
- USB flash drive or SD card not recognised
- Water, fire or physical damage to a storage device
- Ransomware or virus attack encrypted your files
- Operating system won't boot, blue screen errors
How data recovery works
Professional data recovery follows a systematic process to maximise the chances of successful recovery while ensuring data integrity:
Free Case Assessment
Submit your case via our form or by email for a free initial assessment. Send the device yourself or choose optional insured DPD pickup for €45.
Diagnostics (24–48 hours)
We examine the device in our laboratory with its laminar flow box, identify the type of failure, assess whether the data can be recovered and give you a binding quote.
Recovery Process (3–14 days)
Using specialised tools (PC-3000, laminar flow box), we extract the data. Standard mode takes 3–14 days; Priority (24–72 hours) and Express (12–48 hours) are available for urgent cases.
Verification and Delivery
We verify the recovered files and deliver the data on a new drive or via secure FTP. No Data, No Fee: if recovery fails, there is no recovery fee (the optional €45 pickup fee is non-refundable).
How much does data recovery cost?
Data recovery costs vary based on device type, damage severity, and required techniques. Here are typical starting prices:
| Device Type | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| Hard Drive (HDD) | from €99 |
| SSD | from €99 |
| RAID / NAS Server | from €259 |
| USB Flash Drive | from €69 |
| SD / Memory Card | from €69 |
| Mobile Phone | from €99 |
Registering your case and sending the device yourself cost nothing. Optional insured DPD pickup costs €45 and is separate from the recovery price.
How to choose a data recovery company
Choosing the right data recovery provider is crucial. Here are the key factors to consider:
Laminar Flow Box
Essential for work on opened hard drives. An ISO Class 5 laminar flow box prevents dust contamination during head replacement.
No Data, No Fee Policy
Reputable companies charge for recovery only if it succeeds. Avoid upfront fees beyond diagnostics.
Experience and Track Record
Look for 10+ years of experience, thousands of successful cases and positive customer reviews.
Transparent Pricing
Get a binding quote after diagnostics. Avoid companies with vague pricing or hidden fees.
Data Security
Make sure the provider is GDPR-compliant, has secure facilities and signs confidentiality agreements for sensitive data.
Specialised Equipment
Professional tools such as PC-3000, a stock of donor parts and proprietary recovery techniques.
Can I recover data myself?
Software tools exist for simple deletions, but DIY recovery is risky when the hardware has failed. Each failed attempt reduces the chances of a successful recovery.
Warning
Data recovery FAQ
How long does data recovery take?
Standard recovery takes 3–14 days, depending on the damage. For urgent cases we offer Priority (24–72 hours) and Express (12–48 hours); EcoHelp (4–6 weeks) is available at a reduced price.
What is the success rate for data recovery?
There is no meaningful universal success rate across all device types. Recoverability depends on the damage, the condition of the storage medium and whether previous attempts altered or overwrote the data. We assess each case individually before quoting.
Is my data confidential during recovery?
Yes. We follow strict GDPR rules. Your data never leaves our secure Prague laboratory. We sign NDAs for sensitive business data on request.
Can you recover data from a clicking hard drive?
Often, yes. Clicking usually points to a problem with the read/write heads. Switch the drive off and don't open it. If a head swap is needed, we carry it out in our laminar flow box using matching donor parts.
Do you recover data from SSDs?
Yes. SSD recovery requires specialised techniques for NAND flash chips, controller failures and firmware issues. We use PC-3000 SSD and chip-off technology.