Hard drive recovery is one of the most sought-after services of the digital age. After all, our computers and laptops hold important pieces of our lives, such as family photos, college papers, company spreadsheets and customer files.
If, after this guide, your hard drive still won’t give access to the files, see our hard drive data recovery service, which starts with a free diagnosis.
Storage devices can fail, often because of human error, but also because of wear and tear over time and a number of other reasons. And anyone who has ever lost files like these knows what a headache it is…
Fortunately, most cases of data loss can be solved. There are ways to get back files you thought you would never see again, especially with the help of companies and professionals who specialize in this work.
Here is everything you need to know about hard drive recovery. As the best-rated multinational in data recovery, we will help you understand how the process works and how to recover files safely.
What is Hard Drive Recovery?
Hard drive data recovery is the process of retrieving files from the hard drive of a computer or laptop when the user can no longer access them the normal way. It is also simply called data recovery.
Hard drives store all kinds of files, such as documents, spreadsheets, photos and programs, that users want to keep and open again later. They are central to the way people use computers.
Normally, you can access this data from the computer itself or from an external hard drive. The problem starts when something prevents that access, such as physical damage to the computer or files being permanently deleted.
In these cases, the files can only be reached through intervention, and that is where hard drive recovery comes in. The goal is to recover as much of the data as possible, ideally all of it, as is often the case for Bot customers.
What is a hard drive and how does it work?
A hard drive is the hardware on which digital data and files are stored. It is non-volatile memory, which means data is not lost when the computer is turned off, unlike RAM, which only holds data while the computer is on.
There are internal hard drives, connected to the motherboard of a desktop or laptop, and external hard drives, connected to the computer via USB.
HD or HDD stands for hard disk (drive). The name comes from the one or more rigid, smooth platters inside it, usually made of aluminum or glass and coated with a magnetic material.
These characteristics give the platters the precision and stability they need to spin at very high speeds.
The platters are where the data is stored, in tracks and sectors that act as storage “drawers”. As the platters spin around a central spindle, the read/write head, mounted on a moving arm, reads the stored data.
The head flies extremely close to the platter surface without touching it, so the arm can sweep across the whole surface without damaging it. The faster the platters spin, the faster the head reaches the data and sends it to the computer.
Everything the hard drive does (spinning the platters, moving the arm, reading, writing, sending and receiving data) relies on an electromagnetic system coordinated by the controller board and its electronic circuits.
How does hard drive data loss happen?
There are many causes of hard drive data loss, from simple file deletion to electrical or mechanical problems. Depending on the damage, the drive may need major mechanical repairs, or only some data or sectors may be affected.
These are some of the main causes of hard drive data loss:
- Impacts;
- Water or fire damage;
- Wear and tear over time;
- Excessive heat;
- Power outages or power surges;
- Formatting the drive;
- Permanent deletion of files;
- Improper computer shutdown;
- Virus and malware attacks.
One of the main causes of hard drive data loss is mechanical damage. Hard drives contain sensitive components and a high-precision mechanism that any impact can affect.
When a device is dropped or exposed to dust or mold, for example, its parts can be damaged. This is especially common with laptops and external hard drives, which are moved around much more than a desktop computer.
Electrical problems are also quite common. Power outages and power surges, for example, can burn out hard drive components and cause data loss.
And who hasn’t accidentally deleted a file and then been unable to find it? A lot of data is lost this way. If you empty the Recycle Bin and don’t have a backup of the files, you will need help to recover them.
Hard drive data loss can also be caused by software problems. Viruses, for example, can slow down your computer, crash your system and encrypt or delete files. In that case, you will need data recovery to get them back.
How do you recover data from a hard drive?
Hard drive data recovery is the solution in all of these situations, and in many cases all of the data can be recovered.
When people realize they have lost data from their hard drive, they often turn to data recovery software, which can sometimes solve the problem. Below, you will find some of the programs we recommend.
However, these programs are complex, often produce superficial results and, in most situations, require a lot of experience from the user. One wrong move can wipe out any chance of recovery.
And remember that we are talking about important files, whose loss can be very costly. What’s more, there are situations, especially when there is physical damage, that even the best software cannot handle.
That is why we generally recommend getting professional hard drive recovery help, especially in more complex cases involving sensitive data or severe damage to the drive. A specialized company like Bot has the people, equipment and experience needed to recover the data from a hard drive as safely as possible.
Now let’s look at how to handle the most common hard drive data loss situations.
How do you recover a corrupted hard drive?
A corrupted hard drive is one whose data has become inaccessible for some reason, such as:
- Physical damage to the hard drive;
- Virus and malware attacks;
- Excessive heat or humidity;
- Power outages or power surges;
- Errors in the process of reading/writing data.
You may be dealing with a corrupted hard drive if, when you start your desktop or laptop, the system warns you that the location is not available. In many cases, the drive also makes noises, slows down or freezes, and you can no longer access the data.
If the drive is making unusual noises (clicking, grinding), turn it off and stop trying, because every attempt can make the damage worse. If it only shows logical errors, copy the files you can still access to another drive right away and do not save anything else to it. Then start the recovery process with Bot.
Corrupted hard drive recovery
Recovering a corrupted hard drive, a corrupted partition or corrupted files depends on the diagnosis: different causes call for different steps.
In general, corrupted files can be recovered because they are still stored on the drive; it is only access to them that is broken. The right tools can rebuild that access from the drive’s file index.
Windows has built-in repair tools, such as Error Checking (right-click the drive > Properties > Tools > Check), which scans the drive for file system errors and fixes them. Do not use it before your data has been recovered: to “fix” the file system, it can delete or move damaged files.
If the problem is minor, this check may restore access to the files, but if the data matters, recover it first and only run repairs afterwards.
Another option is the chkdsk command in the Windows Command Prompt. It is run with the drive letter followed by switches, for example chkdsk d: /f or chkdsk d: /r.
The /f switch fixes file system errors, and /r also searches for bad sectors by reading the entire surface of the drive. That is exactly why chkdsk should not be run on a drive whose data you still need: it changes the file system, and /r puts heavy strain on a drive that is already failing.
A safer option is to try a hard drive data recovery program that works in read-only mode and saves the recovered files to another drive. Programs such as Recuva, EaseUS and Recoverit, which we introduce later, can help you recover files from a corrupted hard drive.
Still, any tool or command must be used with care, or you may put your data at risk. The safest approach is to go to a company that can make the right diagnosis before any hard drive recovery attempt.
How do you recover a damaged hard drive?
Damaged hard drives are those that have suffered some kind of physical damage. They often make noises that point to a problem, or the system cannot read the files and shows an error message.
When a hard drive is knocked, dropped, burnt, corroded or has liquid spilled on it, for example, its components can be affected. This can also happen over time, as parts simply wear out.
Physical damage is usually the most serious kind. It can make certain areas of the drive impossible to access, or damage the read/write head, which, if the drive keeps being used, can scratch the entire surface of the platters. Small particles can also come loose inside the drive and damage other parts.
Damaged hard drive recovery
With damaged hard drives, software will most likely be unable to recover the data.
The solution is to replace the damaged parts with compatible ones from a donor drive, such as the read/write heads, or to replace the controller board. Opening the drive must only be done in a laboratory with a cleanroom, with specialized equipment and professionals.
Look for an experienced, reputable hard drive recovery company and explain what may have caused the damage. This makes it easier to diagnose the problem and choose the best procedures to recover the files.
Often, besides replacing parts, professional data recovery equipment for damaged hard drives is needed to read the data again, and only specialized companies like Bot can do this, as part of a full hard drive recovery process.
When a hard drive is formatted, the system deletes the references to the files to free up space, but after a quick format the data usually stays on the drive as long as that area is not taken up by new data.
The same happens when you permanently delete files. The difference is that formatting affects the whole drive or partition, while deletion only affects the files the user selects. Note that a full (not quick) format in Windows writes zeros across the drive, which makes recovery very unlikely.
You might format a hard drive to wipe it or a partition, to reinstall the operating system or to get rid of a virus, for example. The problem is when it happens by mistake, with files that have not been backed up. In that case, you will need formatted hard drive recovery.
Formatted hard drive recovery
You can try to recover a formatted hard drive with a data recovery program such as Disk Drill, Recuva or EaseUS. Select the drive or partition you formatted, let the software scan it and always save the recovered files to a different drive.
However, these programs often produce superficial results, usually have to be paid for and do not always manage to recover the formatted hard drive. So if you want to recover as much data as possible, the best option is a specialized company like Bot: professional work is safer, gets better results and exhausts every technical option.
How do you recover deleted files from a hard drive?
This is one of the most common situations. Files you delete usually go to the Recycle Bin, where you can easily restore them. But if the data has been permanently deleted, you will need data recovery.
Deleted files become inaccessible because the references to them are removed. As long as the space they occupied is not overwritten, the files usually remain on the drive and can be recovered.
Recovering deleted files from a hard drive
After deleting files from your hard drive, do not save new data or install any programs on it, as they may overwrite what was deleted and make recovery impossible.
You can use data recovery software to recover deleted files from your hard drive. These programs often work well in simple cases, but only use trustworthy software, install it on a different drive, and only go ahead if you are confident you can follow the steps. Used incorrectly, they can destroy your data for good.
If the data really matters, get professional help. A specialized company like Bot has qualified professionals who know the right procedures to recover your deleted data more safely and with better results.
How do you recover a burnt hard drive?
Hard drives are electronic devices. Just like your fridge or a fan, they can burn out because of a power cut, a power surge, lightning, other instability in the power grid or a faulty power supply.
These situations can burn out the drive’s logic board, which holds its electronic circuitry. In that case, a compatible replacement board is needed, and the drive’s unique data (the ROM with its calibration information) must be transferred from the original board to it. Only then can the data on the burnt hard drive be recovered (see also our guide to burnt external drives).
Burnt hard drive recovery
For burnt hard drive recovery, you need a board from a drive that exactly matches the damaged one, with the same model, firmware version and other details, so the components can be swapped safely.
Recovering a burnt hard drive takes great care and professional equipment. Don’t try it at home: you most likely don’t have the electronic equipment needed, and a mistake in any of these complex steps can leave the drive in worse condition or even destroy it for good.
A specialized company like Bot can pinpoint the damage and recover the burnt hard drive: qualified professionals replace the controller board, transfer the original ROM and, if the damage has reached the inside of the drive, work in a Class 100 (ISO 5) cleanroom.
How do you recover an external hard drive?
An external hard drive stores files outside the computer. It can be used to expand your storage space or to carry data around easily, for example.
However, being portable makes it more vulnerable to data loss, because it is more easily exposed to physical damage. It can be dropped, knocked or stored in unsuitable places, all of which can damage its internal components.
External hard drives can also suffer the same problems as internal ones, such as viruses, burnt boards and electrical faults. So they may also need external hard drive data recovery.
External hard drive recovery
The right external hard drive recovery procedure depends on a correct diagnosis: the drive may have been formatted, burnt, damaged or corrupted.
Once the problem has been identified, the steps are the same as for an internal hard drive.
But to avoid putting the data on your external hard drive at risk, rely on a qualified company that can correctly identify the problem and find a way to recover the data.
How do you recover a hard drive with bad blocks?
Bad blocks are bad sectors on the hard drive. This means that the data stored in the affected sectors cannot be read.
Bad blocks are usually caused by physical damage, such as an impact that makes the head damage part of the platter surface, or by the drive degrading over time. When they appear, the computer may slow down or freeze, and you may be unable to access the files stored there.
Modern hard drives have a “spare area” for this situation: when bad sectors appear, the drive itself remaps them to sectors in the spare area.
In addition, the file system can mark bad sectors so they are no longer used to store files.
Recovering a drive with bad blocks
Bad blocks are permanent: that area of the drive cannot be physically repaired. And once they start to appear, they tend to spread, so it is not a good idea to keep using the drive. Copy your data and replace it.
The data that was in those sectors can often still be recovered, fully or partially. Because bad blocks are usually caused by physical damage, recovery is more complex and generally needs a professional with equipment that reads the drive gently and retries the difficult areas. So turn to a company like Bot to recover a hard drive with bad blocks.
How do you recover a RAW hard drive?
A RAW drive is one whose file system is missing or cannot be read by Windows.
This can be caused by system errors, incorrect operations, viruses and other problems that corrupt the drive or a partition. It tends to happen more often with external hard drives, which are more exposed to damage.
RAW hard drive recovery
RAW hard drive recovery means getting back to a file system that Windows can read, but the order of the steps matters.
Do not run chkdsk or format the drive before recovering the data. On a RAW drive, chkdsk usually won’t even run, and if it does, it may alter structures needed for recovery.
Formatting the drive with a readable file system, such as NTFS or exFAT, is the final step, never the first, because formatting destroys the references to your files. Recover the files first, with a read-only recovery program that saves them to another drive.
If the data is important, have a professional company recover the files from the RAW drive first; only then can the drive be formatted safely, without putting any files at risk.
Programs to recover a damaged hard drive
There are several programs for recovering files from damaged or corrupted drives, drives with bad blocks, or files that have been permanently deleted. A quick Google search will turn up plenty of them.
Using software to recover data from a damaged hard drive is very risky, as it can destroy the data for good. You need technical knowledge to understand why the drive is failing, and only in a few situations can you recover data from a damaged hard drive with software.
Also bear in mind that these programs may not recover every file, especially in complex cases of data loss.
Here are some programs for recovering data from a hard drive:
- FreeUndelete: data recovery software for Windows, free for personal use.
- Recuva: part of the CCleaner software family. It has a free version with limitations and paid plans with more features.
- Disk Drill: available for Mac and Windows, it recovers up to 500 MB of data for free and offers advanced features in its paid plans.
- Recoverit: one of the most complete and reliable file recovery programs, available for Mac and Windows in free and paid versions.
- EaseUS: offers complete backup, disk optimization and data recovery solutions. The free version lets you recover up to 2 GB; more is available in the paid version.
7 general tips to prevent hard drive data loss
Losing data from a hard drive can be a big problem. Bot recovers the vast majority of the cases it receives, but sometimes the loss is irreversible. And the process of getting your data back can be stressful.
So it is far better to prevent data loss than to get to that point. There are several things you can do every day to achieve that. Here are the main tips:
1. Back up your files
Backing up your files is the number one tip for preventing data loss. It won’t stop the hard drive from failing or getting damaged, but it means you still have your data even if the drive cannot be recovered.
Ideally, keep a copy of your files on an external hard drive and, at the same time, sync them with a cloud service such as Dropbox or Google Drive. That way, if one storage location has a problem, you still have other copies.
2. Avoid knocks and drops
Knocks and drops are a major cause of hard drive damage, especially with laptops and external hard drives. Since a hard drive is essentially a mechanical device, any shock can knock parts out of alignment and damage them.
So be careful when moving or handling your devices. Avoid carrying them around while they are running or leaving them anywhere they could be knocked over at home or in the office. When you transport them, protect them with padding.
3. Keep an eye on the temperature
Excessive heat can affect how the hard drive works and even burn out internal components, especially the circuit board, as well as other parts of the computer.
So avoid using your laptop in the sun and place it on a firm, stable surface. Using it on your lap or on a pillow, for example, can cause overheating.
If your computer is overheating, also check that the fans and cooling system are working properly. The maximum operating temperature varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, but is usually stated in the manual.
4. Keep dust and moisture away
Although hard drives are well sealed, dust and moisture can affect the hard drive and the computer as a whole.
Dirt can build up inside a desktop case or between a laptop’s components. This can block airflow or damage the cooling system, making the computer run hotter.
Moisture, in turn, can speed up component wear and even corrode parts. Dust and mold can also cause short circuits in electronic circuitry and damage the hard drive.
So protect your devices from dirt and moisture; you can use dust covers on your desktop or laptop when they are not in use. And never open a hard drive yourself: without the right environment and equipment, particles will inevitably get inside, stop it from working and reduce the chances of a successful recovery.
5. Use up-to-date antivirus software
Install antivirus software on your computer, keep it up to date and run scans regularly. This improves your protection against attacks that could damage your data.
Be careful which websites you visit and which programs you download, and only use trusted sources. As for external hard drives, only connect them to trusted, virus-free computers.
6. Be careful when turning devices on and off
Starting up and shutting down put the most strain on a hard drive, so avoid doing it too often. For short breaks, use sleep or hibernate instead of shutting down, and turn the computer off when you won’t be using it for a long time.
When it is time to turn off your desktop or laptop, use Start > Shut down in Windows and let the system shut down completely. Letting the laptop battery run flat, switching off with the power button or forcing a shutdown with programs still open increases the risk of corrupted files.
With external hard drives, only unplug the USB cable after ejecting the drive. Otherwise, data may not be fully written, which can corrupt the drive or some of the data.
7. Protect yourself against lightning strikes
Lightning and the power problems it causes can damage a hard drive in an instant. To avoid this, unplug your laptop during thunderstorms whenever possible.
For desktop computers, use a UPS (uninterruptible power supply), which protects against power problems. Its internal battery keeps the computer running for a while after a power cut, so you can save your files and shut down safely.
How much does hard drive data recovery cost?
The price depends on how complex the problem is, not on the capacity of the hard drive or the amount of data lost. During the diagnosis, hard drive recovery companies assess:
- The electronic and mechanical structure of the hard disk;
- The damage it has suffered;
- The fault and the technical feasibility of recovery;
- How the work will be carried out.
Based on this analysis, a quote can be provided. Prices vary a lot; to get an idea, see our pricing page.
When asking for a quote, also check whether the company offers a free evaluation and whether you have to pay to ship the hard drive.
To find out how much it would cost to recover the data on your hard drive, fill out Bot’s quote form now.
Equipment used to recover hard drive data
Hard drive recovery often involves mechanical and electronic repairs on delicate, even microscopic parts: an almost surgical operation. That is why a professional service needs specialized equipment.
To give you an idea, here is some of the equipment we use at Bot that is essential in a hard drive data recovery lab:
- Microscope for electronic repairs;
- Firmware editing equipment, used to make the changes a drive needs before its data can be recovered;
- Professional cloning equipment, which reads the drive in the safest possible way and extracts as much data as possible from it.
It is also essential to work in a clean, controlled environment, so that no contaminants get into the hard drives.
Bot works with the leading manufacturers of professional data recovery equipment, and all of our work is done in a Class 100 (ISO 5) cleanroom: a clean, safe environment classified under ISO 14644-1.
