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How does the data recovery process work?

Our data recovery process is simple and straightforward to allow for the most efficient and cost-effective return of your data. Each case is started with a risk-free case evaluation. Our engineers will diagnose your device to determine whether it contains recoverable files and the condition of each. Your dedicated case representative will contact you shortly after with the results of the evaluation. Your evaluation report will include final price quote, turnaround estimate and a list of recoverable files, so you can see exactly what you are paying for and make an educated decision.

If you do not wish to proceed with the recovery process after receiving the evaluation, we can return your media. The evaluation is completely risk-free and our “No data, No Charge” guarantee provides a free initial diagnostic of all standard cases.

If you accept the price quote, we will treat physical media issues in a secure, controlled environment. We make a copy of your data and treat logical, or software-based, issues to restore your files to a working condition. We respect personal and critical data. When you entrust your data to Data Recovery Labs, you can rest assured that we will take every precaution to guard it like our own. When the recovery process is complete, we can transfer select files to you via secure remote connection or return the recovered data on a device of your choice.

What determines the price of data recovery?

Pricing varies from case to case as dozens of factors can affect the complexity of the recovery process. However, the capacity of the device itself and the turnaround time that the customer is requesting are the key determining factors. We recommend taking advantage of our no-obligation, free evaluation option as it will allow us to provide an accurate price quote after evaluating your media. However, if for any reason you do not wish to send your media in, for general price ranges, please contact us by either calling or filling out the quote request form to discuss your particular case. Without having your media at the lab, it would be helpful to get as much information as possible – specific error messages, unusual noises and particular events that preceded the failure, and any other failure symptoms that might indicate the cause of data loss.

Be wary of companies offering flat-rate recovery services as there are way too many variable affecting the recovery process.

How long does the recovery process take?

In most cases, Data Recovery Labs recoveries start with free evaluations (highly recommended). First, we examine the device to determine its condition and the recoverability of the data. Second, we will provide you with a verbal report on the severity of damage and recovery procedures to be taken. We offer different turnaround options for both evaluations and recoveries depending on client’s needs and service preferences. Our standard data recovery turnaround is 2-5 business days. If you wish to proceed with the standard recovery process, your data will be recovered in the order it was received.

We also offer 24/7/365 services for any data emergency situations. Normally, our specialists successfully recover most of the urgent cases within 24 hours. If your data recovery turnaround is set back for any reason, we will provide you with timely updates to help you make appropriate disaster recovery arrangements.

How should I package my media device for shipping?

If you are shipping a hard drive, please make sure to wrap your device in static-free packaging in original or similar box and lightly tape the edges of the bag to prevent the drive from slipping out during shipping. You can find anti-static bags at most electronics stores. If you need to ship a laptop, RAID array or another device, please get assistance from a professional shipping company or call our customer service team for instructions. You do not need to send us the whole computer system as only the storage device is necessary for recovery process. Please check your manufacturer’s instructions on how to safely remove the media. If for any reason, you cannot remove the media device yourself, feel free to send us the unit and our technicians will do it for you at no charge.

Is data always recoverable?

Unfortunately, no. We use our best efforts to recover data using our expertise however, success rates vary widely by media type and the severity of the damage. Our overall recovery success rate is 96 percent, and we always provide an accurate individual analysis of your case before starting work. In some cases, however, devices may be too badly damaged to recover all of the data. In cases where your data has not been recovered, we will contact you and provide an explanation as to why your data was not recoverable.

Can the data be recovered after an unsuccessful recovery attempt?

It depends on the severity of damage before and during initial recovery attempt(s). Because of our expertise and a truly unique approach, in the past we have successfully recovered cases with multiple previous recovery attempts. Our passion and drive for innovation often calls for new tools to be developed specifically for cases that other deemed "unrecoverable".

SELECT YOUR DATA RECOVERY COMPANY WISELY

What types of devices can you recover?

We specialize in data recovery, media repair, data conversion and digital forensics. Our facilities and team assets allow us to treat practically all types of digital media, operating systems, servers, workstations and laptops. The list of typical recovery cases includes but is not limited to:

  • All types of hard drives, solid-state drives and hybrid drives
  • All RAID configurations
  • Virtual servers and virtual drives
  • SQL servers and individual databases
  • Virtual machines
  • Data tapes and cartridges
  • Flash drives and USB drives
  • Apple iPhone/iPad/iMac and other devices

Data Recovery Labs engineers have extensive expertise with most storage devices from the oldest to the newest. If you do not see your device listed above, please contact us to discuss the details of your case.

Do you recover individual databases?

Yes, we specialize in SQL data recovery and email archive recovery, and our engineers have experience with every file system and failure scenario. Some of our previous cases include but are not limited to RDBMS systems including Microsoft MySQL, Microsoft Visual FoxPro, Oracle, Access, SQL Data Recovery, MySQL, SAP ERP, QuickBooks, Peachtree, Microsoft Exchange Server, FileMaker Data Recovery, Sharepoint Server, Skype Business and many others. If you need access to deleted files, corrupt databases or any other unreadable database data, contact us to discuss your particular case.

Do you provide a guarantee?

Absolutely. If we cannot recover the data you are looking for, you will not pay. We have been able to commit to our “No Data, No Charge” guarantee because of our high success rates and cost-efficient internal processes. Before billing you, we will verify the success of your recovery by asking you to approve a detailed list of recovered files. You can also receive screenshots or remotely view your files on request. We only charge after successfully retrieving our clients' data.

Will my data remain confidential?

Yes. We use strict protocols and networks to keep client information safe. Even our engineers will not directly access any of your files unless you specifically ask them to verify some data; and unless we are obligated by law, we will never share your data with a third party. When you send your media to our offices, you can rest assured that we will take every possible precaution to keep your data both secure and confidential.

Do you store any copies of recovered data?

We keep a backup of the recovered data for two weeks on our protected servers to guard against shipping issues and other unexpected data loss scenarios. After the two week period, our engineers safely dispose of this data using Department of Defense standards.

What are your recommendations on preventing data loss?

First, it is important to ask yourself what would happen if you lose your data. For most individuals it would have at least some negative consequences, for a business or an institution it could be a catastrophe. Your particular backup scenario will depend on the size and contents of your data. Individual users, for instance, often use online backup services or other lower-cost options to protect their files. Hospitals, on the other hand, need high-security backup systems that comply with HIPAA and other regulations.

Generally, it is a good idea to keep at least three copies of your most important files. Whether you choose an automated backup system or you may prefer the control of a manual system, make sure the backup plan is the right fit for you. It is important to back up your data frequently and regularly, so use a system that is simple and convenient to you. And lastly, access, review and restore your backup data on a routine basis.

What should I do if I accidentally delete files?

When you delete a file, your computer does not immediately overwrite the digital information associated with the file. To avoid permanent damage through accidental file overwrite, immediately turn your computer off using its power switch. Do not use the normal shutdown process. Keep your hard drive powered off until you can speak with a qualified data recovery specialist. In many cases the data from the deleted files is fully recoverable. Contact Data Recovery Labs to discuss your particular case. The information we will need is the type of file, the name of the file and the date on which the file was deleted.

What should I do if my hard drive is damaged?

Atypical noises can be an indication of an impending physical drive failure. If you hear any unusual noises from your hard drive, power down the computer and stop using the drive immediately. Do not turn the drive on for any reason as hard drives can sustain serious damage when running in a failed state. This damage can greatly complicate the data recovery process and increase costs of professional recovery services.

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