Hard drive data recovery
Clicking, not detected, dropped or deleted: we recover data from desktop, laptop and external hard drives sent from anywhere in the UK.
Faults we recover from
Hard drive failures fall into two groups, and the group decides the method and the price.
Physical faults
- Clicking, ticking or beeping on power-up
- Drive spins up then stops, or doesn't spin at all
- Failed read/write heads after a knock or drop
- Burnt or damaged circuit board (PCB) after a power surge
- Firmware faults that stop the drive being recognised
- Seized motor or stuck heads
Physical recoveries are carried out in our cleanroom. Where heads or electronics have to be replaced we need a donor drive: an identical model with matching parts.
Logical faults
- Deleted files or emptied recycle bin
- Accidentally formatted or repartitioned drive
- "You need to format the disk" or RAW file system messages
- Corrupted partitions after an update or failed copy
Logical recoveries don't need the drive opening. Deleted files on a standard hard drive are £99 + VAT for up to two hours of work.
Brands we work on
2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drives from LaCie, Western Digital, Seagate, Toshiba, Hitachi, Verbatim, Samsung and others, including drives removed from external USB enclosures and laptops.
Stop before you make it worse
If the drive is making a noise, switch it off and leave it off. Don't run recovery software, put it in the freezer or open the case. Each attempt can scratch the platters and destroy data that is currently recoverable.
| Initial consultation | Free | |
|---|---|---|
| Cleanroom diagnostic | £79 + VAT | |
| Deleted files, standard drive | £99 + VAT | Up to 2 hours of work |
| Logical recovery, 24–48 hours of work | £150–£250 + VAT | 1TB to 4TB |
| Physical recovery, single drive | £450 + VAT | Labour plus donor drive |
Donor drives: we send you a link to buy the matching part from donordrives.com. If you prefer us to buy it, a 30% handling charge applies plus any import charges and VAT.
From failed drive to recovered files
Free consultation
Call or send the form. We work out whether the fault is physical or logical and give you a price band.
Send the drive
Post it by tracked, insured delivery from anywhere in the UK, or drop it at the London lab by appointment.
Cleanroom diagnostic
For physical faults we open and inspect the drive in the cleanroom for £79 + VAT, then confirm a fixed quote.
Recovery
Nothing further is charged until you approve the quote. If a donor drive is needed, we send you a link to buy the matching part.
Data returned
Your files are copied to an external drive and checked with you, then returned by tracked delivery or collected.
Common questions
My hard drive is clicking. Can you recover it?
Usually, yes. Clicking normally means failed heads. We replace them in the cleanroom using parts from a matching donor drive, then image the data. Switch the drive off until it reaches us.
Why do I need to buy a donor drive?
Replacement heads and boards have to come from an identical model with compatible firmware. We send you a link to the right part so you pay the supplier's price directly. If you'd rather we buy it, there's a 30% handling charge plus import charges and VAT.
How long does recovery take?
It depends on the fault. Logical recoveries are typically 24 to 48 hours of work. Physical recoveries depend on donor part delivery and the condition of the platters. We give you a timescale with your quote.
Get a quote for this recovery
The first conversation is free. We'll tell you whether the fault looks physical or logical, which price band it falls into, and how to send the device.
- General enquiries, Mon–Sat 9am–6pm020 7064 4996
- Emergency line, outside business hours020 7237 6805
- Email, usually answered within the hour during opening timessupport@physicaldatarecovery.co.uk
If a drive is clicking, buzzing or not spinning, switch it off now. Every extra power-on can scratch the platters.