Stop using it first

A failing drive can get worse each time it is powered on, and deleted files can be overwritten by anything new saved to the same storage. Do not keep restarting the computer, do not run repair or recovery programs found online, and do not install anything onto the drive you want to recover.

If the computer offers to format or initialise a drive, say no. If a hard drive clicks, grinds or buzzes, turn it off and leave it off. After a drop, spill or power surge, do not keep trying it to see whether it has come good.

What we can look at

Hard drives and SSDs from desktops and laptops, external USB drives, USB sticks, and SD and other memory cards. Phones can sometimes be included, but phone storage is normally encrypted and tied to that phone, so the options depend on the model and whether it still starts. Tell us what the device is and we can talk it through.

Mark's recovery work over the years includes replacing controller parts on flash drives, reading storage chips directly and swapping hard drive circuit boards. The flash-storage recovery guide describes that work and why each device needs assessing first.

Assessment before any recovery attempt

The first step is working out what has failed: deleted files, a damaged file system, failing electronics or a mechanical fault inside the drive. That decides the safest approach and whether recovery is practical. Nothing is attempted until you know the options and have agreed the cost.

When a drive is failing, the aim is to copy what can still be read onto healthy storage once, then work from that copy rather than the original. Recovered files go onto separate storage, never back onto the failing device.

Honest limits

Some faults need a specialist clean-room lab, such as a hard drive with damaged heads or platters. Opening one outside that environment can destroy the data for good. If your drive needs that, Mark will say so and point you to a specialist rather than attempt risky work on it.

Recovery cannot be guaranteed. An encrypted drive needs its key or password, and an SSD may have already cleared deleted files, leaving nothing to recover. You will hear the realistic options before spending money on an attempt.

Backups afterwards

Once the files are back, open the ones that matter most to check them. Then set up a backup so your files no longer depend on one device: a copy on separate storage, ideally with one kept away from the computer, and a test restore to prove it works.

Do not go back to trusting the original drive for everyday use. If it failed once, plan to replace it. Mark can help set up the backup and the replacement at the same time.

Arrange help and check the cost

Tell us your suburb, the equipment involved and what you need working. Onsite help is on demand or by booking. Check our service areas and discuss availability before making plans.

Every job is quoted individually. Tell us what needs fixing and we will discuss the options and cost before you go ahead. See how a job works.

Ask for a quote Call (08) 6285 5882

Same-day and urgent call-outs available. Travel fees may apply for locations more than one hour from Perth CBD. Confirm the scope and total cost before work starts.

Data recovery in Perth: drives, SSDs and cards

How Mark helps

Tell Mark what's happening

Agree the plan and cost first

Fixed, checked and explained