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Database recovery in Bristol.

Corrupt database, SQL Server stuck in Suspect mode, a dropped table or a lost transaction log? We also provide recovery services for Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle, and every other type of engine. When the database is corrupted we will repair the damage at the page-level of the database if necessary and will rebuild the database based on the data file(s) if possible. Once this has been done we will be able to access your table(s) and data records. We do not access your original data so you know your data is safe.

From £500 · per database
Most jobs — only pay if we recover your data
SQL · MySQL · Oracle
!

Don't run a repair that allows data loss on a corrupt database.

If you have a corrupted database (i.e., you cannot get it to mount), or if it’s in ‘Suspect’ mode, STOP: do not use repair commands that may cause data loss. Don’t restore over it. Don’t continue writing to it; those can overwrite the same exact data that we are trying to recover. Take the database offline immediately and save both the data and log files. Now call us. This is generally when the best chance at recovery exists. And, we only recover from copies.

// faults we recover from

Database faults we fix.

Corruption, suspect mode, deletion and hardware failure: these are the types of database failures that we recover from most often.

◌Corrupt database fileWhen an MDF SQL Server file, MySQL InnoDB or Oracle DBF is damaged due to a bad shutdown, power outage, disk fault etc. and it is throwing consistency errors, we can repair the file at page level and extract your tables and data.CorruptPages◭Suspect, recovery pending or offlineA SQL Server database is stuck in “Suspect”, “Recovery Pending”, will not mount/will not come online? We work from a copy, fix the data/log files, bring back the database.SQLSuspect⊟Dropped table, database or recordsWhen you’ve accidentally deleted a table or database, or rows without using a WHERE clause, the data is typically still available within the file/log; we can retrieve that data and recover those records.LogicalDeleted▦Transaction log lost or corruptAn LDF corrupted/deleted file so the database will not recover/attach; therefore, the database is rebuilt using the data file with or without the log to produce a consistent database recovery.LogLDF◈Ransomware-encrypted databaseDatabases are one of the most targeted areas for ransomware attacks. Wherever you have un-encrypted pages, prior versions/copies/backups available, in many cases we can recover your data; ransomware does need special attention/handling, please contact us.LogicalRansomware⊘Failed restore or bad backupA backup cannot be restored (corrupt .BAK or .DMP) or a restore leaves the database in a broken state? We will work with whatever you have (.BAK/.DMP/.LDF/etc.) to recover as much of your data as possible.BackupRestore▤Data file without the logOnly the data file remained intact and the log is missing? In many cases we can rebuild a fully functional database from the MDF, IBD or DBF file(s) and recover the tables.Data fileNo log◐Page or index corruptionSpecific pages of your data are unreadable due to checksum errors, torn page errors or index corruption causing queries to fail? We will repair those specific pages and rebuild the necessary indexes so you can begin to use your database again.PagesIndex⊗Storage failure under the databaseYour drive, RAID or server containing your database fails? We will first recover your storage, then repair and recover your database on it.StorageHardware
// databases we recover

Every engine. Every file.

We recover all databases: SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, MS Access and any other type. Corrupted files, lost logs, dropped tables, failed restores; the engine decides how best to proceed, not whether or not we can help.

SQL ServerMySQLMariaDBOraclePostgreSQLMicrosoft AccessExchangeMongoDBSQLiteIBM Db2FirebirdSybaseMDFNDFLDFIBDibdata1DBFEDBACCDBBAKInnoDBMyISAMFRM

Microsoft SQL Server (MDF, NDF, LDF), MySQL and MariaDB (InnoDB, MyISAM), Oracle (DBF), PostgreSQL, Microsoft Access (ACCDB, MDB), Exchange (EDB), MongoDB and SQLite · corrupt files, suspect databases, dropped tables, lost logs and failed backups · on any drive, RAID, NAS, SAN or server.

// our recovery process

How we recover a database.

Recovery in databases refers to retrieving your data from an engine unable to access a database. The process involves working from a copy of the files; repairing the database by page or rebuilding it from the data file alone; and then extracting your tables, individual records and the schema for each table. First, we have to recover the underlying storage (if it has failed), before you can get to the rest.

01

Free diagnostic

Please provide information on which database engine (SQL Server, MySQL etc.) and version you use. Also please provide details about the files affected and what exactly happened. After reviewing the provided data, we will send you a written quote normally within 48 hours.

02

Secure the database files

First we create a read-only copy of all your database files (MDF, NDF, LDF, IBD, DBF or EDB). If the hard disk or array that holds your data fails, we will also recover this item first. So you can be sure that your original files will not get modified by us.

03

Recover failed storage

If the hard disk / RAID / server that holds your database failed, we will fix/repair/image it or rebuild the RAID array first, before doing any database-related work. For drive-level repairs we require 50% prepayment of our fee.

04

Repair the database

We repair your database at page-level. This includes fixing corrupted pages, checksums & headers. In case your log file is missing, we will rebuild a consistent database out of your data file alone.

05

Extract your data

From your recovered tables, records, schema & stored procedures we will export them to a working database or to scripts or to CSV files. The goal is to deliver the most complete and consistent copy of your data possible.

06

Verify

Before we give you access to any of your recovered tables & records, we verify if they are readable and consistent, e.g. row counts, key data, structure etc.

07

Return your data

Depending on how you want to reintegrate your recovered data into service, we will either return your repaired/recovered database ready to attach for you to use directly or we will export your recovered data to formats like CSV etc.

// what we recover from

Every database. Your data back.

We recover every database (SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle etc.). Repairing damaged files, building a consistent database from your data file alone and exporting your tables and records... no matter how damaged your database was or how badly damaged the storage was.

Every engine
SQL, MySQL +
Read-only
files never altered
Page-level
repair & rebuild
48 hr
Diagnostic turnaround
Tables & rows
extracted
20+ yrs
Recovering data
// get a custom quote

Get a custom quote

Tell us what happened and we will get back to you, usually within one working day.

Prefer to call? 0117 332 1137 · Mon–Fri 9am–5:30pm

// pricing

Clear, fixed pricing.

In addition to providing clear, tiered pricing for recovering databases, including a complimentary diagnostic, a quotation is provided (in writing) prior to performing any recovery services.

Database recovery
From £500 + VAT
From, for recovering a corrupted database where files can be read from. When a drive or array fails too, we will charge from £800. In most cases you only pay if we recover your data.
  • Free diagnostic and a written quote first
  • Database repair from readable files from £500 + VAT
  • With failed drive, RAID or server storage from £800 + VAT
  • Database files copied read-only — your originals are never written to
  • Tables, records and schema extracted and verified
// recent recoveries

Failed databases. Real recoveries.

A summary of some recent database recoveries; including recent corrupt file issues, suspect databases, dropped tables and failed storage systems. All names have been removed, and each recovery result has been confirmed.

// CASE 2026-036recovered
SQL ServerMDFSuspect mode

SQL Server database stuck in Suspect mode after a power cut.

The database’s transaction logs had been damaged and it would not come up. We fixed the transaction logs and data, so every table was able to be restored on-line.

// CASE 2026-030recovered
MySQLInnoDBCorrupt tablespace

MySQL InnoDB tablespace corrupted after a server crash.

MySQL would not open because of damage to the ibdata file. We rebuilt the table space and every database was successfully recovered.

// CASE 2026-024recovered
SQL ServerMDF · no LDFDropped table

Production table dropped by mistake with no usable backup.

The rows of data remained in the data file. We were able to carve out the dropped table and recover every row.

// CASE 2026-017recovered
OracleDBFBlock corruption

Oracle datafile with block corruption that blocked recovery.

Several blocks could not be read. We were able to repair the data file and extract both the schema and data completely.

// CASE 2026-010recovered
Microsoft AccessACCDBCorrupt file

Corrupt Access database that wouldn’t open or repair.

Because of damage to the file header. We were able to rebuild the database. Every form and table was successfully recovered.

// CASE 2026-003recovered
SQL ServerRAID 5 · 6 disksArray failed

SQL Server database on a RAID 5 array that dropped offline.

The database was experiencing problems due to two disk failures. We were able to repair and restore the database after rebuilding the array.

// client reviews

Databases recovered. Customers relieved.

True client testimonials from our two-decade archive.

We had a Qnap Raid 5 eight disk system. Two of the hard disk failed, we replaced disks and attempted a rebuild. After rebuild completed system would not start. We had business critical accounts, SQL Database and Exchange Database on Qnap server. Bristol Data Recovery provided us with reassurance from the start that they could recover the data. They got the system in on Thursday and we downloaded the SQL and Exchange files from them on Sunday afternoon so all staff could work as normal on Monday. 1st class customer service.
Q
QNAP RAID 5 · 8 disksBusiness client · archive testimonial
// sending your device in

Two simple steps.

Send us your device for a no-obligation free diagnostic and let us know what went wrong. One of our engineers will inspect it and confirm your exact quote in writing prior to doing any work.

1

Send us your device

To get started with recovering your data, first get your device to us. Wrap it securely, write your contact details on a slip of paper inside the package, include a brief description of what happened and post it to us. After running a complimentary diagnostic we will write to you confirming the exact price prior to starting work.

How to pack it
  • Make sure your item fits in a sturdy, small box or a well-padded envelope.
  • Don’t pack in any caddies, cables or power adapters. We will be able to complete the recovery without them.
  • Write down your contact information (name, address, telephone number and email) on a piece of paper and put this in the package. Alternatively, there is a printable version of our shipping form available on our website which you can print, fill out and place in the package. Seal the package once everything is inside.
Post toBristol Data Recovery
Castlemead, Lower Castle Street
Bristol BS1 3AG
⇣Shipping formPDF · print & include with your devicePDF ↓

Do you want to post the device to us? We highly recommend using a trackable postal service with insurance. Would you prefer to deliver it yourself? That’s fine too. Our office hours for accepting deliveries are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm. Please make sure to wrap the device as described previously.

2

Need more information?

Need some additional information regarding our data recovery services? Fill out the form and provide further detail about your problem and one of our engineers will review it and offer you a personalised quote.

An engineer reviews every enquiry personally — we usually reply within 30 minutes during the day. Prefer to call? 0117 332 1137.

✓

Thanks — your message is in.

We’ll be in touch shortly. For anything urgent, call 0117 332 1137.

// frequently asked questions

Database recovery, answered.

These are the most frequently asked questions regarding restoring a database.

Most likely. The term suspect usually refers to a problem with either the transaction logs or one of the data files; this does not indicate that any data is lost. We will perform repairs using a copy of the database, repair each individual page in both the data files and the transaction logs, and place the restored database online. Do NOT attempt to use repair options that will permit data loss before consulting us.

Yes. We can repair damaged database files at an individual page level (corrupt pages, checksum errors, corrupted header, etc.) regardless of which database engine is being used. This includes extracting the individual table names, fields and records from SQL Server, MySQL, MariaDB, Oracle, PostgreSQL as well as other engines. In addition, if the database engine cannot open the file (i.e., damaged or corrupted), we may still be able to obtain all of your table information by repairing the damaged areas of the file.

Yes, usually. If you have stopped writing new information to the affected database(s), it’s possible that deleted information may remain in either the data file itself or in the transaction log until the space occupied by those records is reused. Contact us immediately so we can recover the deleted information from your tables. The faster you call us, the higher probability there is of successful recovery.

Yes, usually. Even though many databases require the presence of a valid transaction log (LDF) in order to maintain consistency, it is often possible to create a consistent database based upon a single data file (MDF, IBD, DBF). In cases such as these, we can recover the contents of the tables even without access to a valid transaction log.

Repairing a corrupt database that is still accessible begins at £500 + VAT. If the disk, RAID array or server holding your database has also failed then the repair will begin at £800 + VAT based on the type of storage and the amount of work required to complete it. Each job starts with a free diagnostic and written quote. In most cases you only pay if we recover your data.

Yes, on most of our jobs. Where a drive needs mechanical/physical repair, we will charge a 50% deposit prior to starting recovery work and do not collect the second 50% until successful recovery of your data. Therefore, if we cannot recover your data, you are not left with the full bill.

All of these: for all databases (Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, MariaDB, Oracle, PostgreSQL, Microsoft Access, Exchange, MongoDB, SQLite and more) the engine decides how they will be recovered; this does not relate to if the information can be recovered.

Yes. In those instances where the drive, server, RAID or NAS/SAN holding the database has crashed, we will image the drive or rebuild the RAID and then perform repairs and recoveries of the database off the same drive. We are able to provide recovery services for both layers of data (storage and database).

At times. Ransomware targets databases very frequently; as long as there are un-encrypted pages, previous versions/backup(s) still exist somewhere, we may be able to recover the data. A fully encrypted database requires additional specialised procedures therefore please contact us regarding full encryption prior to sending payment to anyone else.

Usually repairing a database which is readable will take 2 to 4 working days. When the underlying storage crashes as well, it can typically take up to 4 working days. Typically our free diagnostics will be completed within 48 hours. Businesses can often expedite their case based on urgency.

If the storage is healthy you can either ship your database files on a drive, or bring them by our Bristol office Monday to Friday during business hours (9am to 5:30pm), or post them to us. Fully insure shipping. If your storage (drive/array) has failed then simply send the drives labelled in the order of bays. Please include your name, company name, street address, phone number and email so we can schedule it, and also provide a price quote prior to commencing any work.

// database failed?

Corrupt database, suspect mode or a dropped table? We'll recover it.

Free diagnostic, tiered pricing beginning at £500, and in most cases you only pay if we recover your data. Recoveries of databases (SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle etc.), file & storage. Start recovering now.

Call us — 0117 332 1137
Mon–Fri · 9am–5:30pm · No fix, no fee
Start a free diagnostic →