When a storage media such as a RAW disk is shown or a card provides an error message when accessed, or simply refuses to access certain files, then the data is normally still available, but the structure surrounding it has become damaged. Our experienced technicians rebuild corrupt file structures and repair damaged files from all types of hard drives, solid state disks (SSDs), USB flash drives, memory cards etc. All work is done in-house.
If a disk becomes corrupted, Windows may prompt you to “scan and repair”, “format” it, or use tools such as chkdsk to try and repair the issues with the disk. However, chkdsk can potentially write over data that was previously uncorrupted while attempting to correct problems; similarly, “formatting” will completely destroy the file table. Do NOT format, do NOT run chkdsk or fsck, and DO turn OFF any disk that is producing an abnormal noise before contacting us.
File system damage normally affects the structural elements of your data rather than the actual data itself, hence it can often be recovered. Below are the primary reasons for file system damage we find:
We recover corrupted data from all types of storage devices as well as all major brands of devices. Therefore if you have a drive with your files on it we can almost certainly assist you.
Hard drives · SSDs · USB sticks · SD, microSD and CF cards · external and portable drives · the drives inside laptops, PCs and Macs.
The recovery from corruption is generally a cautious process that involves copying your original data first; when working with customers’ data, we always make sure that no changes occur on their original drive. This means we create an exact duplicate of their original drive, rebuild the file systems from that duplicate, and then attempt to repair/restore data from that duplicate.
Please tell us what type of data you would like to recover and which device it is stored on. Based upon your request, we will determine whether the problem lies with the file system, specific files, or with the failure of the physical hardware. After that assessment we will provide a detailed written quotation for the services required to perform the recovery, usually within 48 hours.
Once we have created a forensic image of your device, we will only manipulate that duplicate, and do not touch anything else on your drive. By doing things this way, we ensure that your drive is stressed no further and also protect against accidental loss or deletion of data due to our actions.
We will reconstruct the file system structures that were damaged/lost so you should once again be able to access your files/folders using the usual methods provided by your operating system.
In cases where individual files are damaged we will attempt to repair those files where possible; otherwise we will locate intact segments of those files based upon their file signatures.
We will confirm that each file we recover opens as expected, and is intact prior to returning them to you.
All recovered data is returned to you on new storage media, organised and ready for use.
Your data will be backed-up onto an external hard drive, and shipped back to you, or you will be able to access your restored data via our free download service for up to 75 GB.
We restore lost file systems and damaged files from all types of media storage; including hard disk drives (HDD), solid state disks (SSD), USB sticks, memory cards, as well as external drives. Working from a forensic copy of the drive in question, we will rebuild the file system, repair or carve your files and make them available for recovery.
Tell us what is corrupt and we will get back to you, usually within one working day.
We will be in touch shortly. For anything urgent, call 0117 332 1137.
There are no hidden costs and/or pressures, simply a complimentary examination and a detailed written quotation prior to commencing any repair.
Examples of recent recoveries from various forms of media. All names have been redacted and the results were confirmed through verification.
The NTFS file system was corrupted due to an unexpected loss of power. After making a forensic image of the original drive, we rebuilt the file system using only the information contained within the original structures of the drive, which allowed us to completely recreate the folder hierarchy.
The memory card was damaged when it was removed before the write process was completed. As such, it suffered from a damaged file system. We recreated the damaged file system and successfully recovered the photographs and video footage that the camera could no longer read.
The user pulled out the flash drive without properly ejecting it first, which resulted in damage to the file system. From a forensic image made of the flash drive, we rebuilt the damaged file system and were able to recover all of the user’s files completely intact.
True client testimonials from our two-decade archive.
Two months ago I my Canon 2d Digital Camera fell and broke. The camera card seemed intact but when I connected it to my Macbook it did not read it. I took card into the Cribbs Causeway Jessops to get them to try and read pictures from card but they are could not read it on their photo machine. I was recommended to Bristol Data Recovery by Jessops. They recovered 95% of all photos on card, many thanks for your speedy service.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We’ll be in touch shortly. For anything urgent, call 0117 332 1137.
These are some examples of common enquiries related to restoring corrupted files/drives.
Usually, yes. Most often, corrupted files result from damage to the structural areas surrounding your files. This includes both the file system or other elements within the file itself. Rather than attempting to fix or recover your data directly, our team will work with a forensic copy of your device to rebuild/repair your file system/file(s) so they are usable once again.
In most cases, this indicates that the file system is corrupted and not that your drive is empty. Your data is likely located beneath the damaged file system. Do not format your drive. We can rebuild your file system and recover your files instead.
In our experience, this is a poor idea. Chkdsk and other repair applications, when attempting to correct issues on a failing drive may move or overwrite data on that drive as well; this can further complicate recovery. The best way to ensure safe recovery of the data from a drive is to first create a copy (image) of that drive. This is precisely what we do.
Yes, many damaged memory cards suffer damage when they are improperly removed while data is still being written to them. We restore the file structure of the memory card and recover the images and video files. Even though the camera or phone will no longer recognise the memory card, we can still recover those files.
Most often due to a power failure, abrupt shutdown or removal of a drive or memory card during the process of creating data. Bad sectors, crashed software, interrupted file transfer etc., all can also lead to corruption.
Possibly. While occasional corruption after a single power loss should likely be logical in nature, repeated failures of this type or significant numbers of physical bad sectors on a drive indicate that it may be failing. We will inform you about any such indication(s) at the time of diagnostics and we will make every effort to safely acquire your data using specialised equipment if we find that your drive has failed.
Corruption recovery prices are £250 + VAT for memory cards & USB sticks and £300 + VAT for hard drives. A complimentary diagnostic is provided prior to any attempt to fix and in most cases you only pay if we recover your data. If your corrupted data was caused by the failure of a storage device (e.g. a hard disk), we will provide a quote in writing for fixing it in advance of commencing work, as the price may be higher.
Hard disk drives, solid state disks (SSDs), USB memory devices, SD cards, microSD cards, CompactFlash cards, external and portable drives, internal laptop drives, PC and Mac drives. If your device has stored your data then we should be able to assist you.
Most corrupted data recoveries take approximately 1 to 3 working days and sometimes less. The typical turnaround time for our initial diagnosis is approximately 48 hours. When urgent recoveries are required, please let us know and we will endeavour to prioritise these tasks accordingly.
The device may either be dropped off at our Bristol office (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm) for a complimentary diagnosis and a written quote prior to any work being initiated, or posted to us insured. Please make sure the device is properly packaged, sealed and that you provide us with all necessary contact information inside the package (name, address, telephone number and email address) so we can book it in.
Complimentary diagnostics apply to data recovery from any type of media (drives, sticks, cards), and in most cases you only pay if we recover your data. Do NOT use repair utilities; begin your data recovery today.