F.A.Q. -- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I really need a Data Recovery?
Data Recovery is the process of extracting data from malfunctioning, damaged, or "down" hard drives, floppy disks, Zip® and Jaz® removables, "Thumbnail" drives, camera media cards, CD-RW and DVD-RW disks, and certain backup tapes. Data Recovery nearly always relates to hardware issues, except for some very specific instances, such as damage caused by viruses or vandalism. Generally, data cannot be recovered when the damage is caused by file corruption, the accidental (or intentional) overwriting of files, or if the HDA (the airtight part where the media platters are located) has been opened and contaminated by being exposed to the air.
How long does it take?
The evaluation, including clean room operations and generating the Recoverable File list, typically takes from two to four business days, but it can take longer depending on the extent of damage, availability of proprietary parts, etc. After we receive your approval to proceed, it just takes a couple of additional days to complete the recovery and transfer the data to the restoration media (a FREE loaner External Hard Drive).
What will this cost?
We use a two-tiered pricing structure where we charge a small evaluation fee up front that's based on the Operating System and system configuration. For that fee we will determine if the data is recoverable, and then provide you with a list of all the data files that can be recovered along with a firm data recovery price quote. This allows the customer to verify that the most important files are recoverable and the price is acceptable -- before you have to commit to the cost of the actual recovery. All costs are based on the difficulty of extracting and reconstructing the data stream (not on how many files or folders you need), so whether you need one file or a million files, the process and therefore the cost is the same. When you authorize the data recovery the evaluation fee will be applied toward your recovery cost.
Why don't you offer free evaluation like some other companies advertise?
Unlike some companies who claim to offer free services and then inflate prices later, we charge fair prices for the services we provide at the time we provide them. Our primary advantage is that we offer local service to the majority of our customer base. There is only a handful of Data Recovery services in the country, and in order to obtain the services of our competitors, consumers must be willing to take the time and risk of packaging and shipping their drives to distant destinations, with no guarantee of a successful recovery.
Can I pay extra to have it done faster?
Although all Data Recovery Room projects are considered PRIORITY RUSH status, because of customer demand, we now offer an escalated Emergency Service. That means specific technicians will be assigned to your project to work 24/7 exclusively on your project until completed, including nights and weekends.
