Q: Why do you charge a $25.00 evaluation fee?
A: We have recovered drives that much larger labs have deemed unrecoverable. We are able to do this because we spend more time and pay more attention to detail during the evaluation. If the evaluation is free that lab may simply be looking for an easily identifiable quick fix. If it’s not easy to recover they can simply deem it unrecoverable or simply charge you a very high price that covers the worst case scenario. We take the time required to evaluate it fully and properly because the first attempt is the most critical in getting a successful recovery. Our $25.00 evaluation fee is likely to save you hundreds of dollars because our quotes will be accurate according to the work required. Once you receive our quote and agree to it, you will only pay if you get the files you want back, otherwise there is no additional charge. In other words you only pay for results.

Q: Are you guys trained for actual data recovery?
A: Yes. Unlike many of the competing companies out there, the technician working on your hard drive has been officially trained and is a certified data recovery expert (CDRE). We have been specifically trained in the field of data recovery and are qualified to perform internal and external procedures on your device. We recover data from PC (Windows), Apple (Mac), and Linux file systems. Check out our ‘About Us’ page. We’re qualified and we will do our best to get your data back.

Q: I accidentally deleted files. Can you get them back?
A: Yes. We can bring back deleted files and this is our lowest cost data recovery service. Call us and tell us what happened, we will do our best to help you get it back as soon as possible.

Q: I dropped my hard drive and now it doesn’t work, what should I do?
A: If your data is important to you, send us your drive for a data recovery evaluation. If you have dropped it in water this requires additional attention. Give us a call as soon as possible at 813-727-8095 for specific handling instructions. Note: Each untrained recovery attempt will reduce the chances of a successful data recovery.

Q: My buddy/friend/local computer shop says they can get my data back, should I trust them?
A: Keep in mind that we are data recovery professionals. Any tampering by unqualified or untrained people will often make things worse for you. The untrained will often try tactics that do more harm than good, like banging it, opening it up in an improper environment without proper equipment and training, and even sticking it in the freezer. (see the next question).

Q: I heard that if I put my drive in the freezer, that might fix it.
A: We do not recommend putting your device into any kitchen appliance. In fact, it could very likely cause more damage due to condensation formed inside the drive potentially making it impossible for a professional to get your data.  If you put your electronic device into any major kitchen appliance of any kind you may never see your data again.

Q: My drive has sensitive information on it. Will my data recovery be safe and confidential?
A: Yes, your data will be kept safely locked inside our secure lab. We can also provide a contract of confidentiality agreement or a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), when requested. Devices with Legal and private information sent to us will be securely locked in a our safe. Once our service is complete we can perform a free and permanent destruction of your old device when requested.

Q: I want to start backing up. What should I be backing up anyway? Can’t I just back up the whole computer?
A: You can back up the whole computer but this is usually not a good method for many reasons. First of all backing up everything takes hours each time and that’s wasted time. It might also take up loads of space backing up things you don’t need at all. To keep it really simple and quick, most people just need to backup their personal files (i.e pictures, documents, contacts, favorites, emails, program databases etc.) so back up those. You probably don’t need all those other unknown system files. Those files are already saved on the recovery discs that you created or that came with your computer.

Q: How often should I backup my data?
A: You should back it up every time there is a change. If your contents change frequently a good backup schedule would be either daily, weekly or monthly. You need to determine how important your files are and what backup schedule you are comfortable with. The more time that goes by without a current back up, the more data you may lose in case of a hardware failure.