Data recovery is the process of retrieving data stored on an inaccessible storage media device, such as hard drives, RAID systems, SSDs, memory cards, USB thumb drives, smartphones, tablets, etc.
Clients submit defective media to us for recovery. Upon receipt, we conduct a free diagnosis to determine the extent of the damage causing the loss of data and the required steps for recovery. We then provide a firm quote and an estimated turnaround time to complete the recovery. This evaluation is free of charge (unless the device has been previously tampered with) and no work beyond this will be performed without client approval. Upon receiving approval to proceed, we start working on the case, performing all necessary steps to access the data. Once the recovery is complete, clients receive a list of recovered files. We only charge for successful data recovery. We finish by transferring the recovered data onto a device of your choosing (provided by client, or purchased from us). It is prepared for pick up if you are local, or shipment if out-of-town.
We do not charge any evaluation fees excluding Second Attempt recoveries (unless the damaged media is submitted directly to our lab).
We 100% believe in results. Therefore, there is never any charge to our clients if their data is not recovered. Our firm quotes are only applicable if we are able to successfully deliver results (recover your data). The only exception is with Second Attempt recoveries, in which the media has been previously physically tampered with. These cases require a $50 diagnostic fee, which is applied toward the total cost of recovery. We can waive the fee if the media is submitted directly to our lab in Vancouver, BC.
Depending on the amount of data recovered and your preference, the recovered data can be transferred onto an external hard drive, USB flash drive, etc. A drive can either be supplied by the client or purchased from us.
Recovered data is shipped within Canada for free! All shipments include tracking numbers. An added shipping fee may be applied for the return of oversize devices (i.e. RAID enclosures, DVRs, server racks, etc.).
We do not charge different rates based on the operating system used. Our data recovery experts are equally familiar with and equipped to work on all operating systems alike.
For those requiring faster options, expedited services are available too: Priority service – 4 to 5 business days, and Super Rush – 1 to 3 business days. These services require an extra charge, but they ensure our speediest attention.
Our technicians have all the hardware and software necessary to handle every data loss situation. Unfortunately, there can occasionally be extensive enough damage to a device where data is truly unrecoverable. This is often due to severe damage to the platters which is where the data is physically stored. No company can guarantee recovery until a diagnostic has been performed on the device. If a company claims otherwise, the claim is misleading at best.
It is very important to pack your hard drive the best you can. You should place the hard drive in an antistatic bag, if available, and wrap it with some protective material (i.e. bubble wrap), so that the sides are padded and away from all edges of the box. Try to center the hard drive as much as possible, and make sure it’s immobile within the box. Multiple drives can be placed in one box, but they need to be wrapped individually. Make sure there is at least 5 inches of padding between all drives. We recommend shipping hard drives via air service to minimize handling.
Yes, we can recover files lost from virus infections with the exception of a ransom virus.
Yes. The chances for a successful recovery increase if no new data is written to the disk after the reformatting has been done. If new data is saved, the recovery may result in a raw format (no file names), and some corruption is normally inevitable. This is why it is very important to refrain from using the computer once you notice you have mistakenly deleted your data or formatted your drive.
Absolutely. In fact, this is one of our main areas of expertise. Our specialists are experienced with handling virtually any RAID size and configuration, from a 2 drive array to colossal ones, including proprietary systems such as Drobo, QNAP, Synology, etc. Utilizing our proprietary hardware and software, our RAID recovery success rate is one of the highest in the industry.
ReStoring Data can recover data from all media manufacturers, including: Western Digital, Seagate, Maxtor, Samsung, IBM, Toshiba, HGST, Quantum, ADATA, LaCie, LG, Sony, Verbatim, ASUS, Corsair, Crucial, Dell, Fujitsu, G.Skill, Hitachi, Intel, Kingston, Lexar, Mushkin, OCZ, SanDisk, Transcend, Zalman, and Zotac.
We are equally equipped and trained in recovering data from all computer operating systems, including: Windows, macOS, OSX, Linux (Ubuntu, RedHat, Debian, etc.), Novell Netware, and OS/2. Similarly, we can recover data from all mobile operating systems, including: Android OS, iOS, Blackberry OS, Symbian, and Windows CE.
It is very rare that we encounter an interface that we can’t handle. We support the following interfaces for data recovery: IDE/EIDE, Serial-ATA, SCSI, IEEE1394/Firewire, USB, PCMCIA, SAS, ZIF and more.
Common failures we recover data from on a daily basis are: Accidentally formatted drive, Deleted files and partitions, Data loss due to virus contamination, BIOS doesn't recognize hard drive, Overwritten files, Blue Screen of Death, Burning smell coming from hard drive, Hard drives that will not spin up at all or properly, Platter damage, Fire and/or water damage, Failed RAID Arrays, Deleted/corrupted digital camera photos, Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Failure, Loud clicking or other noises coming from drive, Deleted text messages or photos from a smartphone.
No. Our prices are determined by the severity of the problem and the actions required to access the data stored on the defective media rather than the amount of data needed. Gaining access to the drive/data is the challenging part. Once we do, we first target the specific data you are looking for, but then try to extract as much extra data as possible.
Certainly! ReStoring Data and its employees commit to absolute non-disclosure of all information supplied with, stored on, or recovered from a client’s digital media. Being exposed to private information is the nature of our business, so clientele confidentiality is taken extremely seriously.
A logical failure typically refers to corrupt or lost data on a disk with no physical problems. This can be caused by an operating system failure, a virus infection, unintentionally formatting a drive, accidental deletion of files, or (rarely) static damage. A physical failure is when the device itself is physically damaged and needs repair or replaced components. Damaged head disk assemblies, spindle motors, failed circuit boards, corrupted firmware, and damaged platters, are a few examples of physical damage. When a physical failure occurs, typically the hard drive makes strange noises (e.g., clicking, beeping, grinding), or will not be recognized by BIOS. If there are any noises or sounds, or you suspect a physical failure, stop using the drive right away and contact a specialized data recovery company to minimize the risk of a critical data loss.
ReStoring Data Inc. warranties all returned media found to be dead on arrival (DOA) within 14 days of shipment. We keep a backup of clients' data for 30 days to allow enough time to backup the recovered data.
We do not attempt to fix the drive, but rather recover the data on it. Essentially, we have to repair the drive in order to get the data back, but this is a temporary repair aimed at getting a read, sometimes a one-time-only read. A drive that has already failed is extremely unreliable which is why we always encourage clients to stop using it altogether.
Visa, MasterCard, Interac e-Transfer, money transfer, and company cheque.
Yes. ReStoring Data Inc. performs Second Attempt recoveries from drives which have already been opened or that have undergone a recovery attempt. This service allows for peace of mind as it is covered under our No Data, No Charge Policy, ensuring that if our second attempt at recovery is unsuccessful, you will not be asked to pay the service fee. This service is complex, however, and carries an increased risk, so there is a $50 evaluation fee to determine the extent of the damage. This fee is applied directly to the recovery cost if the recovery is successful. We add 50% to our range to accommodate for the extra work associated with attempting data recovery a second time. ReStoring Data Inc. has an excellent history recovering data that has been declared unrecoverable by other companies.
ReStoring Data performs data recovery at three speed levels. All three levels assure the highest quality data recovery techniques are used, and the full spectrum of methods is deployed to ensure a successful recovery. The only difference is in the speed it takes to complete the work. Our three levels of service are: Economy (7-9 business days), Priority (4-5 business days), and Super Rush (1 to 3 business days).
Yes. ReStoring Data Inc. is one of the few data recovery companies utilizing cutting-edge technology to recover data from physically damaged flash-based media storage devices such as memory cards, USB flash drives, hybrid hard drives, and solid state drives. This ability is the result of our extensive R&D and years of expertise.
No. This common misconception is a data recovery myth. Putting the drive in a freezer may actually worsen the problem as water particles can get inside the drive and damage sensitive components. When your hard drive has failed you should immediately contact a specialized data recovery company and submit your case for a free evaluation. Our technicians have experience handling failed hard drives and know the proper way to handle a broken drive to prevent further damage.
Yes. Our technicians can recover data from water-damaged media. Media that has not dried out actually has a higher chance for recovery than a water-damaged drive that is fully dry. That's right, it's better for water-damaged media to stay wet rather than to have it dry out! This is unknown to many users as it seems counter-intuitive. The recovery success rate is largely dependent on the extent of the water damage and how the water has damaged various components of the drive.
Return shipping is included with successfully recovered cases only. If the quote is declined or the recovery is unsuccessful, shipping and handling charges for the return of the failed media will be the responsibility of the client. If you do not wish to pay for the return shipment of your failed device, ReStoring Data will be happy to recycle your failed media.
As long as the phone hasn’t been reset to factory settings there is a high possibility that we can retrieve your deleted files. The overwriting of data happens when the phone is used for prolonged periods of time after the data had been deleted.
Yes. In many situations we are able to temporarily (sometimes even permanently) fix the mobile device enough to be able to extract the data from it.
The service being provided is to find the truth as it exists on the device. That analysis is the objective of the service and a successful analysis is not dependant on coming to the most favourable conclusion for one side or the other. Professional forensic analyses must be neutral. We cannot have a results-based payment scheme as that would bring into question our impartiality and duty to the court.
The trier-of-law (i.e. judge, master) will always have the final say. When we author an Expert Opinion report, we endeavour to make sure it adheres to the rules of the trial’s venue (i.e. BC Provincial Court, Federal Court). It is the client’s and their counsel’s ultimate responsibility to make sure the formatting and form of the report is fileable with the court registry and ultimately admissible as evidence for the type of case it is being submitted to. We are always happy to re-format expert reports to ensure the court will accept them.
Each case is assigned at least one dedicated case manager and one analyst. The case manager is responsible for keeping in touch with clients while passing along any pertinent information or questions to our analysts. During pre and post-analysis consultations, clients are in direct communication with their case’s analyst. This ensures direct attention is paid to the client’s concerns and that any analysis-related questions can asked directly.
Depending on the time-sensitivity of the case, we offer three standards of service: economy, priority, and Super Rush. Economy requires the report be available within 20 business days, priority within 10 business days, and Super Rush is a custom timeframe. For priority cases, pricing rises by 50% and for Super Rush, the price will depend on the exact requirements and circumstances. Super Rush is available for when a report must be complete in less than 10 business days. We’ll evaluate our resources and provide a custom quote based on numerous factors surrounding the case.
Yes. While forensic work is usually done is situation that require reports, we can discuss the needs of the case and leave out the report work when requested.
Yes, but it depends on the particulars. We accept of work orders on a case-by-case basis.
Data recovery is a service in which we extract data from a device after it stops being accessible. Any recovered data is then returned to the client. If data is unrecoverable, no fee is charged. Digital forensics differs in that it is the analysis of data in the hope of answering questions that may be of assistance in a legal or pseudo-legal situation. It starts with the assumption that the data is readily available and the analysis is for a legal process whether it will go to trial or end before that. Both services may be needed in cases where a device contains potential evidence but is not working properly or someone tried to erase their tracks. With both data recovery and digital forensic services combined into one fully equipped laboratory, we ensure comprehensive and economical service.
Anyone who wants questions answered using data stored in a digital device. This may be for a legal case being considered or is already started. However, forensics does not need to be for legal reasons, it may be for curiosity, peace-of-mind, or any other purpose.
Getting an expert report for a digital forensic case is an important decision that a lawyer can certainly answer based on the unique facts of a case. We can always help choose, but a lawyer will be the best ally for getting advice on the best strategy for your case. Generally, an expert report is needed when the digital forensic work will be used as evidence in a judicial setting (i.e. court) and a basic report on forensic analysis results isn’t going to satisfy the requirements courts demand for expert evidence. Nevertheless, cases can have an expert report crafted some time after the initial analysis, but the total cost will end up being higher due to the analyst needing to get set up with the case a second time. We can customize quotes for scenarios where an expert report might be needed later.
Very likely. Our analysts are professional technology geeks and have the experience necessary to analyze data for a wide array of devices. Examples include devices like stand-alone GPS, Android TV set-top-boxes, health monitors, security camera systems, drones, and more. If it is something completely new to the field of digital forensics, we can examine the options as part of providing a free evaluation. Additionally, we can quote for conducting scientific research and development relevant to a novel case when there are no known solutions for examining a device.
Generally, if a device’s data is important, it should not be used or powered on in any way. This preserves the maximum amount of evidence for future analyses. We would then recommend asking us for a quote for having a forensically sound image copy created. This will ensure that a verifiable copy is available for analysis should anything bad happen to the original device. Additionally, if the device is important to a business process, the original device can be put back into service quickly, while the image copy can likely be submitted in evidence just as the original.
Let us know as soon as possible as this will ensure we have enough time to make all the necessary arrangements.