Data Recovery

Lost important data?

Losing important files can be incredibly stressful. GWBTec can assess the situation, explain the recovery options and help determine the safest way forward.

1

Stop using it

Reduce unnecessary activity on the affected device.

2

Assess safely

Work out whether GWBTec or specialist recovery is the safest next step.

3

Recover carefully

Protect the best possible chance of recovering what matters.

Don't panic — and don't make it worse.
If you've accidentally deleted important files or a storage device appears to be failing, stop using the affected device where possible.

Avoid saving new files to it. Avoid repeatedly restarting or reconnecting a drive that's making unusual noises or repeatedly disappearing. And be cautious about downloading random recovery software and experimenting with the original device.

Accidentally deleted files

A file gets deleted. A folder disappears. Something important gets overwritten or removed when it shouldn't have been.

Depending on what has happened and how the device has been used since, there may be options for recovering the missing information.

Hard drive recovery

Traditional hard drives contain moving components and can fail for a number of reasons.

If a hard drive is making unusual mechanical noises, switch it off and stop using it.

We'll help determine whether the problem can be approached safely or whether specialist recovery is the better option.

SSD recovery

Solid-state drives work differently from traditional hard drives. Recovering deleted information from an SSD can be more difficult because of the way modern drives manage deleted data.

That doesn't automatically mean nothing can be done. We'll assess the situation and explain what's realistic.

USB drives & memory cards

USB memory sticks and memory cards can become corrupted, stop being recognised or be accidentally formatted. Where appropriate, we can investigate whether the information remains recoverable.

NAS & business storage

A NAS can contain huge amounts of important business or personal information. If your NAS has failed, multiple drives are reporting problems or your data has suddenly become unavailable, contact us before making major changes.

Computers that won't start

A computer that won't boot doesn't necessarily mean your files have disappeared. Sometimes the computer itself has failed while the storage containing your information remains perfectly readable.

Our approach to Data Recovery

Understand what happened

We'll ask what went wrong, what device is involved and what has happened since the data became unavailable.

Assess the situation

We'll determine whether the problem can be investigated safely or whether the device should be referred for specialist recovery.

Explain your options

Before proceeding, we'll explain what we believe the next step should be and any potential risks involved.

Attempt recovery where appropriate

Where recovery can be handled safely by GWBTec, we'll work to retrieve the available information while minimising unnecessary changes to the original storage.

Specialist recovery when needed

Some failures require specialist equipment and controlled environments. If that's the case, we'll tell you.

We won't experiment with an important device simply to say we've tried.

Need data removed instead?

GWBTec also provides Secure Data Erasure, helping securely remove information from supported computers and storage devices before equipment is reused, sold, recycled or disposed of.

Explore Secure Data Erasure

Frequently asked questions

Can you guarantee my files will be recovered?

No. Nobody can responsibly guarantee successful data recovery before understanding the condition of the device.

I've deleted something. Should I keep using the computer?

If the information is important, minimise use of the affected storage until you've received advice.

My hard drive is clicking. What should I do?

Switch it off and stop repeatedly trying to access it.

Should I try recovery software myself?

If the data matters, we'd recommend getting advice first.

What if GWBTec can't recover it?

If we believe the device requires specialist recovery, we'll explain that and discuss the next step.

Lost something important?

Tell us what device is involved, what happened, what information you're trying to recover and what you've already tried.

Ask GWBTec About Data Recovery