Data recovery: hard disk, SSD, pen drive
Deleted photos, a formatted drive, a hard disk that clicks, a pen drive asking to be formatted. Stop using it now. Every extra try lowers the chance of getting files back.
Surya Computers recovers lost data from hard disks, SSDs, pen drives and memory cards at our shop in Tragad, Ahmedabad. We check the drive first and tell you what's recoverable before charging for recovery.
Which situation are you in?
| Situation | Chance of recovery | What to do now |
|---|---|---|
| Files deleted, Recycle Bin emptied | Good on hard disks, lower on SSDs | Stop saving anything to that drive |
| Drive formatted by mistake | Good if quick format and not reused | Don't install anything on it |
| "Drive needs to be formatted" message | Usually good | Click Cancel, never Format |
| Laptop dead, files inside | Very good. Drive is usually fine | Bring the laptop as it is |
| Hard disk clicking or not spinning | Depends on damage | Power off and keep it off |
| Files encrypted by ransomware | Low, sometimes possible | Disconnect from internet, don't pay |
What we can and can't do
We handle logical recovery in-house: deleted files, formatted drives, corrupted partitions, and drives that Windows no longer recognises but which still spin and respond. That covers most cases we see.
Drives with physical head or platter damage need a clean-room lab. If yours needs that, we'll tell you, explain the likely cost range, and you decide. [CONFIRM: confirm whether you send clean-room cases to a partner lab]
Things that make recovery harder
- Running free recovery software and saving the results to the same drive
- Reinstalling Windows on the drive you want files from
- Repeatedly plugging in a clicking disk to "check once more"
- Putting a wet pen drive or phone card in rice and then using it
Once your files are back, set up a simple backup so this doesn't happen twice.
Common questions
Can you recover files I deleted from the Recycle Bin?
Often yes, as long as the drive hasn't been used much since. Deleted files stay on a hard disk until something new is written over them. On SSDs, recovery is harder because the drive clears deleted space automatically.
My hard disk is clicking. What should I do?
Switch the computer off and leave it off. A clicking disk usually has a mechanical fault, and each power-on can scratch the surface further. Bring it in without trying recovery software.
Will you look at my private files?
We only check that recovered files open, using file names and a sample, and we show you the list. We don't browse personal photos or documents. Recovered data is deleted from our system once you have your copy.
Do I need to bring an empty drive?
Bring one if you have one of enough size. Otherwise we can supply a pen drive or external disk at shop price.
Something not working? Call before you come.
We can often tell over the phone whether it's a quick fix or a day's job.