When a drive does not show life (no spinning, no sounds, etc.) it is generally indicative of a problem with either the circuit board or the motor. However, if the platters are undamaged the data is still present. In most instances we can repair or bypass the failure and read the disk in-house.
If a drive is unable to power on (does not make any sounds, does not rotate), attempting to force it to do so (multiple times) will not resurrect it. Additionally, should the failure be mechanical-related, repeatedly forcing it to power-up will only increase potential damage. Attempt to use a new cable and try another USB port before sending it in to ensure you have ruled out an easy-to-fix error. Once you determine it cannot turn on, switch it off immediately and send it to us. Continued attempts may result in further harm rather than restoration.
An unresponsive drive will usually have one of a handful of different issues; however, most of those are non-destructive to your information.
We retrieve data from failed power-on hard drives from all main manufacturers (internal, external and those within computers/laptops).
Hard disk drives (HDD): 3.5" and 2.5", external portable HDDs, desktop computer/PC/laptop/Mac internal and external HDDs, NAS and server disks.
Any drive that will not boot up is initially tested electronically and by firmware. We repair or bypass the cause for failure of the drive, revive it just enough to read the data and then create a read-only image of the drive, never depending on the failing drive.
We determine the board, motor and firmware issues as to why the hard drive did not turn on and if the platters were damaged/destroyed, and then provide a written quotation.
We can fix a dead board; if not possible, we transplant the drive's unique ROM into an identical donor to maintain it as it was, instead of transferring to a complete unknown.
If the problem lies within the non-accessible firmware region, we replace/repair the required modules for the drive to be able to boot up & establish its identity.
In case of a seized motor (dead) or stuck heads, the drive will have to be taken apart, and the platters will need to be free enough to read.
After stabilisation, we obtain a read-only sector-by-sector copy, and then recreate the file/folder directory from this.
Your recovered files will then be tested by opening them to ensure they open and are usable prior to returning them to you.
You will receive your recovered files on new media or via our free 75GB (or less) download service.
The range of our services includes all types of failures including dead boards and seized motors, firmware issues and enclosure issues, reviving the drive which will not turn on and always reading it using a read-only image after being stabilised. These include all types of drives: internal drives, external drives and laptop drives.
We can usually give you a quick answer about the symptoms of the failure of the drive. The symptoms are best described as quickly as possible and we’ll respond rapidly, generally within half an hour, during office hours.
We will get back to you soon. If it is urgent, call 028 9002 0144.
Diagnosis is at no charge. Nothing will be started without first receiving your written approval of a fixed price quotation. If there is physical labour required for recovery, we request 50% upfront to cover donor parts and/or labour. The remaining 50% is only due upon successful recovery of your data.
Dead-on-power (DoP) recovery results for different makes: device types recovered, outcomes shown; customer info held private.
This board was damaged by an electrical surge which destroyed its protective diode. We replaced the diode and transferred the ROM across, and it now powers up and successfully images.
The motor had locked down. We were able to free the platters. Once we stabilised the drive we could recover everything on the platters.
It would not initialise because corruption in the firmware section was preventing this. After fixing the module and after the drive had recognised itself, it imaged cleanly.
When our customers who are located in Belfast write a verified review about their “dead” hard drives after we have restored them, those will be posted here.
Don't worry, there are no fake reviews here! As soon as we get a new verified, named review from one of our clients based in Belfast, we'll add it to this page. Until then, please don't hesitate to give us a call and speak directly with an engineer at 028 9002 0144 for any further information regarding your specific issue.
Send or drop off your item for a free diagnostic check with a description of the issue. One of our engineers will review the item, then provide you a written quote prior to doing any repairs.
Prior to sending or dropping off your device for a diagnostic test (free), obtain a quotation from us via telephone or using the provided form. Step one: get the device to our Belfast bench. Carefully wrap the device and include your contact information inside the parcel. Then send it over. There is no charge for this diagnostic service. Once we receive it, you will be given a firm written price to confirm whether you wish to go ahead, before any work is done.
Sending it? The use of a tracked, insured delivery method would be recommended. Alternatively, dropping it off can also be done Monday to Friday, 9am–5:30pm; no prior booking required but do ensure that all items are packed accordingly.
Still waiting to send something? Please complete the form describing the failure/fault in your own words and one of our engineers will get back to you with a quotation based upon your individual circumstances.
We will get back to you soon. If it is urgent, call 028 9002 0144.
A non-functioning drive with no audible noise (no spin, no click) may be due to a fried circuit board; this is likely as the result of electrical surges or reversing polarity on the power adapter, which kills the board’s protection diode. Hard drive electronics repairs require true “bench” work; modern printed-circuit boards (PCBs) contain specific drive configurations stored on a read-only memory (ROM) chip; therefore a replacement board will only function as long as this chip (or its data) is successfully moved from the original board to the new board. When done correctly, even damaged drives may come back fully readable.
What we are asked most often in our practice regarding issues with drives that fail to turn on.
Most likely not. Dead boards, jammed motors or firmware errors usually represent hardware problems which leave the media (platters) and data intact behind the error. While bench work is required for recovery of these types of failures they are among the easier of recovery tasks.
First try swapping the DC power cord and if you're using an external unit also try a different cable and then test with a different USB connector; do not continue to test after that. Faulty connectors or loose connections within either end of a cable and/or failure within the electronic components of an external enclosure can provide symptoms similar to dead or failing internal hard drive mechanisms. Once you determine that the issue lies with the drive itself, cease further testing and arrange for professional assessment.
Probably not. The configuration information (firmware and calibration data) contained within each board is unique to a given drive, therefore swapping boards (bare) would almost certainly render the original configuration ineffective and could possibly create additional damage. Properly performed restoration involves copying the original ROM to the donor board thereby preserving the drive's identity.
Often it's the enclosure. Sometimes when a drive fails, it isn't because of the drive itself: it's the circuitry within the case (the power supply) or perhaps the USB bridge that failed and that caused the failure. In this instance both the enclosure and drive are checked at the diagnostic. In every eventuality we will attempt to recover the data from your hard drive.
If the issue with your drive is due to a hardware fault (i.e., mechanical, such as a motor seizure or stuck heads), repeated attempts to "reboot" or "power cycle" may actually do damage. Therefore once you have verified that there is no connectivity error via a cable test (with both ends connected and tested) please refrain from attempting to turn it on again.
For one drive the cost of recovery will typically be £300 + VAT. You will receive a complimentary diagnostic service. In most cases you only pay if we recover your data. However, if we physically repair your drive we require a 50% deposit towards parts and labour; however, you would only need to pay the remainder if your data is successfully recovered. The price will also be confirmed in writing prior to our commencing work.
For drop-off, you may bring the drive to Cromac Square any weekday between 9am and 5:30pm. Alternatively, you can send it via insured post to our office. Please box the drive securely and include an internal label with your full name, phone number, email address and postal address. We only require this information to complete the necessary steps for the free diagnostic and provide your quotation.
Generally, when a drive refuses to boot, it is likely due to a faulty board, motor or firmware issues. But rest assured your files remain safe. Please send it in and we will diagnose the issue and recover your data. The diagnostic service is complimentary. In most cases you only pay if we recover your data.