Data recovery FAQ: answers to your questions

Yes, visits to our laboratory in Ins (Anet) are possible by appointment. Access to the laboratory is controlled by badge, so the visit is accompanied by a technician. This allows you to see for yourself the safety and cleanliness conditions in which your media will be processed.

Yes, we can read the vast majority of old and proprietary tape formats. Our laboratory has a collection of hardware readers and specialized software covering dozens of obsolete or rarely used formats today, including open reel tapes, DAT, DDS, LTO, QIC, Exabyte, DLT cartridges, and many other industrial or proprietary formats.

For each medium entrusted to us, we precisely identify the format, select the appropriate reading equipment, and extract the data into a modern and usable format. In the case of an unknown or very rare format, we perform a preliminary analysis to assess the feasibility of recovery before any intervention.

Restoring exact files from a tape is possible in most cases, with complete preservation of the original directory structure (file names, folders, metadata). According to industry data, over 85% of magnetic tape restorations result in complete file recovery when the tape is not severely damaged.

Two recovery modes are available:

1. Exact File Restoration — Recovery of each file individually with its original path, metadata, and permissions. This option is possible when the tape is readable and the format (LTO, DDS, DLT, etc.) is identifiable.
2. Raw Tape Image — Bit-by-bit copy of the entire contents of the tape, provided when file-by-file recovery is not possible due to partial corruption, encryption, or a non-standard proprietary format.

A tape is considered too corrupted for a complete restoration only when the sectors containing the index tables or file metadata are physically unreadable. In this case, the raw image allows preserving all recoverable data for further processing.

Yes, the architectures are different and influence the recovery method. The iPhone systematically encrypts all data via the Secure Enclave chip. Without the PIN code or Apple ID credentials, extracting the encrypted data is impossible even in a laboratory—this is a deliberate protection by Apple.

Android smartphones offer more flexibility: encryption is enabled by default on recent devices, but the access methods (ADB, EDL mode for Qualcomm, manufacturer recovery modes) are more varied. Success depends on the manufacturer (Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, etc.) and the Android version.

In both cases, our technicians have the necessary professional tools (Cellebrite, MSAB, specialized hardware tools) to maximize the chances of recovery.

Symptoms

A defective hard drive PCB (Printed Circuit Board) is a damaged component that prevents the hard drive from being recognized by the system, usually caused by a power surge, a faulty power supply, or a sudden electronic failure. When the PCB fails, the hard drive becomes inaccessible, even if the magnetic platters containing your data remain physically intact.

Characteristic Signs

• Burning smell: sign of a burnt electronic component on the PCB
• Hard drive not recognized: the BIOS or OS no longer detects the drive
• No spin: the drive does not start or stops immediately
• Visible burn marks: black marks or melted components on the board

Generally, yes. You pay the data recovery invoice, then submit the claim to your insurance company for reimbursement. SOS Data Recovery provides all the necessary documents (detailed invoice, technical report) to facilitate the claim processing.

Yes. We have a bank account in CHF and an account in EUR, both domiciled at UBS SA in Neuchâtel (SWIFT: UBSWCHZH20A). EUR transfers are thus received without conversion fees for customers located in the Eurozone. Our full bank details (IBAN, SWIFT, VAT) are available on this page in the section "Our bank details".

Yes. Travan is a variation of the QIC/SLR format developed for the general public. Our fleet of readers covers Travan NS8, NS20 and all previous generations.

Clean room for hard drive repair: Yes, we have an ISO Class 5 (Class 100) laminar flow cabinet, which is essential for opening hard drives safely. This infrastructure filters the air to a maximum of 1,000 to 10,000 particles per cubic foot, eliminating any risk of contamination of the magnetic platters—a dust particle of just 1 micron is enough to cause an irreversible head crash.

Why is an ISO laminar flow cabinet essential for hard drive repair?

• Protection of magnetic platters: The platters rotate at 5,400 to 7,200 rpm with an air tolerance of 3 to 5 nanometers between the read head and the surface—any foreign particle causes permanent damage.
• Compliance with ISO standards: An ISO 5 environment guarantees controlled conditions that comply with international data recovery standards.
• Higher success rate: Interventions carried out in laminar flow cabinets show significantly higher data recovery rates than in uncontrolled environments.

Yes, we have several collection points in Switzerland and neighboring countries. It is also possible to bring your media to us in person or use a partner carrier.

Yes, we have local numbers in several countries to avoid international call charges:

• Switzerland: 0840 440 840 (national), 061 551 03 40 (Basel), 044 552 03 70 (Zurich)
• France: 09 75 12 23 66
• Belgium: 078 480 294
• England (London): 020 3514 2288
• Luxembourg: 20 88 05 20
• United States: New York 646-453-6851, Boston 857-239-0950, Los Angeles 213-438-9050

All data recovery work is performed from our laboratory in Switzerland, regardless of the number dialed.

Yes, we have over 30 collection points in Switzerland. You can also send your media by secure mail or request a home pickup for urgent or bulky cases (servers, NAS).

Yes, we offer an emergency data recovery service available 24/7 for critical cases. Our dedicated hotline guarantees immediate support upon request, with no waiting time for urgent situations.

This service is designed for critical situations where every minute counts: sudden data loss, major system failure, or any situation requiring priority intervention.

Yes. Our 24/7 emergency service is available upon request, particularly suited for critical situations: server failure paralyzing a business, legal or regulatory deadline, medical or scientific data. In emergency mode, processing is prioritized with an indicative turnaround time of 1 to 3 business days. Mention the urgency in the form or call us directly.

Yes. Our laboratory has SDLT drives covering all generations. You only need to send us the tape.