How does magnetic tape data recovery work?
Magnetic tape recovery is the technical process of extracting backup data from cartridges that have become unreadable, damaged or in an obsolete format. At SOS Tape Recovery, Swiss specialist since 2006, this process runs in 4 steps: free diagnosis in 3 hours, secure dispatch of your tapes, analysis of the format and backup software, and secure data extraction. More than 11,300 media processed successfully.
How do we recover data from your tapes?
Whether your LTO, DAT, DLT or AIT tape is unreadable, damaged or in an obsolete format, we identify two main categories of problems, each requiring a specific approach to restore your backup data.
Logical / software failure
If your tape has one of the following problems, the failure is likely logical:
- Tape readable but backup files corrupt
- Incompatible or no longer available backup software (Backup Exec, NTBackup, ArcServe)
- Unknown or obsolete backup format (MTF, old tar)
- Lost or damaged backup catalogue
- System migration that made tapes inaccessible
We read the tape on our reference drives, identify the backup format used (MTF, tar, LTFS, proprietary) and reconstruct the file catalogue to extract your data in its original folder structure.
Physical tape failure
If your tape has experienced one of the following incidents, the problem is likely physical:
- Broken, folded or wrinkled tape
- Damaged cartridge (cracked casing, jammed mechanism)
- Tape stuck in the drive
- Exposure to heat, humidity or magnetic fields
- Persistent read errors despite drive cleaning
We open the cartridge in a controlled environment to repair or replace the mechanical components (tape, guides, springs). If the tape is physically damaged, we carry out a splicing repair before attempting a progressive read with our calibrated drives to maximise data extraction.
Comparison: logical vs. physical failure
| Criterion | Logical failure | Physical failure |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Obsolete format, unavailable software, lost catalogue | Broken tape, damaged cartridge, heat/humidity exposure |
| Environment | Standard lab, reference drives | Controlled environment, mechanical repair tools |
| Method | Format identification + catalogue reconstruction | Mechanical repair + progressive reading |
| Average time | 1 to 5 days | 3 to 10 days |
| Equipment | Multi-format drive pool, specialist software | Splicing tools, calibrated drives, spare parts |
Tape types we recover
Our lab in Ins has a drive pool covering all magnetic tape formats, from the most recent to the oldest. Each tape type requires a specific drive and recovery approach.
Our method for restoring your tape data
We do everything possible to simplify and speed up the recovery of your magnetic tape backup data, even on old formats or damaged cartridges. Our process is built on four key phases, each playing an essential role in extracting your files and reconstructing your folder structure.
Declare Failure
15 minutesReport the problem by phone, via our website or directly at our lab. Specify the tape type (LTO, DAT, DLT, AIT…), the backup software used and the nature of the problem. Our team advises you free of charge and identifies the way forward from the very first contact.
Sending your tapes
Min 3 h.You can send us your magnetic tapes in one of the following ways:
Device Analysis
1 hourUpon receiving your tapes, a SOS Tape Recovery specialist identifies the tape format, the backup software used and the physical condition of the cartridge. A detailed report and quote are provided within 3 hours.
If you accept the quote, we proceed with reading and data extraction. No recovery, no fees. In case of failure, only the attempt fee is charged. Your data stays in Switzerland in accordance with the revised Data Protection Act (DPA).
Repair and data extraction
Min 1 dayWe read the tape on our multi-format reference drives. If the tape is physically damaged, mechanical repair is carried out first. The data is extracted, the backup catalogue is reconstructed and your files are transferred onto a new secure medium in their original folder structure.
Why Trust Us?
What Our Clients Say
very helpful and patient. Precise and satisfying serviceB. Stefano — 12.08.2020
Worked very well, except for the review questionnaire itselfR. Marius — 11.11.2019
I am very happy with the excellent service. The process is also quite fast.K. Umit — 02.06.2018
Excellent service. Fast recovery of data.Will use again without hesitation.Anonymous — 13.04.2017
Quick and efficient! Slightly on the expensive side but definitely worth it!Anonymous — 18.11.2016
Excellent, very professional, extremely effective: the Data Recovery Team is world-class.Anonymous — 16.11.2016
Frequently asked questions
Our specialists answer the most common questions.
How long does data recovery take?
The diagnosis takes an average of 1 to 3 hours upon receipt of the media. Complete recovery varies from 1 to 3 days for a simple software failure, to 3 to 10 days for a complex physical failure or a multi-disk RAID system. A 24/7 emergency service is available upon request.
How much does data recovery cost?
Prices vary depending on the type of media and the severity of the failure. Diagnosis is free and without obligation. If the recovery fails, only an attempt fee is charged — 80% of the cost is only due if your data is actually recovered.
Is it possible to recover data after a ransomware attack?
Yes, in many cases. Our team analyzes the type of ransomware and explores several approaches: recovering unencrypted files, exploiting known vulnerabilities in the encryption, restoring previous versions of the files. Each case is unique — a free diagnosis allows us to assess the chances of success.
Is it possible to recover data from a physically damaged hard drive?
Yes, data recovery from physically damaged hard drives is our specialty. SOS Data Recovery has an ISO Class 5 certified laminar flow environment according to ISO 14644-1 (max. 3,520 particles ≥ 0.5 µm per m³) allowing us to open and repair media in dust-free conditions. Defective components are replaced using specialized equipment (PC-3000 from ACE Laboratory) before performing a complete bit-by-bit copy of the media.
Is the diagnostic analysis really free?
Yes, the diagnostic analysis is systematically free and delivered within 3 hours of receiving your media. It determines the exact nature of the failure (software or physical), the chances of recovery, and the precise cost of the intervention. No commitment is required at this stage.
What certifications does SOS Data Recovery have?
SOS Data Recovery (Tesweb SA) is CyberSafe certified and a CyberSafe partner by the cyber-safe.ch association (complete security audit), authorized for the processing of confidential federal data, Swiss Label certified, and operates an ISO 5 certified laminar flow according to the ISO 14644-1 standard. The company has been active since 2006 and has processed over 11,300 media. Our customers give us a rating of 4.5/5 on Verified Reviews (249+ reviews).
What is the difference between a logical and a physical failure?
A logical failure affects the file system or the data itself (accidental deletion, formatting, corruption, virus). The storage device functions normally, but the files are inaccessible. A physical failure affects the hardware components (read/write heads, motor, memory chips, connector). The storage device does not start, makes abnormal noises, or is no longer detected. A physical failure requires intervention in an ISO 5 cleanroom environment.
What types of media can you handle?
All digital storage media: HDDs, SSDs (SATA, NVMe, M.2), USB flash drives, memory cards (SD, microSD, CF), smartphones, tablets, RAID and NAS servers, magnetic tapes (LTO, DLT, DAT, AIT) and optical media (CD, DVD, Blu-ray). More than 11,300 media of all types have been processed since 2006.
Where is your lab located and how do I send my media?
Our lab is located in Ins (Anet), in the canton of Bern, Switzerland. You can send your media by registered mail, drop it off at one of our 50+ partner collection points in Switzerland, or hand it over to us directly on site. We provide secure packaging on request.
Will my data remain confidential during the process?
SOS Data Recovery is CyberSafe certified and a CyberSafe partner (a label awarded by the cyber-safe.ch association after a comprehensive audit) and authorized to process confidential data for federal institutions. The entire process complies with the new Federal Data Protection Act (nLPD, RS 235.1). Our premises are secured by surveillance cameras, access badges, and alarms. Unused media are stored in a safe.
The diagnosis takes an average of 1 to 3 hours upon receipt of the media. Complete recovery varies from 1 to 3 days for a simple software failure, to 3 to 10 days for a complex physical failure or a multi-disk RAID system. A 24/7 emergency service is available upon request.
Prices vary depending on the type of media and the severity of the failure. Diagnosis is free and without obligation. If the recovery fails, only an attempt fee is charged — 80% of the cost is only due if your data is actually recovered.
Yes, in many cases. Our team analyzes the type of ransomware and explores several approaches: recovering unencrypted files, exploiting known vulnerabilities in the encryption, restoring previous versions of the files. Each case is unique — a free diagnosis allows us to assess the chances of success.
Yes, data recovery from physically damaged hard drives is our specialty. SOS Data Recovery has an ISO Class 5 certified laminar flow environment according to ISO 14644-1 (max. 3,520 particles ≥ 0.5 µm per m³) allowing us to open and repair media in dust-free conditions. Defective components are replaced using specialized equipment (PC-3000 from ACE Laboratory) before performing a complete bit-by-bit copy of the media.
Yes, the diagnostic analysis is systematically free and delivered within 3 hours of receiving your media. It determines the exact nature of the failure (software or physical), the chances of recovery, and the precise cost of the intervention. No commitment is required at this stage.
SOS Data Recovery (Tesweb SA) is CyberSafe certified and a CyberSafe partner by the cyber-safe.ch association (complete security audit), authorized for the processing of confidential federal data, Swiss Label certified, and operates an ISO 5 certified laminar flow according to the ISO 14644-1 standard. The company has been active since 2006 and has processed over 11,300 media. Our customers give us a rating of 4.5/5 on Verified Reviews (249+ reviews).
A logical failure affects the file system or the data itself (accidental deletion, formatting, corruption, virus). The storage device functions normally, but the files are inaccessible. A physical failure affects the hardware components (read/write heads, motor, memory chips, connector). The storage device does not start, makes abnormal noises, or is no longer detected. A physical failure requires intervention in an ISO 5 cleanroom environment.
All digital storage media: HDDs, SSDs (SATA, NVMe, M.2), USB flash drives, memory cards (SD, microSD, CF), smartphones, tablets, RAID and NAS servers, magnetic tapes (LTO, DLT, DAT, AIT) and optical media (CD, DVD, Blu-ray). More than 11,300 media of all types have been processed since 2006.
Our lab is located in Ins (Anet), in the canton of Bern, Switzerland. You can send your media by registered mail, drop it off at one of our 50+ partner collection points in Switzerland, or hand it over to us directly on site. We provide secure packaging on request.
SOS Data Recovery is CyberSafe certified and a CyberSafe partner (a label awarded by the cyber-safe.ch association after a comprehensive audit) and authorized to process confidential data for federal institutions. The entire process complies with the new Federal Data Protection Act (nLPD, RS 235.1). Our premises are secured by surveillance cameras, access badges, and alarms. Unused media are stored in a safe.
Your data can be recovered. Act now.
Every hour counts. The more a drive is used after data loss, the harder recovery becomes. Contact us immediately.