Data recovery FAQ: answers to your questions
Find answers from our specialists to the most frequently asked questions about data recovery: hard drive failures, SSD, RAID, USB drives, pricing, turnaround times and process. SOS Data Recovery (Tesweb SA), Swiss specialist since 2006 with over 10,000 cases handled, answers your questions.
Why consult our data recovery FAQ?
Our technicians answer the most frequently asked questions about hard drive, SSD, RAID, NAS, USB drive and memory card failures. Each answer is based on over 10,000 cases handled since 2006 and regularly updated. If you cannot find the answer to your question, contact us — free diagnosis within 3 hours.
Can data be recovered from a hard drive that is making noise?
Yes, in most cases. A hard drive that clicks, scrapes, or makes abnormal noises generally indicates a mechanical failure of the read/write heads. It is essential to turn off the drive immediately to avoid damaging the platters. Our laboratory operates under ISO 5 certified laminar flow to replace the faulty components and extract your data.
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.
What is an ISO 5 laminar flow?
An ISO 5 laminar flow (formerly Class 100) is a controlled environment in which the air contains a maximum of 100 particles of 0.5 micrometers per cubic foot. This level of purity is essential for handling the internal components of a hard drive without risking contamination.
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.
Why is laminar flow necessary for data recovery?
The read head of a hard drive floats over the platters at only 7 nanometers. An ordinary dust particle measures 6,000 nanometers, or 860 times that distance. Without laminar flow, any opening of a hard drive would cause an immediate head crash and permanent data destruction.