Emergency Data Recovery Tips

Critical first steps to maximize your chances of successful data recovery

Continued use of a failing drive can cause permanent data loss. Power it down and follow these guidelines.

Device-Specific Guidance

Different storage devices require different emergency responses. Follow the correct guide for your situation:

Power down immediately

Keep level and avoid movement

Note any unusual sounds/smells

Don't open the drive casing

Don't freeze the drive (myth)

Don't run disk utilities

Disconnect immediately

Note error messages

Avoid unnecessary power cycles

Don't attempt firmware updates

Don't use recovery software

Don't remove chips yourself

Power down entire array

Label drives with original order

Document RAID configuration

Don't rebuild or resync

Don't replace multiple drives

Don't initialize the array

Follow these steps in order when data loss occurs:

Immediately power down the affected device to prevent further damage. For laptops, remove the battery if possible.

Note any error messages, unusual sounds (clicking, beeping), or physical damage (water, drops, smoke).

For RAID systems, document drive order and configuration. For any device, note make/model/capacity.

Place in an anti-static bag if available. Keep water-damaged devices in a sealed container.

Call our emergency line at 020 7237 6805 for immediate advice and service.

Avoid these actions that often make recovery impossible:

✗ DIY repairs: Opening drives outside cleanrooms introduces dust that destroys platters
✗ Software tools on failing drives: CHKDSK and other utilities can overwrite your data
✗ Freezing drives: Condensation causes corrosion - this is an outdated myth
✗ Multiple power cycles: Each startup stresses failing components

Our team is available 24/7 for critical data loss situations. We offer same-day evaluation for emergencies.