Tape Data Recovery
Professional data recovery from damaged, corrupted or obsolete backup tapes
Stop Using the Tape Immediately
Repeated attempts to read a failing tape can cause permanent data loss. If your tape shows errors, is unrecognized, or has damaged media, stop using it and contact professionals.
Tape Recovery Services
We specialize in recovering critical business data from:
- Physically damaged tapes
- Corrupted backup sets
- Obsolete tape formats
- Tapes with read errors
- Water/fire damaged tapes
- Tapes with "media error" messages
Tape Formats We Recover
We support all modern and legacy tape formats:
LTO Tape
- LTO-1 to LTO-9
- LTO Ultrium
- Corrupted LTO tapes
- LTO with WORM
- Encrypted LTO
Enterprise Tape
- IBM 3592 (Jaguar)
- Oracle T10000
- StorageTek T9840/T9940
- IBM 3490/3590
- DLT/SDLT
Legacy Tape
- DAT (DDS-1 to DDS-5)
- 8mm/9mm tapes
- QIC/Travan
- DC6000/DC2000
- 3480/3490E
Common Tape Failure Signs
- "Media error" or "tape unreadable" messages
- Backup software reports CRC errors
- Tape drive makes unusual noises
- Visible physical damage to tape
- Backup jobs failing mid-process
Tape Recovery Process
1
Tape Assessment
Evaluating tape condition:
- Physical inspection
- Media tension testing
- Binder degradation check
- Edge damage evaluation
2
Media Stabilization
Preparing tape for reading:
- Baking damaged tapes (if needed)
- Cleaning media surface
- Repairing physical damage
- Rewinding/retensioning
3
Data Extraction
Reading tape contents:
- Using compatible tape drives
- Multiple read passes
- Error correction processing
- Handling bad sectors
4
Data Reconstruction
Rebuilding backup sets:
- Backup catalog repair
- File system reconstruction
- Database recovery
- Data verification
Tape Recovery Success Rates
| Failure Type | Common Causes | Recovery Method | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logical Corruption | Catalog errors, software issues | Software repair, catalog rebuild | 95% |
| Media Degradation | Age, poor storage conditions | Media stabilization, multiple reads | 80% |
| Physical Damage | Tape stretch, edge damage | Physical repair, specialized drives | 70% |
| Binder Failure | Sticky shed syndrome | Baking process, careful cleaning | 65% |
| Obsolete Formats | Legacy systems, unavailable drives | Custom drive solutions | 60% |
Important Note
Success rates depend on how the tape was stored and handled after failure. Proper storage conditions significantly improve recovery chances.
Our Tape Recovery Technology
Specialized Equipment
We use professional tools for tape recovery:
- Multiple generations of tape drives
- Professional tape cleaning systems
- Media baking oven
- Tape tension measurement tools
- Class 100 cleanroom
- Advanced error correction software
Need Tape Data Recovery?
Our specialists achieve 85% success rates on tape recovery projects
Emergency Help: 020 7237 6805Why Choose Our Tape Recovery Service?
- Free initial evaluation
- No recovery - no fee guarantee
- £2M professional indemnity insurance
- Secure chain of custody
- 90-day data guarantee
- Legacy format expertise