FAQS
Q: A friend showed me how to recover deleted files with free data recovery software but it isn’t working. I think something is broken inside the drive. Could the software do more damage? Can you repair my hard drive after recovering the files?
There is some fantastic data recovery software out there that can recover files that you may have accidentally deleted from your rubbish bin. But they work in a superficial way, just skimming the surface and aren’t able to get truly deep into the drive. You need to be careful about what programs you download off the internet, they could be very harmful to your device. Take your drive to your nearest data recovery specialists, not sure where you are but you can always courier it to us
Q: Some of my data contains confidential information, such as legal documents and company accounts. Can you assure me that all my information will remain confidential?
DataFirst Digital Solutions offers clients a secure environment so that you can rest easy knowing that your information is kept private. Every member of the DataFirst team is under non-disclosure as a matter of professional integrity. The evaluation and recovery process is conducted in secure labs with controlled access to ensure the complete confidentiality of your data and security of your device. We have an unwritten non-disclosure agreement with all our customers, but for your own peace of mind or if your legal department requires a written agreement, we will be happy to provide the paperwork.
Q: Why does data recovery always cost more than the cost of the media itself?
Majority of the time the recovery process does cost more than the original cost of the HDD or device. Sophisticated equipment is needed to retrieve the data, repair firmware or modules that control the device. We have the tools and the expertise to recover and repair your media and return valuable and irreplaceable information.
Q: I have a Raid 0 with five HDD in the array…two of the HDD’s have failed and the array is now offline. I’m not 100% sure what’s happened. Is this something that you could salvage?
We specialize in RAID data recovery. Two of the HDD need to be repaired and ‘imaged’ before we can continue with the assembly of the RAID 0 for data extraction. So this is right in our wheelhouse, bring it in or send it to us for a review.
Q: My HDD died suddenly. It was working a few minutes ago but when I came back to my desk, it has just…stopped. Could you give me an estimate cost for recovery before I bring it in?
It is very difficult to give an exact cost, as every recovery and situation is different. There are many data recovery companies who work off a price list but they’ll end up giving you additional costs once they have a look at the actual problem. We offer free quotations with no hidden costs, so you’ll know exactly what it’ll cost. Also, even if we do our very best but cannot recover any of your data, there will be no charge to you.
Q: Our IT guy said the HDD has crashed, do I need to bring in my whole computer or could I just bring in my damaged hard-drive for a quote?
Just bringing in or sending us your hard-drive is perfect. For diagnosis and recovery, we only need the HDD from the Desktop or notebook machine. That is, if the hard-drive can be removed. If anything is fused, burnt or melted and the hard-drive is stuck, rather send the entire notebook, chassis or holder to us for careful removal and recovery.
Q: If my HDD is making a strange mechanical sound like scraping, knocking or beeping…should I open it to see if I can fix it myself?
To open the HDD safely, you need the correct tools as well as a class 100 environment (an extremely clean room, with less than 100 particles of dirt) for the HDD to be opened without causing more damage, than has already occurred. Most data recovery companies charge up to R5000 for an HDD that has been opened prior to being diagnosed. By opening the HDD in the incorrect environment (like your office or home) can damage the HDD further and sometimes the simple action of opening it, can cause even greater damage to an extent that data is irrecoverable…
Q: My HDD is making a ‘clicking’ sound and is not detected on the system I’m using. What should I do?
Firstly, power down the system and take the HDD to a professional who has a certified class 100 environment to work in. As a majority of the time, the failure is mechanical in nature and can’t be repaired at home. Why not bring it in to us and we’ll have a look at it.
WANT TO BOOK-IN YOUR MEDIA?
Great! You can bring it in to us, or we can collect from anywhere in South Africa (including Johannesburg)
by our trusted courier service collected FREE OF CHARGE
NO JOB’S TOO BIG & NO MEDIA’S TOO SMALL