Recover
Data recovery in York
Recover important files from computers, hard drives, SSDs, USB storage and memory cards.
Each device is assessed first. You receive clear findings, realistic recovery options and a cost before paid recovery work begins.
Important
Stop using the affected device where practical
Continued use can overwrite recoverable data. Drives that click, disconnect repeatedly or show physical damage should be powered down.
Situations this service can help with
- A computer that no longer starts but may still contain important files
- An internal or external drive that is no longer recognised consistently
- Accidentally deleted or missing files where the device has not been heavily reused
- A drive that disconnects, reports errors or has become unusually slow
- Files on USB storage or memory cards that can no longer be opened normally
- Moving recoverable files away from an older or unstable storage device
What are you trying to recover?
People and small businesses come to Uptime York for many different reasons, not just a single type of file. Examples that come up regularly include:
- Family photographs and videos from a computer, external hard drive or memory card
- Personal documents, letters and financial paperwork
- University or college coursework and research files
- Business documents, invoices and financial records
- Client files, project folders and design or drawing work
- Photography or video footage from a shoot, event or site visit
Every device and case is different, and recovery cannot be guaranteed. The assessment establishes what is realistically possible before any recovery work is agreed.
What is included
- Initial assessment and non-destructive checks
- Explanation of the device condition and realistic options
- Logical file recovery where the storage remains readable
- Controlled imaging of unstable storage where appropriate
- Recovery from an image rather than repeatedly stressing the original device where practical
- File extraction to agreed destination storage
- Clear handover of what was recovered and any remaining concerns
How the work proceeds
Enquire
Explain what happened, what device or storage is involved, what files matter and whether the device is still being used.
Assess
The device is checked using the least invasive practical approach. Findings, limitations, likely cost and whether specialist referral is sensible are explained before paid recovery work begins.
Recover and hand over
Approved recovery work is carried out. Recovered files are copied to agreed destination storage and the outcome is explained at handover.
Starting prices
- Assessment
- £50
- Standard logical recovery
- from £125
- Unstable or extended imaging
- from £195
The assessment charge is included in approved final work. It is generally payable when recovery work is declined or no practical recovery route is available through Uptime York. Destination storage is additional where the customer does not provide suitable storage. Specialist laboratory work is quoted separately by the specialist provider and does not use these starting prices.
Your data is treated as private
Access is limited to what is needed for the agreed work. Files are not retained without a practical reason, and destination storage and return arrangements are agreed with you.
Highly sensitive, confidential or regulated data should be discussed before handover so the right handling arrangements can be considered.
Recovery is not always possible
Recovery cannot be guaranteed. Feasibility depends on the condition of the storage, what happened after the loss and whether the missing data has already been overwritten.
Uptime York provides logical recovery and controlled imaging where appropriate. Drives are not opened and clean-room work is not performed. Clicking drives, serious physical damage and cases requiring internal component work may need a specialist laboratory.
Encrypted or password-protected storage normally requires valid access credentials. Formal forensic investigation, fraud investigation and evidential recovery are outside this service.
Findings and realistic options are explained first. No paid recovery work begins without approval.
FAQs
How does the initial assessment work?
The £50 assessment covers the time needed to establish the storage condition and the most practical recovery route. You then receive findings and a cost before paid recovery work begins. The assessment charge is included if you approve the final work.
What devices can you recover data from?
The service covers computers, internal and external hard drives, SSDs, USB storage and memory cards where logical recovery or controlled imaging is appropriate. Other devices can be discussed, but physical phone and tablet repair is not offered.
Should I keep trying to use the drive?
No, not where important data is at risk. Continued use, repair attempts, formatting, reinstalling software or copying new files to the same storage can overwrite recoverable data. A clicking or repeatedly disconnecting drive should be powered down.
Can you recover data from a clicking or damaged drive?
A clicking drive may have a mechanical fault and should not be repeatedly powered on. Uptime York does not open drives or perform clean-room work, but the device can be assessed and a specialist laboratory referral discussed where appropriate.
What happens if specialist laboratory work is needed?
The reason for referral is explained before anything is sent away. Laboratory pricing, timescales and terms are separate and must be approved before specialist work begins.
Do I need another drive for the recovered files?
Usually, yes. Recovered files should be copied to separate suitable storage rather than back to the affected device. You can provide suitable storage or agree an appropriate option as part of the quotation.
Related services
Tell us what happened
Include the device type, what changed, whether it is still being used and which files matter most. Do not keep testing a clicking or unstable drive simply to gather more detail.