Frequently Asked Questions About Data Recovery

Data Recovery :

What is data recovery?

Data recovery is the process of restoring lost, corrupted, or inaccessible data from storage devices like hard drives, SSDs, USB drives, and memory cards.

How can I recover data from a physically damaged drive?

Data recovery from a physically damaged drive requires professional tools and expertise, which includes resolving physical, logical, and firmware issues and extracting the data.

How to select a data recovery service provider?

When selecting a data recovery service provider, consider factors such as their experience, success rate, reputation, security protocols, and customer reviews. It's also essential to check if they offer a no-recovery, no-charge policy.

Why trust Stellar as your data recovery service provider?

Stellar has over 30+ years of experience in data recovery, industry-leading success rates, a team of certified professionals, and state-of-the-art recovery labs. We are known for offering secure, transparent services and ensuring complete confidentiality of your data.

What risks are associated with local data recovery service providers?

Local data recovery service providers may not have the required expertise, specialized equipment, or secure facilities to handle complex recovery jobs. Using an unqualified provider could risk data breaches, further damage to your drive, or even permanent data loss.

How is data recovered from an HDD in a professional data recovery lab?

In a professional data recovery lab, highly specialized equipment and cleanroom environment are utilized to recover data from hard drives. Experts use software tools to recover data from logical failures, and mechanical parts are replaced in controlled environments for physical recovery.

What is risk-free data recovery and how can I evaluate the risks associated with it?

Risk-free data recovery means that the service provider will not cause any additional damage to your data or drive during the recovery process. To evaluate the risks, ensure that the provider employs certified professionals and has a cleanroom environment, state-of-the-art recovery tools, and security protocols in place. Always look for a provider that offers a no-recovery, no-charge policy, meaning you only pay if your data is successfully recovered.

Data Recovery Center Locations :

How can I find reliable data recovery services near me?
  • To find trusted data recovery services, search for "data recovery near me" or "data recovery service near me." Make sure to check customer reviews, the service provider’s track record, certifications, etc.
  • If you are looking for Stellar Data Recovery, simply search "Stellar data recovery near me" to find the nearest branch. Stellar has 14 branches across India, providing expert services and the highest recovery success rate.
Is it safe to use local data recovery services near me?

Yes, as long as the service provider is reputable, certified, and has experienced technicians. Look for certifications such as ISO or industry-recognized qualifications to ensure high-quality services. Always verify that the service is secure and can guarantee data privacy.

Stellar Data Recovery offers a secure, professional, and reliable service with all-inclusive data recovery solutions.

How do I know if I need data recovery services?

You may need data recovery services if your device is experiencing issues such as:

  • Files are missing or corrupted.
  • The storage device is not being recognized by your computer.
  • Your device is making unusual noises (in the case of HDDs).
  • The system is not able to boot, or you see error messages.

If you're facing these problems, it’s recommended to seek professional data recovery services nearby.

How long does data recovery take?

The time required for data recovery varies depending on the extent of the damage to your device and the type of service you need. In general, a basic recovery can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, while more complex cases (like RAID recovery) may take weeks.

What types of devices do data recovery services cover?

Most data recovery services can handle a wide range of storage devices, including:

Ensure the service provider specializes in the type of device you need help with.


Can I recover my data myself?

While there are free data recovery software available, they are not always effective, especially if the data loss is due to physical damage or complex logical issues. Using DIY software without proper expertise can lead to further data loss. It’s recommended to contact a professional service if you're unsure.

What should I do if my data is lost?
  • If you lose data, avoid using the device as much as possible to prevent overwriting the lost data. Contact a professional data recovery service immediately. They can assess the situation and help recover the data safely.
  • If you choose Stellar Data Recovery, you can avail their free pick-up and drop-off service, making the entire process seamless and hassle-free.


Is it possible to recover data from a damaged hard drive?

Yes, data recovery services are often successful in retrieving data from physically damaged hard drives, although success rates depend on the extent of the damage. Professional recovery involves specialized equipment and techniques to recover data from severely damaged disks.

Does Stellar Data Recovery offer services near me?

Yes, Stellar Data Recovery has 14 branches across India. You can easily find the nearest branch by searching "Stellar data recovery near me." Additionally, Stellar offers free pick-up and drop-off service, making it more convenient for you to get your data recovered without having to leave your home or office.

HDD Data Recovery :

What does it mean if my HDD is making a clicking or grinding noise?

Clicking or grinding noises often indicate a mechanical failure in the hard drive. These sounds can be caused by the read/write heads hitting the disk platters, misalignment of internal components, or other hardware issues. It usually means the drive is struggling to function properly and may be at risk of failure.

How can I recover data from a failed HDD?

If your hard drive has failed, you should contact authorized data recovery service providers. Such recovery should only be attempted by professionals as it involves the risk of permanent data loss.

My HDD is “Not Initialized.” Can I recover the data?

Yes, it’s possible to recover data even if your HDD appears as Not Initialized. You need to contact a data recovery specialist who will fix the disk structure to access the data.

What makes hard drive data recovery complex?

Hard drive data recovery can be complex can be complex due to factors like physical damage, logical corruption, bad sectors, or firmware failure. Additionally, the intricacy of modern file systems and encryption technologies can make it challenging to retrieve lost data.

Why is data recovery from a scratched hard drive platter so challenging?
Scratched hard drive platters make data recovery challenging because scratches damage the magnetic surface on which data is stored. This causes read/write errors. In such cases, highly specialized techniques and a Class 100 Cleanroom environment are required by trained technicians to recover data.
How to claim a hard drive replacement in warranty period?
To claim replacement for a faulty drive, you typically need to contact the manufacturer’s customer support, provide proof of purchase, and explain the issue. If the drive is defective and still under warranty, the manufacturer should provide a replacement or repair the drive. For more information, read this blog on “How to Claim a Hard Drive Replacement.”

SSD Data Recovery :

Is it possible to recover data from a damaged SSD?

Yes, data recovery from a damaged SSD is possible using cutting-edge equipment and techniques, even if the SSD has physical or logical issues.

Can I recover data from an SSD that shows “Boot Device Not Found”?

This Boot device not found or 3FO error often occurs due to corrupted files or bad sectors, and it is usually possible to recover data from an SSD with this error using professional tools.


RAID Data Recovery :

How do I recover data from a failed server?

Data recovery from a failed server typically involves recovering from backup or using RAID recovery tools, depending on the server configuration.

My server crashed, and I lost important files. Can I get them back?

Yes, you can recover files from a crashed server by using professional server recovery services which can repair the server’s file system or hardware to retrieve your data.

How to select the best data recovery company for RAID recovery?

When selecting a data recovery company for RAID recovery, ensure they have expertise in handling various RAID configurations, a cleanroom environment, and a proven track record of successful RAID data recovery

Pen Drive Data Recovery :

How can I recover data from a pen drive that is not detected?

If your pen drive is not detected, you can still recover the data by contacting a professional data recovery service that can help you to retrieve the data.

Can I recover data from a corrupted pen drive?

Yes, data can be recovered from corrupted pen drives using specialized data recovery software or services.

SD Card Data Recovery :

Can data be recovered from a damaged SD card?

Yes, if your SD card is physically or logically damaged, a professional data recovery service can often recover your files.

How do I recover data from a corrupted SD card?

A corrupted SD card can be recovered by scanning for corrupted sectors and files, either through software or professional recovery tools.

USB Data Recovery :

Why is my USB drive not recognized, and can I recover data from it?

If your USB drive is not recognized, it’s possible that the drive is facing logical or hardware failure. Professional recovery services can help retrieve data.

Can I recover files from a USB drive that is showing “Format Required”?

Yes, data can often be recovered from a USB drive showing this message using professional recovery tools, which will resolve the issue and restore the files.

DVR Data Recovery :

Can data be recovered from a DVR hard drive?

 Yes, data recovery from a DVR hard drive is possible. If the drive is physically or logically damaged, a authorized data recovery service provider can retrieve recorded video footage.

How do I recover footage from a damaged DVR drive?

If your DVR hard drive is damaged, data recovery can be done using specialized tools and techniques designed to access the footage and resolve any issues with the drive.

Cost of Data Recovery :

What is the cost of data recovery?

Data recovery costs depend on several factors, including the type of damage to the device, the amount of data, and the complexity of the recovery process. To get an accurate estimate, it's best to consult with a professional data recovery service.

What is the cost of recovering data from a failed HDD or SSD?

The cost of recovering data from a failed HDD or SSD varies depending on the severity of the damage. A professional service can provide an accurate estimate after evaluating the device. Typically, logical failures may cost less, while physical damage may incur higher charges due to the complex recovery methods required.

What is the cost of hard disk data recovery?

The cost of hard disk data recovery varies based on the type of damage, the complexity of the recovery process, and the amount of data to be recovered. For a standard recovery, prices typically range from a few thousand rupees to much higher amounts for complex issues or severe damage to the storage media.

What factors affect the cost of hard disk data recovery?

Several factors can influence the cost of hard disk data recovery:

  • Type of damage: Logical failure, physical damage, firmware corruption, etc.
  • Device model and brand: Older, shelved models and those based on brand-new technology can cost more.
  • Data volume: The larger the amount of data, the higher the cost.
  • Type of service: Emergency recovery or standard recovery.
  • Location of service center: Costs can vary depending on the service provider’s location.
How much does hard disk data recovery cost in India?

The cost of hard disk data recovery in India generally ranges from ₹3,000 to ₹25,000 or more, depending on the severity of the damage. For simple logical issues, the cost will be on the lower end, while severe physical damage or RAID recovery will cost more due to the advanced recovery tools & techniques involved.

Are there any additional charges for data recovery services?

Additional charges may apply for certain services, such as emergency recovery, recovery of large volumes of data, or for services like pick-up and drop-off. However, Stellar Data Recovery provides all-inclusive packages that cover evaluation, recovery, and delivery costs.

100% of people found this article helpful

About The Author

Nivedita Jha

Nivedita Jha

Data Recovery Expert & Content Strategist

Select Category