How does data recovery work?
Data recovery is the technical process of extracting lost, deleted or inaccessible files from a failing storage device (hard drive, SSD, RAID, USB key, memory card). At SOS Data Recovery, Swiss specialist since 2006, this process takes place in 4 steps: free diagnosis within 3 hours, secure shipping of the device, analysis under ISO 5 certified laminar flow and secure extraction. Over 10,000 cases successfully handled.
Identify the problem
Whether your hard drive, SSD, RAID server or USB key is damaged, we identify two main categories of problems, each requiring a specific approach and adapted techniques to restore your lost data.
Software recovery
If you have performed any of the following actions, the issue is most likely related to a logical failure:
- Formatting or deletion of your data
- Reinstallation of your operating system
- Partition no longer visible
- Operating system no longer boots
- Data has become inaccessible
In this case, we clone your media onto a temporary hard drive. Then we analyze this backup copy to extract your data and return it to you on a new storage device.
Hardware Recovery
If your device has suffered any of the following incidents, the issue is most likely due to a hardware failure:
- Shock or drop
- Fire or flooding
- Lightning strike or power surge
- Device not detected in the BIOS
- Unusual noises (clicking sounds)
- The device no longer starts
If necessary, we open your defective media under ISO 5 certified laminar flow in accordance with the ISO 14644-1 standard (max. 3,520 particles ≥ 0.5 µm per m³), where we perform the repair and copy the data to a temporary hard drive using specialised equipment (PC-3000 by ACE Laboratory). We then analyse this backup copy to extract your data and transfer it to a new storage device.
Comparison: software vs physical recovery
| Criterion | Software recovery | Physical recovery |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Formatting, deletion, software corruption | Shock, fire, mechanical wear, power surge |
| Environment | Standard laboratory | ISO 5 laminar flow (ISO 14644-1 standard, class 100) |
| Method | Bit-for-bit clone + software analysis | Component repair + bit-for-bit clone |
| Average time | 1 to 3 days | 3 to 10 days |
| Equipment | Specialised recovery software | PC-3000 (ACE Laboratory), laminar flow, spare parts |
Media types we recover
Whatever the storage media involved, our lab in Ins has the tools and expertise to intervene. Each type of media requires specific recovery techniques.
Recovery in 4 main steps
We make every effort to simplify and accelerate the recovery of your data, even from defective media. Our data recovery process is based on four key phases, each playing an essential role in restoring your lost, deleted, or inaccessible files. We ensure the confidentiality and security of your information.
Declare Failure
15 minutesReport the issue by phone, through our website, or directly at our lab. Our team will provide free advice and help determine the cause of the issue.
Send your device
Min 3 h.You can send us your device using one of the following options:
Device Analysis
1 hourUpon receiving your media, a SOS Data Recovery specialist carries out an analysis to determine the issue, the feasibility of recovery, and the associated costs. You will receive a detailed report along with a quote.
If the quote is accepted, we proceed with the repair and data extraction as explained in the next step. If not, the recovery process is stopped.
Repair and data extraction
Min 1 dayWe repair and change the defective components in your device. Once functional, we create a complete bit-by-bit copy to ensure that all recovery operations are performed safely on the duplicate, never on the original device.
This copy is then carefully analyzed to extract your data, which is securely transferred to a new storage device.
Why Trust Us?
What Our Clients Say
very helpful and patient. Precise and satisfying serviceB. Stefano — 12.08.2020
Worked very well, except for the review questionnaire itselfR. Marius — 11.11.2019
I am very happy with the excellent service. The process is also quite fast.K. Umit — 02.06.2018
Excellent service. Fast recovery of data.Will use again without hesitation.Anonymous — 13.04.2017
Quick and efficient! Slightly on the expensive side but definitely worth it!Anonymous — 18.11.2016
Excellent, very professional, extremely effective: the Data Recovery Team is world-class.Anonymous — 16.11.2016
Frequently asked questions
Our specialists answer the most common questions.
How long does data recovery take?
The diagnosis takes an average of 1 to 3 hours upon receipt of the media. Complete recovery varies from 1 to 3 days for a simple software failure, to 3 to 10 days for a complex physical failure or a multi-disk RAID system. A 24/7 emergency service is available upon request.
How much does data recovery cost?
Prices vary depending on the type of media and the severity of the failure. Diagnosis is free and without obligation. If the recovery fails, only an attempt fee is charged — 80% of the cost is only due if your data is actually recovered.
Is it possible to recover data after a ransomware attack?
Yes, in many cases. Our team analyzes the type of ransomware and explores several approaches: recovering unencrypted files, exploiting known vulnerabilities in the encryption, restoring previous versions of the files. Each case is unique — a free diagnosis allows us to assess the chances of success.
Is it possible to recover data from a physically damaged hard drive?
Yes, data recovery from physically damaged hard drives is our specialty. SOS Data Recovery has an ISO Class 5 certified laminar flow environment according to ISO 14644-1 (max. 3,520 particles ≥ 0.5 µm per m³) allowing us to open and repair media in dust-free conditions. Defective components are replaced using specialized equipment (PC-3000 from ACE Laboratory) before performing a complete bit-by-bit copy of the media.
Is the diagnostic analysis really free?
Yes, the diagnostic analysis is systematically free and delivered within 3 hours of receiving your media. It determines the exact nature of the failure (software or physical), the chances of recovery, and the precise cost of the intervention. No commitment is required at this stage.
What certifications does SOS Data Recovery have?
SOS Data Recovery (Tesweb SA) is CyberSafe certified and a CyberSafe partner by the cyber-safe.ch association (complete security audit), authorized for the processing of confidential federal data, Swiss Label certified, and operates an ISO 5 certified laminar flow according to the ISO 14644-1 standard. The company has been active since 2006 and has processed over 11,300 media. Our customers give us a rating of 4.5/5 on Verified Reviews (249+ reviews).
What is the difference between a logical and a physical failure?
A logical failure affects the file system or the data itself (accidental deletion, formatting, corruption, virus). The storage device functions normally, but the files are inaccessible. A physical failure affects the hardware components (read/write heads, motor, memory chips, connector). The storage device does not start, makes abnormal noises, or is no longer detected. A physical failure requires intervention in an ISO 5 cleanroom environment.
What types of media can you handle?
All digital storage media: HDDs, SSDs (SATA, NVMe, M.2), USB flash drives, memory cards (SD, microSD, CF), smartphones, tablets, RAID and NAS servers, magnetic tapes (LTO, DLT, DAT, AIT) and optical media (CD, DVD, Blu-ray). More than 11,300 media of all types have been processed since 2006.
Where is your lab located and how do I send my media?
Our lab is located in Ins (Anet), in the canton of Bern, Switzerland. You can send your media by registered mail, drop it off at one of our 50+ partner collection points in Switzerland, or hand it over to us directly on site. We provide secure packaging on request.
Will my data remain confidential during the process?
SOS Data Recovery is CyberSafe certified and a CyberSafe partner (a label awarded by the cyber-safe.ch association after a comprehensive audit) and authorized to process confidential data for federal institutions. The entire process complies with the new Federal Data Protection Act (nLPD, RS 235.1). Our premises are secured by surveillance cameras, access badges, and alarms. Unused media are stored in a safe.
The diagnosis takes an average of 1 to 3 hours upon receipt of the media. Complete recovery varies from 1 to 3 days for a simple software failure, to 3 to 10 days for a complex physical failure or a multi-disk RAID system. A 24/7 emergency service is available upon request.
Prices vary depending on the type of media and the severity of the failure. Diagnosis is free and without obligation. If the recovery fails, only an attempt fee is charged — 80% of the cost is only due if your data is actually recovered.
Yes, in many cases. Our team analyzes the type of ransomware and explores several approaches: recovering unencrypted files, exploiting known vulnerabilities in the encryption, restoring previous versions of the files. Each case is unique — a free diagnosis allows us to assess the chances of success.
Yes, data recovery from physically damaged hard drives is our specialty. SOS Data Recovery has an ISO Class 5 certified laminar flow environment according to ISO 14644-1 (max. 3,520 particles ≥ 0.5 µm per m³) allowing us to open and repair media in dust-free conditions. Defective components are replaced using specialized equipment (PC-3000 from ACE Laboratory) before performing a complete bit-by-bit copy of the media.
Yes, the diagnostic analysis is systematically free and delivered within 3 hours of receiving your media. It determines the exact nature of the failure (software or physical), the chances of recovery, and the precise cost of the intervention. No commitment is required at this stage.
SOS Data Recovery (Tesweb SA) is CyberSafe certified and a CyberSafe partner by the cyber-safe.ch association (complete security audit), authorized for the processing of confidential federal data, Swiss Label certified, and operates an ISO 5 certified laminar flow according to the ISO 14644-1 standard. The company has been active since 2006 and has processed over 11,300 media. Our customers give us a rating of 4.5/5 on Verified Reviews (249+ reviews).
A logical failure affects the file system or the data itself (accidental deletion, formatting, corruption, virus). The storage device functions normally, but the files are inaccessible. A physical failure affects the hardware components (read/write heads, motor, memory chips, connector). The storage device does not start, makes abnormal noises, or is no longer detected. A physical failure requires intervention in an ISO 5 cleanroom environment.
All digital storage media: HDDs, SSDs (SATA, NVMe, M.2), USB flash drives, memory cards (SD, microSD, CF), smartphones, tablets, RAID and NAS servers, magnetic tapes (LTO, DLT, DAT, AIT) and optical media (CD, DVD, Blu-ray). More than 11,300 media of all types have been processed since 2006.
Our lab is located in Ins (Anet), in the canton of Bern, Switzerland. You can send your media by registered mail, drop it off at one of our 50+ partner collection points in Switzerland, or hand it over to us directly on site. We provide secure packaging on request.
SOS Data Recovery is CyberSafe certified and a CyberSafe partner (a label awarded by the cyber-safe.ch association after a comprehensive audit) and authorized to process confidential data for federal institutions. The entire process complies with the new Federal Data Protection Act (nLPD, RS 235.1). Our premises are secured by surveillance cameras, access badges, and alarms. Unused media are stored in a safe.
Your data can be recovered. Act now.
Every hour counts. The more a drive is used after data loss, the harder recovery becomes. Contact us immediately.