// DATA RECOVERY
Data Recovery in St Andrews — Photos, Documents & Files Retrieved
Losing important files is one of the most gut-wrenching experiences in modern life. Years of family photos, a dissertation you have been working on for months, critical business documents, irreplaceable personal records — gone in an instant because a hard drive failed, a phone fell in water, or someone accidentally deleted the wrong folder. Before you panic, know this: in many cases, deleted or inaccessible files can be recovered. At Repair St Andrews, we have been recovering data from damaged, failed, and corrupted storage devices since 2011. Bring the device to 1 City Rd and we will do everything we can to get your files back.
Devices We Recover Data From
Hard Drive Failure
Mechanical hard drives (HDDs) that have failed, are clicking, are not detected by the computer, or show the “operating system not found” message. We recover files from drives with firmware corruption, bad sectors, seized motors, and degraded platters.
Dead Laptop / SSD
Solid-state drives that have suddenly become undetectable, lost data due to controller failure, or developed firmware issues. SSD recovery is more complex than HDD recovery due to how data is stored and managed by the drive controller, but recovery is often still possible.
USB & External Drives
Portable storage devices that have been dropped, have corrupt partitions, or are no longer detected when plugged in. We handle all brands including Western Digital, Seagate, Toshiba, Samsung, and SanDisk.
Corrupted Files & Memory Cards
SD cards, microSD cards, and CF cards from cameras, drones, and other devices. Accidentally formatted the card, or it is showing as empty when you know there were photos on it? We can often recover the files.
Accidental Deletion
iPhones, Android phones, and tablets with water damage, broken screens, or hardware failures where important photos, messages, or contacts are trapped inside. Recovery depends on the device and the nature of the damage.
// OUR PROCESS
Our Data Recovery Process
We work on clones, never originals — so the recovery process never makes things worse.
Device Assessment & Imaging
The first step is always to assess the storage device without making the situation worse. We connect the drive to our recovery workstation and attempt to create a bit-for-bit image (clone) of the data before doing anything else. This image is our working copy — all recovery work is done on the clone, never the original, so we never risk further damage to the source data.
Data Extraction & Recovery
Using professional data recovery software and techniques, we scan the drive image for recoverable files. We can recover data from formatted drives, corrupted file systems, deleted partitions, and drives with bad sectors. For drives that are not mechanically functional, we may need to repair the drive hardware (board swap, head replacement, or firmware repair) before imaging is possible.
File Verification & Return
We compile the recovered files and verify their integrity — checking that photos open, documents are readable, and files are not corrupt. We present you with a list of what we have recovered so you can confirm the important files are there. Recovered data is returned on a USB drive, external hard drive, or transferred to your new or repaired device.
Turnaround Time
Data recovery timescales vary significantly depending on the device and the nature of the failure. Software-based recovery from a functioning but corrupted drive can be completed within one to three working days. Hardware failures requiring drive repair before imaging can take three to seven working days. For critically urgent recoveries — a dissertation due in days, or essential business records — tell us when you bring the device in and we will prioritise it as much as the technical process allows.
Pricing
Data recovery pricing depends on the complexity of the job. Recovery from a functioning drive with deleted files or a corrupted partition is the most affordable. Recovery from a mechanically failed hard drive requiring hardware repair costs more, reflecting the specialised work involved. We provide a free initial assessment and quote before starting any work — you only pay if we successfully recover your data. Call 01334 478866 and tell us what has happened — we will advise you on the likely cost and success rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you recover files from a hard drive that is clicking?
A clicking hard drive indicates a mechanical fault — usually failed read/write heads or a seized motor. Recovery from clicking drives is possible but requires careful handling. The most important thing is to stop using the drive immediately when you hear clicking. Every time a damaged head passes over the platter, it can cause further damage to the surface where your data is stored. Do not attempt DIY recovery software on a clicking drive — bring it straight to us.
I accidentally deleted important files. Can you get them back?
In many cases, yes — especially if you act quickly. When you delete a file, the operating system marks the space as available but does not immediately overwrite the actual data. As long as new data has not been written over that space, the original file can be recovered. Stop using the drive as soon as you realise the mistake, and bring it to us. The sooner you act, the higher the chances of full recovery.
Can you recover data from a water-damaged phone?
It depends on the extent of the damage and how quickly the phone is brought to us. If the storage chip itself is intact — which it often is even in badly water-damaged phones — data recovery may be possible. For iPhones, the data is encrypted and tied to the device, which makes recovery more challenging but not always impossible. For Android phones, recovery options vary by device. Bring it in as soon as possible after the water exposure.
How much does data recovery cost?
Costs vary widely based on the type of failure. A logical recovery (deleted files, formatted drive, corrupted partition) from a functioning drive is at the lower end of the scale. A mechanical recovery from a failed hard drive requiring hardware repair is more expensive. We always assess and quote before doing any work, and we operate on a “no data, no fee” basis — if we cannot recover your files, you do not pay for the attempt.
Should I try data recovery software myself before bringing it to you?
If the drive is physically functioning normally (no clicking, no unusual sounds) and you have accidentally deleted files or formatted the drive, you can try a reputable recovery tool like Recuva or PhotoRec. However, do NOT install the recovery software on the same drive you are trying to recover from — that can overwrite the very data you are trying to save. If the drive is making unusual sounds or is not detected at all, do not attempt DIY recovery — bring it straight to us.
Can you recover data from a physically damaged drive?
Yes, in many cases. Physical damage to the drive enclosure or circuit board does not necessarily mean the data on the platters or chips is lost. We can swap controller boards, replace read/write heads, and repair firmware to get the drive functional enough to image. The key is to stop using the drive immediately and bring it to us at 1 City Rd — further use risks permanent data loss.
How long does data recovery typically take?
It depends on the failure type. A straightforward logical recovery (deleted files, corrupted partition) from a working drive usually takes one to three days. Hardware failures requiring drive repair can take three to seven working days. If you have an urgent deadline, let us know when you drop it off and we will prioritise where the technical process allows. Call 01334 478866 for an estimate based on your specific situation.
Is my data kept confidential during the recovery process?
Absolutely. We treat every recovery job with strict confidentiality. We do not browse, copy, or share your personal files — we recover them, verify they open, and return them to you. Once you confirm you have your data back, we securely erase our working copies. We have been handling sensitive data for businesses and individuals since 2011 and take privacy seriously.
We also offer iPhone water damage repair, PC repair, and MacBook repair. See all our computer repair services in St Andrews.
// GET STARTED
Get Your Data Recovered Today
Visit us at 1 City Rd, St Andrews, KY16 9XQ | Mon–Fri 09:30–17:30, Sat 10:00–17:00