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FAQ's

Hard Drive and Mobile Phone Data Recovery FAQ's

Hard Drive and Mobile Phone Recoveries

How much will it cost to recover my data?

It is difficult to give an exact price, but once we complete our evaluation, you will be given a no obligation quote of the exact cost of recovery. In some instances, when an evaluation is not possible, you will be given a fixed price quotation for your data loss scenario.

How long does the evaluation take?

Typically, the evaluation takes on average 4 hours to complete. We aim to provide you with a fixed price quotation with 24 business hours of receipt.

How long is the standard turnaround time for data recovery?

On average, standard turnaround time is 10 working days. This will be noted on the service contract that you receive. The processing time may be adjusted depending on the circumstances of your recovery requirement. This will be advised by your Data Services Representative on your service contract and additional service level options will be provided to you where possible.

Do I need to ship in my whole laptop/desktop?

No, we only need the hard drive. You are welcome to send the whole device if you are not comfortable with removing the hard drive. Ontrack expert engineers can assist with the removal of the hard drive from the complete device upon receipt. For iMacs, please contact your Data Services Representative before shipping to us.

Can I drop off failed media?

We do not have a location in Ireland, but yes, you can drop off your device off. Our address can be found on our website, https://www.ontrack.com/en-ie/contact. Please make sure to contact Ontrack before you drop off the failed media.

Alternatively, you can drop the device at a DHL drop-off location. Please ask your representative to provide you with a drop-off shipping label.  (Charges may apply)

Do I get free shipping both ways?

We do not offer free shipping from Ireland.  Please contact your representative for a quote.

Do you return my original media to me once you're finished?

Yes, we can return your media to you. Alternatively, we can securely dispose your media, if you do not require it to be returned to you. Please contact your Data Services Representative for details.

My data is very sensitive, is your company secure?

Ontrack’s Labs are ISO 27001 Certified. Ontrack also receives an annual SOC 2 (formerly SAS 70 II) report from a certified audit firm.

Will the drive manufacturer honour their warranty if you open my drive?

In some instances, due to our partnership with many of the leading drive manufacturers, however this is dealt with on a case by case basis and It is best to check with your Hard Drive provider.

Is your clean room certified?

Yes, Ontrack's clean rooms are Class 100 certified. A clean room is a room in which dust particles are strictly reduced and controlled.

Can I supply my own backup drive?

Due to Ontrack’s security policies, customer supplied back up media is not allowed. We recommend you make a back-up of the recovered data as soon as possible. Please ask Ontrack for a quote if you require multiple back-ups.

What if my drive is encrypted?

Ontrack will need the encryption keys/passcode to recover the data from your device.

Does Ontrack look at my data?

In most cases it is not required to open files, unless you require us to, or it is requested to check the integrity of files. If you would prefer your files to not be opened, please confirm with your Data Services Representative.

Can you just take the platters out and put them in a new drive?

No, every drive has unique firmware and electronics. Ontrack engineers will use their expertise and experience to recover the data using the most relevant techniques.

If I only select a few files to be recovered, does it lower the price?

No, your fee is based on the recovery efforts of the overall device. If particular files are required as a priority, Ontrack can offer this on our expedited service levels.

Is the price based on the amount of data?

No, data recovery fees are based on the effort to recover the data.

How will I get the data back?

We will copy your data to an encrypted external drive.

Will you recycle my original media?

Yes, Ontrack can securely dispose your failed drive or phone at your request. Please advise your Data Services Representative.

How long do you keep my data?

After shipment, the data is stored on our servers for 30 days. If required, we can erase at an earlier time and provide certification.  Please contact your Data Services Representative.

What brand of drive does Ontrack recommend?

Ontrack does not recommend any brand in particular.

What’s the best way to back-up my data

We recommend using a trusted IT service Provider to help you with your back-ups. Ontrack have a wide partner network so Please ask if you would like a recommendation in your area.

Mobile Phone Recoveries

Do I have to send in my device?

Yes, in order for our engineers to recover your data, they will need your device in our lab. We offer collection to our labs.

How do I get a free shipping label?

Simply complete the service agreement and let your Data Services Representative know you would like a collection label.


What if you can’t get my data?

If we are unable to recover any data, there is no fee for recovery.


Do you need my mobile phone passcode?

Yes, our engineers will need your passcode or swipe pattern to access the data in order to copy it from your device.

Will my phone work when I get it back?

Your phone will not work when it is returned to you.

How will I get my mobile phone data back?

iOS- iPhone/iPad users will generally receive a drive with an iTunes back up as well as a folder with extracted data.

Android- In most cases, Android users will only receive extracted data. However, in some cases, we are able to provide a Huawei HiSuite or Samsung SmartSwitch backup.

Will Ontrack’s data recovery process void the warranty on my phone?

It is best to check with your mobile phone provider.

I already have a replacement phone, how do I get my data back on my new phone?

iOS data can be moved to a new device by restoring the provided backup to the new phone. This process will wipe any existing data on the new device. Ontrack will provide a software tool to perform this action.
Android data would have to be added to the new device manually or through a cloud account.

Will copying the data to my new iOS device overwrite what’s there now?

Yes, the existing data will be wiped if a backup restore is performed.

Can I merge the recovered data and what is currently on my device?

Data like photos and videos are fairly easy to add to the existing device. Other forms of data, like text messages, would require a more manual process and technical know-how.

Does Ontrack need the SIM card in order to recover data from my mobile device?

We do not need the SIM card.

If you have further questions, please contact us

 

What our customers say about our data recovery services

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Experiences that matter

Ontrack has extensive experience with all types of data loss scenarios. Our goal is to provide our customers with peace of mind in the event of data loss due to hardware failure, human error, natural disasters or cyberattacks.

39

Years

In the business

1

Million+

Customers and growing

120

Petabytes+

Of recovered data

73,661,023,683

Of data files recovered over the last twenty years... and more and more every day!

KLDiscovery Ontrack Limited, Nexus, 25 Farringdon Street, London, EC4A 4AB, United Kingdom (see all locations)