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Laboratory Help Center

FAQ – data recovery and safety

Clear answers before you call, ship a device or decide what to stop doing next.

01

Cost, quote and payment

Diagnosis comes before a binding quote because the failure type and safe recovery procedure matter.

Is standard diagnosis free?

Standard diagnosis is free. If the case requires non-standard analysis or preparation, we explain that before any paid recovery work begins.

When do I receive the quote and when do I pay?

After diagnosis, you receive a quote and a description of the realistic recovery scope. Paid work starts only after approval.

Can you give an estimated cost before diagnosis?

We can give a general range after hearing the symptoms, but the final quote depends on the media type, damage and recovery procedure.

Why can data recovery cost more than a standard scan?

Data recovery often requires diagnosis, safe imaging, logical analysis or laboratory preparation of the device. The goal is a verified file result, not a single technical operation. In many cases, hardware diagnostics, storage-device imaging, copy work and risk control are needed.

Are you issuing an invoice?

Yes. We issue invoices and can handle company cases with formal intake confirmation.

02

Duration and urgency

The timeline depends on the damage type, device condition, capacity and whether the case can be safely imaged.

How long does data recovery take?

The initial diagnosis usually fits in 24 hours. Recovery time depends on the stability of the storage device, the range of imaging, the type of failure and the verification of recovered files. The indicative term is given after an assessment of a particular case.

Is a time-sensitive mode available?

Yes, in selected cases we can work as a priority. Urgent mode makes sense when it does not increase the risk to the vehicle and you can safely accelerate diagnosis or reading.

Can I track the progress?

Yes. We provide updates after diagnosis and at key decision points, especially in business cases.

What do I receive after recovery is complete?

You receive the recovered data in the agreed form and information about the recovered scope so you can verify the result.

03

Confidentiality and safe handling

Data is treated as confidential matter. With unstable storage devices, the priority is to copy and reduce risks.

Are my data safe?

We use the storage devices in a controlled process, without the access of outsiders. We do not review the contents outside the scope needed to assess and verify recovery.

Do you sign NDAs?

Yes. If an NDA is needed, tell us before delivery or before the case is accepted.

Do you work on a copy rather than the original?

If the device is unstable or the case requires it, we create an image or sector-by-sector copy and continue analysis on the copy. The original is then less exposed to additional wear.

How long do you keep recovered data?

By default, we keep recovered data for a limited time after the case is completed so you can collect and verify it. Details are agreed when we hand over the result.

04

Diagnosis and first steps

The biggest losses often happen after the failure, during repeated startup attempts or repairs without a copy.

What should I do immediately after a storage device failure?

Disconnect the device and do not make further attempts to write, format or repair it. Describe the symptoms by phone or through the form and we will suggest the safest first step. Give a brief description of the symptoms and condition of the storage device, and we will indicate the safest first step.

Can data always be recovered?

No. Chances depend on the device type, damage type and what happened after the failure. That is why we diagnose first instead of promising a result without checking the device. and thisWhat happened after the crash. That's why we make the diagnosis first, instead of promising the result without checking the storage device.

Is self-analysis of the storage device safe?

We do not recommend it if the data matter. Software launched on the same device may write data, deepen logical damage or make later diagnosis harder. Software running on the same storage device can record, deepen logical damage or impede later laboratory diagnosis.

Can diagnosis make the device condition worse?

It should not if it is performed safely. We avoid aggressive scans on the original and match the procedure to the symptoms and condition of the device.

Does data recovery affect the device warranty?

It depends on the case. If intervention in the device is needed, the manufacturer may refuse warranty coverage. If the device is under warranty, tell us before we accept the case. in storage devicethe manufacturer may refuse the guarantee. If the storage device is on warranty, tell us before the case is accepted.

05

HDD, SSD/NVMe, RAID/NAS, USB and cards

Different devices require different procedures. Not every case can be safely assessed with the same tool.

How is HDD recovery different from SSD/NVMe recovery?

An HDD may have mechanical or surface damage, while SSD/NVMe recovery depends on the controller, NAND memory, firmware, TRIM and encryption. That is why the procedure for SSD/NVMe differs from a classic spinning drive. SSD/NVMe depends on controller, NAND, firmware, TRIM and encryption. Therefore, the SSD/NVMe procedure differs from the classic HDD procedure.

What does TRIM mean on SSD/NVMe?

TRIM can remove information about deleted data and make recovery harder. After file loss on SSD/NVMe, it is best to shut down the computer immediately and not boot the system from that device again.

Do you recover data from RAID/NAS and servers?

Yes. We work with RAID/NAS arrays, file servers and business environments. It is important not to perform a rushed rebuild, initialization or disk order change. Do not start RAID reconstruction or initialization before diagnostics and do not change the order of disks.

Do I need to deliver all drives from a RAID/NAS?

The safest option is to deliver the full drive set and information about order and configuration. If you have clones or images, we can determine whether they are enough for analysis.

Do you recover USB flash drives, USB drives and memory cards?

Yes. We handle USB flash drives, external USB drives, SD/microSD cards, CFexpress, CFast and other flash media. After an error, do not write new data to them.

What should I do after formatting a card or deleting photos?

Stop using the card and do not take more photos or videos. Every write may overwrite material that could still be recovered.

Do you recover DVR/NVR surveillance recordings?

Yes, but the scope depends on the recorder, recording system, disk condition and possible overwriting. First we secure the device and check which time ranges are realistic to recover. and possible Overwriting. First we secure the storage device And we checkwhich time frames are viable for recovery.

06

Business cases, databases and NDA

In business cases, recovery is not the only priority: limiting downtime, confidentiality and being able to verify the data also matter.

Do you help with database or business software failures?

Yes. We handle SQL Server, Access, Płatnik, Optima, Subiekt and accounting or warehouse databases. It is best to prepare database files, logs, backups and a description of the last correct operation.

How should I prepare files, logs and backups for diagnosis?

Collect database files, application or SQL logs, error messages, software version, the latest backup and a description of events. Do not run repairs on the only production copy.

Do you recover VMs, mail and file servers?

Yes. We analyze virtual machines, VMDK/VHDX files, PST/OST mail and file servers. In these cases, dependencies between files, snapshots and environment configuration matter.

What should I do after ransomware?

Disconnect infected devices from the network, do not install cleaning tools on the same device and do not overwrite data. In a company, secure logs, backups and a timeline of the incident.

How can I limit company downtime?

First stop actions that could change the state of the data. Then set priorities: key folders, databases, users or date ranges. This helps make decisions faster after diagnosis. Then set priorities: the most important directories, databases, users or dates range. It helps to make a decision faster after diagnosis.

07

Supply of the data sheet and data sheet

You can bring the device to Warsaw or send it after contacting us. It is best to describe the symptoms first.

How do I report a problem?

Submit the case form or consult the laboratory with a short description of the device, symptoms and the data that matter most. You do not need to know the exact device model for the first conversation.

Can I send the device by courier or parcel locker?

Yes. We accept shipped cases from all over Poland. After contact, we will provide safe packing guidance and confirm what to include with the case.

Can I bring the device without an appointment?

It is best to call first or send a case form. That lets us confirm availability and tell you what not to do with the device before delivery.

Where is the laboratory?

The laboratory is in Warsaw, Białołęka: Jana Kowalczyka 1, unit 8, 2nd floor. Address details are also in the page footer.

How should I pack the device for shipping?

Protect the device from shocks and electrostatic discharge. Use a rigid box, padding, and include a note with contact details and a symptom description. and loads electrostatic. Use rigid box, fill and join sheet data contact and description of symptoms.

08

What not to do before diagnosis

If the data matter, it is better to stop early than make one attempt too many.

Can I keep using the damaged device?

We do not recommend it. Continuing to use an unstable drive, card or USB flash drive may increase damage or overwrite data.

What should I avoid when a drive clicks, disappears or freezes the computer?

Do not force it to start again, do not run repair tools on the original device and do not open the enclosure. With mechanical symptoms, every further attempt can make the drive condition worse. and no Open the enclosures. With mechanical symptoms, any subsequent attempt could worsen the state of the disk.

What not to do after a RAID/NAS error?

Do not rebuild blindly, initialize the volume or change disk order. Save messages, drive order and recent administrative actions.

What not to do after a database error?

Do not repair the only production copy and do not overwrite logs. The safest approach is to secure database files, logs, backups and an event description, then analyze a copy. and no Overwrite logs. Safest to secure database files, logs, backups and description events, a analysis use on a copy.

Next safe step

Do not risk further attempts. Secure the device and contact the laboratory.

Describe the symptoms, device type and what happened before data loss. We will choose a safe diagnosis path.