What to do if your drive stops working?

If a disk, SSD, memory card, USB flash drive, MacBook or RAID/NAS suddenly stops working, the first decision is the most important. The point is not to "fix" the media immediately, but to avoid worsening the condition of the data before diagnosis.

This hub helps you recognize the symptom and navigate to the right path: HDD, SSD/NVMe, USB, SD card, RAID/NAS, MacBook or corporate case. If the data is important, stop recording, note your symptoms and choose a safe next step.

Related data recovery services

1. Stop using the media and do not write new data to it.
2. Do not format, run CHKDSK, fsck, "repair disk" or another RAID rebuild.
3. Note the symptoms: RAW, format request, 0 GB, no detection, knocking, degraded/offline, CRC error.
4. If it's RAID/NAS, label the disks and don't mix them between bays.
5. Go to the appropriate service page or describe your case by reporting it.

The disk is not visible in the system

Lack of detection may indicate a problem with the electronics, firmware, heads, SSD controller, power supply or USB housing. Do not repeat restarts indefinitely. For classic drives check Data Recovery from NAS Synology/QNAP, and for semiconductor media +48 573 532 490.

The disk asks for formatting or shows RAW

The formatting message is not an invitation to click "Yes." Most often, it means that the system does not understand the data structure or the storage device is unstable. See the guide contact and select the service by media type.

The drive clicks, rattles or freezes the computer

Unusual HDD sounds and system freezing during reading are a signal to stop trying. Subsequent scans and copying to completion may increase the damage. In such a scenario, the correct path is data recovery from HDD drives.

SSD shows 0 GB, read-only or disappears

With SSD and NVMe, there is TRIM, encryption, firmware and controller operation. Do not install data recovery programs on the same media and do not perform system repairs. Start with the page +48 573 532 490.

SD card, microSD or USB flash drive asks for format

Remove the card from your camera, drone or camcorder and do not save any new photos or videos. With flash media, it is important to stop writing before new files overwrite old areas. Check memory card data recovery or USB flash drive and flash media recovery.

RAID/NAS is degraded, offline or after a failed rebuild

Don't run another rebuild without analysis. Maintain disk order, panel messages and description of recent activities. For arrays and servers go to "The Drive Needs to Be Formatted"– What Does This Message Mean?, and for file devices do recover data from NAS Synology/QNAP.

MacBook won't start, APFS or FileVault blocks access

Don't reinstall macOS or erase the disk in Disk Utility if files are targeted. For MacBooks, APFS, FileVault, user password and SSD type are important. The right path is See RAID/NAS.

When to stop self-rehearsing

Abort when the media disappears, slows down, makes noise, shows RAW/0 GB, disconnects during copying, or the data is the only copy. If you don't know how to describe the problem, use What to do after a company server or NAS failure in the first 24 hours and write the symptoms in your own words.

What's next: diagnosis, quote and decision

After accepting the storage device, the laboratory assesses the condition, risk of reading and possible scope of work. Only after diagnosis does a real quote make sense. Approximate ranges are on the website Data recovery for companies, and customers from outside Warsaw can use the instructions Call: 573 532 490.

FAQ - first decision after data failure

Can I try the free program first?

If the data is important, don't start with a program that runs on the same media. In case of physical damage, RAW, 0 GB, CRC errors or unstable reading, the program may increase the number of read and write attempts.

Does quick formatting eliminate the chance of recovery?

Not always, but it is risky and unnecessary before diagnosis. Formatting changes the data structure and may trigger subsequent writes, especially on SSD and memory cards.

Will the recovered media still be good for use?

Do not treat the media after a failure as a reliable data store. The purpose of the service is to recover working files and transfer data safely, not to restore damaged media for further work.

Can I send the disk if I am not from Warsaw?

Yes. First describe the symptoms, then pack the media according to shipping instructions. For RAID/NAS, label the disk order and include a description of the device.

Submit a device for diagnosis or call: 573 532 490.