When you delete a file, even “permanently,” it isn't actually erased. The space is simply marked as available. Until new data overwrites that space, your files can be recovered. Stop using the drive immediately for best results.
Yes, in most cases. Here's why:
SSD exception: On solid-state drives, TRIM commands tell the controller to discard deleted blocks within seconds. Once TRIM executes, the controller returns zeroes for those addresses and the data is gone through normal interfaces.
The exception: if the SSD died from a hardware failure (dead controller, shorted PMIC, firmware corruption) before the OS could send TRIM commands, the data still exists on the NAND. Recovery in that scenario depends on rebuilding the translator or emulating the controller, not on scanning for deleted files.
“Absolutely pleasant and professional experience with them. The first time I worked with them they successfully extracted phone data that a popular chain in my area said could not be extracted. I just finished working with them again with a phone that I accidentally left in my pocket while free diving. The phone was too far gone, but the only cost to me was the shipping to have it returned. I truly appreciate the competence and professionalism of this company.”
Josiah Magnusson
“I had an incredible experience with Rossmann. My computer had shut off without warning and wasn't turning back on. I took it to The Mac Support Store in Gowanus, which was the first well-reviewed place that came up on Google, and they charged $30 for a diagnostic and then gave me an estimate saying my logic board was fried and it would cost $700 to repair.”
Sophia Harvey
Our Austin lab operates on a transparency-first model. We use industry-standard recovery tools, including PC-3000 and DeepSpar, combined with strict environmental controls to maintain drive integrity. This approach allows us to serve clients nationwide with consistent technical standards.
Open-drive work is performed in a 0.02 micron ULPA-filtered laminar clean bench.
Serving clients nationwide via mail-in service since 2008. Our lead engineer holds PC-3000 and HEX Akademia certifications for hard drive firmware repair and mechanical recovery.
Our repair work has been covered by The Wall Street Journal and Business Insider, with CBC News reporting on our pricing transparency. Louis Rossmann has testified in Right to Repair hearings in multiple states and founded the Repair Preservation Group.
Our "No Data, No Charge" policy means we assume the risk of the recovery attempt, not the client.
Louis Rossmann
Our engineers review all lab protocols to maintain technical accuracy and honest service. Since 2008, his focus has been on clear technical communication and accurate diagnostics rather than sales-driven explanations.
We believe in showing the bench rather than just describing it. Open-drive work runs on a 0.02 micron ULPA-filtered laminar clean bench, and we filmed it.
See the particle counter test at the benchFiles deleted from recycle bin/trash are typically recoverable if the drive wasn't used heavily afterward.
Files deleted without going to recycle bin. Same recovery process as emptied bin. Data still exists.
Entire folders or partitions accidentally deleted. File structure usually recoverable with folder names intact.
Files deleted via rm, del, or other command line tools. No different from GUI deletion for recovery purposes.
Files deleted by software (photo editors, cleanup tools, etc.). Recoverable unless app performed secure delete.
Multi-pass overwrite tools (DBAN) or Cryptographic Erasure. Data is rendered permanently unreadable. Not recoverable.
Traditional hard drives don't automatically erase deleted data. Files remain until the exact sectors are overwritten by new data. This can take months or never happen if the drive has free space.
On modern operating systems, deleting a file from an SSD triggers an immediate TRIM command. The controller marks those blocks as invalid and returns zeroes on subsequent reads.
This happens within seconds of deletion, not gradually over time. Once TRIM completes, the data is permanently unrecoverable through any method.
SSD Users: If you deleted files from an internal SSD and the drive is still functional, TRIM has likely already completed and the data is permanently gone. If the drive failed immediately after deletion, or if you are using an external USB SSD that may not pass TRIM commands, power it off and contact us for evaluation.
Free tools: Recuva, PhotoRec, TestDisk
| Drive Condition | What This Covers | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy Drive | Drive reads normally, just need deleted files recovered | $100-$250 |
| Drive with Issues | Bad sectors, firmware corruption, needs imaging first | $250-$900 |
| Mechanical Failure | Clicking/failing drive + deleted file recovery | $1,200–$1,500 to $2,000 |
Helium-sealed drives (8TB and larger NAS or server drives such as Toshiba MG08, Seagate Exos, and WD Ultrastar) are quoted on a separate tier. See helium drive pricing.
No Data, No Charge: If we can't recover your deleted files, you pay nothing.
Yes, in most cases. When you delete a file (even from recycle bin), the data is not erased. Only the pointer to it is removed. The actual file remains on the drive until that space is overwritten by new data.
There is no fixed time limit. It depends on drive usage. If you stopped using the drive immediately after deletion, files can be recovered months or years later. Heavy use after deletion reduces chances.
Yes, photos are often excellent candidates for recovery. Image files have recognizable headers that recovery software can identify even without file system metadata. JPEGs, RAW files, and other image formats have high recovery rates.
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Full HDD recovery service overview
SSD firmware and controller recovery
Recovery after accidental format
When TRIM makes recovery impossible
File system damage recovery
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Stop using the drive and contact us. Free evaluation, no data no charge.
