Forensic Data Recovery
Chain of Custody, Write-Blocked Imaging, Published Pricing
We recover data from physically damaged storage devices while preserving evidence integrity. Every forensic recovery uses hardware write-blocking through our PC-3000 to prevent any modification to the source media. Chain of custody is documented from the moment your device arrives to the moment it ships back.
Evidence Integrity Preserved
Confidentiality
We sign strict NDAs upon request to guarantee client confidentiality. We are not HIPAA certified and do not sign BAAs. If your case requires HIPAA-compliant handling, we will tell you upfront rather than make claims we cannot back. For corporate investigations, litigation support, and HR matters, our NDA process covers the confidentiality requirements most firms need.
Standard vs. Forensic Recovery
Standard Recovery
Goal: get the user's files back. The process may involve altering the drive (clearing SMART data, repairing the file system) to make it mountable. This changes the metadata hash and renders the image inadmissible as evidence.
Forensic Recovery
Goal: get data while changing nothing on the source media. We use hardware write-blockers via PC-3000. We image to a forensic file format (E01) if requested. Every step is documented with timestamps.
Chain of Custody
Every forensic case follows the same four-step process. Each transition is logged and timestamped.
Intake
Diagnosis
Recovery
Return
Hardware Imaging with PC-3000
The PC-3000 from ACE Laboratory is the tool used by law enforcement labs and professional data recovery firms worldwide. It communicates directly with the drive's firmware through vendor-specific ATA and SCSI commands, bypassing the operating system entirely.
For forensic cases, the PC-3000 operates in write-blocked mode. The source drive operates in a write-blocked state regarding user data. Necessary firmware stabilization is performed in volatile memory (RAM) where possible, with all service-area interactions documented. The resulting image is a bit-for-bit copy that can be hashed (MD5, SHA-256) and verified against the original media.
Write-Blocked Imaging
Hardware-level write protection prevents any modification to the source drive during the imaging process.
E01 Forensic Format
Expert Witness Format (E01) includes built-in hash verification and case metadata. Available on request alongside raw DD images.
Hash Verification
MD5 and SHA-256 hashes generated at imaging time. Reproducible verification confirms nothing changed between acquisition and analysis.
What We Recover
Damaged Evidence
Recovering data from phones, hard drives, or SSDs that have been smashed, water-damaged, or burned in an attempt to destroy evidence.
Corporate Investigations
HR cases, IP theft, departing employee devices. We image the drive and return it with a documented chain of custody. You provide the drive to your forensic examiner with the evidence integrity intact.
JTAG / Chip-Off
Direct memory extraction for unencrypted flash media and non-Apple mobile devices that cannot be accessed via standard USB/SATA interfaces. Not viable on Apple hardware with Secure Enclave encryption.
Pricing
Forensic recovery uses the same pricing tiers as standard recovery. The price is based on the physical fault, not the legal context. There is no "forensic surcharge." Write-blocked imaging and chain of custody documentation are included.
HDD recovery ranges from $100–$2,000 across 5 tiers. SSD recovery ranges from $200–$1,500 across 5 tiers. Call (512) 212-9111 for a free estimate.
Hard Drive Recovery
Simple Copy
Low complexityYour drive works, you just need the data moved off it
$100
3-5 business days
Functional drive; data transfer to new media
Rush available: +$100
File System Recovery
Low complexityYour drive isn't recognized by your computer, but it's not making unusual sounds
From $250
2-4 weeks
File system corruption. Accessible with professional recovery software but not by the OS
Starting price; final depends on complexity
Firmware Repair
Medium complexityYour drive is completely inaccessible. It may be detected but shows the wrong size or won't respond
$600–$900
3-6 weeks
Firmware corruption: ROM, modules, or translator tables corrupted; requires PC-3000 terminal access
CMR drive: $600. SMR drive: $900.
Head Swap
High complexityMost CommonYour drive is clicking, beeping, or won't spin. The internal read/write heads have failed
$1,200–$1,500
4-8 weeks
Head stack assembly failure. Transplanting heads from a matching donor drive on a clean bench
50% deposit required. CMR: $1,200-$1,500 + donor. SMR: $1,500 + donor.
50% deposit required
Surface / Platter Damage
High complexityYour drive was dropped, has visible damage, or a head crash scraped the platters
$2,000
4-8 weeks
Platter scoring or contamination. Requires platter cleaning and head swap
50% deposit required. Donor parts are consumed in the repair. Most difficult recovery type.
50% deposit required
Hardware Repair vs. Software Locks
Our "no data, no fee" policy applies to hardware recovery. We do not bill for unsuccessful physical repairs. If we replace a hard drive read/write head assembly or repair a liquid-damaged logic board to a bootable state, the hardware repair is complete and standard rates apply. If data remains inaccessible due to user-configured software locks, a forgotten passcode, or a remote wipe command, the physical repair is still billable. We cannot bypass user encryption or activation locks.
No data, no fee. Free evaluation and firm quote before any paid work. Full guarantee details. Head swap and surface damage require a 50% deposit because donor parts are consumed in the attempt.
Rush fee: +$100 rush fee to move to the front of the queue.
Donor drives: Donor drives are matching drives used for parts. Typical donor cost: $50–$150 for common drives, $200–$400 for rare or high-capacity models. We source the cheapest compatible donor available.
Target drive: The destination drive we copy recovered data onto. You can supply your own or we provide one at cost plus a small markup. For larger capacities (8TB, 10TB, 16TB and above), target drives cost $400+ extra. All prices are plus applicable tax.
SSD Recovery
Simple Copy
Low complexityYour drive works, you just need the data moved off it
$200
3-5 business days
Functional drive; data transfer to new media
Rush available: +$100
File System Recovery
Low complexityYour drive isn't showing up, but it's not physically damaged
From $250
2-4 weeks
File system corruption. Visible to recovery software but not to OS
Starting price; final depends on complexity
Circuit Board Repair
Medium complexityYour drive won't power on or has shorted components
$450–$600
3-6 weeks
PCB issues: failed voltage regulators, dead PMICs, shorted capacitors
May require a donor drive (additional cost)
Firmware Recovery
Medium complexityMost CommonYour drive is detected but shows the wrong name, wrong size, or no data
$600–$900
3-6 weeks
Firmware corruption: ROM, modules, or system files corrupted
Price depends on extent of bad areas in NAND
PCB / NAND Swap
High complexityYour drive's circuit board is severely damaged and requires NAND chip transplant to a donor PCB
$1,200–$1,500
4-8 weeks
NAND swap onto donor PCB. Precision microsoldering and BGA rework required
50% deposit required; donor drive cost additional
50% deposit required
Hardware Repair vs. Software Locks
Our "no data, no fee" policy applies to hardware recovery. We do not bill for unsuccessful physical repairs. If we replace a hard drive read/write head assembly or repair a liquid-damaged logic board to a bootable state, the hardware repair is complete and standard rates apply. If data remains inaccessible due to user-configured software locks, a forgotten passcode, or a remote wipe command, the physical repair is still billable. We cannot bypass user encryption or activation locks.
No data, no fee. Free evaluation and firm quote before any paid work. Full guarantee details. NAND swap requires a 50% deposit because donor parts are consumed in the attempt.
Rush fee: +$100 rush fee to move to the front of the queue.
Donor drives: A donor drive is a matching SSD used for its circuit board. Typical donor cost: $40–$100 for common models, $150–$300 for discontinued or rare controllers.
Target drive: The destination drive we copy recovered data onto. You can supply your own or we provide one at cost plus a small markup. All prices are plus applicable tax.
Data Recovery Standards & Verification
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 make sure your hard drive is handled safely and properly. This approach allows us to serve clients nationwide with consistent technical standards.
Open-drive work is performed in a ULPA-filtered laminar-flow bench, validated to 0.02 µm particle count, verified using TSI P-Trak instrumentation.
Transparent History
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.
Media Coverage
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.
Aligned Incentives
Our "No Data, No Charge" policy means we assume the risk of the recovery attempt, not the client.
Technical Oversight
Louis Rossmann
Louis Rossmann's well trained staff review our lab protocols to ensure 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 proving standards rather than just stating them. We use TSI P-Trak instrumentation to verify that clean-air benchmarks are met before any drive is opened.
See our clean bench validation data and particle test videoRelated Recovery Services
Standard and forensic HDD imaging
Flash storage forensic recovery
Mobile device chip-off extraction
Chain of custody and security protocols
Step-by-step recovery workflow
Attack response and offline imaging
Secure Evidence Recovery
Contact us to discuss your case requirements. NDAs available upon request.