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 receives read commands only. No writes, no SMART updates, no firmware patches. 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
| Service Tier | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Simple CopyLow complexity | $100 | Your drive works, you just need the data moved off it Functional drive; data transfer to new media Rush available: +$100 |
| File System RecoveryLow complexity | From $250 | Your drive isn't recognized by your computer, but it's not making unusual sounds File system corruption. Accessible with professional recovery software but not by the OS Starting price; final depends on complexity |
| Firmware RepairMedium complexity – PC-3000 required | $600–$900 | Your drive is completely inaccessible. It may be detected but shows the wrong size or won't respond Firmware corruption: ROM, modules, or translator tables corrupted; requires PC-3000 terminal access Standard drives at lower end; high-density drives at higher end |
| Head SwapHigh complexity – clean bench surgery50% deposit | $1,200–$1,500 | Your drive is clicking, beeping, or won't spin. The internal read/write heads have failed Head stack assembly failure. Transplanting heads from a matching donor drive on a clean bench 50% deposit required. Donor parts are consumed in the repair |
| Surface / Platter DamageHigh complexity – clean bench surgery50% deposit | $2,000 | Your drive was dropped, has visible damage, or a head crash scraped the platters Platter scoring or contamination. Requires platter cleaning and head swap 50% deposit required. Donor parts are consumed in the repair. Most difficult recovery type. |
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.
All tiers: Free evaluation and firm quote before any paid work. No data, no fee on simple copy, file system, and firmware tiers. Head swap and surface damage require a 50% deposit because donor parts are consumed in the attempt.
Target drive: The destination drive we copy recovered data onto. You can supply your own or we provide one at cost. For high-capacity drives (8TB and above), the target drive costs approximately $400+ due to the large media required. All prices are plus applicable tax.
SSD Recovery
| Service Tier | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Simple CopyLow complexity | $200 | Your drive works, you just need the data moved off it Functional drive; data transfer to new media Rush available: +$100 |
| File System RecoveryLow complexity | From $250 | Your drive isn't showing up, but it's not physically damaged File system corruption. Visible to recovery software but not to OS Starting price; final depends on complexity |
| Circuit Board RepairMedium complexity – PC-3000 required | $600–$900 | Your drive won't power on or has shorted components PCB issues: failed voltage regulators, dead PMICs, shorted capacitors May require a donor drive (additional cost) |
| Firmware RecoveryMedium complexity – PC-3000 required | $900–$1,200 | Your drive is detected but shows the wrong name, wrong size, or no data Firmware corruption: ROM, modules, or system files corrupted Price depends on extent of bad areas in NAND |
| Advanced Board RebuildHigh complexity – precision microsoldering and BGA rework | $1,200–$1,500 | Your drive's circuit board is severely damaged and requires advanced micro-soldering Advanced component repair. Micro-soldering to revive native logic board or utilize specialized vendor protocols 50% deposit required upfront; donor drive cost additional |
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.
All tiers: Free evaluation and firm quote before any paid work. No data, no fee on all tiers (advanced board rebuild requires a 50% deposit because donor parts are consumed in the attempt).
Target drive: The destination drive we copy recovered data onto. You can supply your own or we provide one at cost. All prices are plus applicable tax.
Hard Drive 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.
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.