Hard Drive Corrupted?
Your Data Is Probably Still There.
Your hard drive shows as RAW, asks to be formatted, or files are suddenly inaccessible. This does not mean your data is gone. When a hard drive becomes corrupted, only the file system structure is damaged. The actual files on the platters are usually intact. Our corrupted hard drive data recovery service can get them back.
No Data, No Charge. Logical corruption: $100-$500. Firmware issues: $300-$1,200.
Signs Your Hard Drive Is Corrupted
File system corruption has distinct symptoms. If you see any of these, stop using the drive and do not run repair tools.
"You need to format the disk"
Windows or Mac cannot read the file system and asks you to format.Do NOT format. Your data is still there.
RAW File System
Disk Management shows the partition as RAW instead of NTFS, APFS, or HFS+. The file system metadata is damaged but data remains.
Files Inaccessible
You can see folder names but cannot open files, or get "Access Denied" or "File or directory is corrupted" errors.
Missing Partitions
Your partition disappeared from File Explorer but the drive still appears in Disk Management as unallocated space.
What Causes a Hard Drive to Become Corrupted
Improper Ejection
Unplugging an external drive while it is writing data is the most common cause of corruption. The file system was in the middle of updating its metadata when power was cut.
Result: Partial writes leave the partition table, MBR, or file allocation tables in an inconsistent state.
Power Surges and Sudden Shutdown
Power outages, surges, or forced shutdowns during disk activity can corrupt the file system. Modern drives have write caching, meaning data in the cache is lost on sudden power loss.
Prevention: Use a UPS for desktop systems and always safely eject external drives.
Bad Sectors Developing
As hard drives age, they develop bad sectors. If bad sectors appear in critical areas like the partition table, MBR, or file system metadata, the drive appears corrupted even though most data is fine.
Warning sign: Drive becoming progressively slower, occasional freezes, or SMART warnings.
Malware and Virus Damage
Some malware intentionally corrupts file systems or encrypts your data (ransomware). Other malware accidentally corrupts the drive by interfering with disk operations.
Note: We handleransomware recovery as a separate service with forensic imaging.
How We Recover Data From Corrupted Hard Drives
Our corrupted hard drive data recovery service follows a careful process to maximize data recovery while protecting the original drive.
Diagnose the Cause
We determine if the corruption is purely logical, caused by firmware issues, or if underlying mechanical problems exist. This determines the recovery approach and cost.
Create a Sector Image
We create a bit-for-bit image of the drive using professional imaging tools (PC-3000, DeepSpar). All recovery work is performed on this image, never on your original drive.
Rebuild File System
We analyze the raw sectors to locate partition boundaries, rebuild partition tables, and reconstruct file system metadata. For severely corrupted drives, we use file carving to recover data based on file signatures.
Verify Recovered Files
We verify that recovered files open correctly. Documents, photos, videos, and databases are spot-checked to ensure the recovery is complete before delivery.
Deliver Your Data
Your recovered files are copied to a new external drive or your own media. We can also provide encrypted transfer for sensitive data.
No Data, No Charge
If we cannot recover your data, you pay nothing. This applies to all corrupted hard drive data recovery services. You only pay return shipping if you want the original drive back.
What NOT to Do With a Corrupted Hard Drive
Do Not Do This
- ✗Do not format the drive. When Windows asks to format, clicking Yes will overwrite file system structures and make recovery much harder.
- ✗Do not run CHKDSK or Disk Utility repair. These tools can delete "orphaned" file entries and scramble data fragments trying to "fix" the file system.
- ✗Do not install recovery software on the corrupted drive. If you must try software, install it on a different drive and scan the corrupted drive read-only.
- ✗Do not keep using the drive. If the corruption is caused by developing bad sectors, continued use will spread the damage.
Safe Actions
- ✓Stop using the drive immediately. The less you use it, the better your recovery chances.
- ✓Check if the drive is detected in Disk Management. Press Win+X and select Disk Management. If you see the drive, note its status (Unallocated, RAW, etc.).
- ✓Listen for unusual sounds. Clicking, beeping, or grinding suggests mechanical failure in addition to corruption.
- ✓Contact a professional. If the data matters, get a free evaluation before attempting DIY recovery.
Corrupted Hard Drive Data Recovery Service Pricing
Pricing depends on the cause of corruption. Pure file system damage is the cheapest to recover. If firmware or mechanical issues are involved, costs increase.
| Type of Corruption | Rossmann | DriveSavers / Big Labs |
|---|---|---|
| Logical corruption (file system damage, deleted partition) | $100-$500 | $500-$1,500 |
| Corruption with bad sectors or slow reads | $300-$800 | $800-$2,000 |
| Corruption caused by firmware issues | $300-$1,200 | $1,000-$2,500 |
| Corruption with mechanical failure (clicking, not spinning) | $1,000-$2,000 | $2,000-$3,500+ |
| Evaluation Fee | None | Free eval, but fees common elsewhere |
We provide a firm quote after a free evaluation. If it turns out to be simple logical corruption instead of firmware or mechanical issues, you pay the lower price.
Professional Oversight and Verified Standards
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 laminar-flow bench filtered to 0.02 µm, 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 videoCorrupted Hard Drive Recovery: Common Questions
Can data be recovered from a corrupted hard drive?
Yes. When a hard drive becomes corrupted, only the file system structure is damaged. The actual data on the platters is usually intact. Professional data recovery services can rebuild partition tables, repair file system metadata, and recover your files.
Why does my hard drive say it needs to be formatted?
This message appears when Windows cannot read the file system. Common causes include corrupted partition table, damaged Master Boot Record (MBR), file system errors from improper ejection, or a dying drive with bad sectors. Do NOT format the drive as this will make recovery harder.
Should I run CHKDSK or Disk Utility to fix a corrupted drive?
No. CHKDSK and Disk Utility repair tools can make data recovery harder or impossible. They may delete file entries they cannot understand, move data fragments, or stress a failing drive. If your data matters, do not run any repair tools.
What is a RAW file system?
RAW means Windows cannot identify the file system on the partition. The partition table or file system metadata is corrupted or unrecognizable. Your data is still on the drive; the operating system just cannot read the directory structure.
Can I try data recovery software myself?
If the drive is detected, reads quickly, and does not make unusual sounds, you can try software like R-Studio or GetDataBack. Install the software on a different drive and scan the corrupted drive read-only. If the drive is slow, clicking, or not detected, stop and get professional help.
How long does corrupted hard drive recovery take?
Pure logical corruption on a healthy drive can be recovered in 1-3 days. If the drive has bad sectors, imaging may take longer (3-7 days). If mechanical issues are discovered, expect 1-3 weeks depending on donor part availability.
Related Hard Drive Data Recovery Services
Corrupted hard drive? We can help.
Free evaluation. No data, no charge. Most logical corruption recoveries: $100-$500.