Data Recovery
Data recovery refers to specialist work carried out on failed or inaccessible storage devices to attempt to retrieve data that can no longer be accessed through normal means.
This may include situations such as accidental deletion, file system corruption, device failure, or physical damage to storage media. Data recovery is not a routine IT task. It is a specialist service that requires assessment before any conclusions can be drawn about feasibility, cost, or outcome.
Not all data loss situations are recoverable. Outcomes vary significantly depending on the device, the type of failure, and the condition of the media at the time it is assessed.
Assessment led work, not guaranteed outcomes
Data recovery work always begins with an assessment carried out by a specialist data recovery provider.
The purpose of an assessment is to evaluate the condition of the storage device and determine whether any recovery options may be available. An assessment does not guarantee that data can be recovered, does not guarantee how much data may be recovered, and does not guarantee that any recovered data will be complete, intact, or usable.
Even where an assessment indicates that recovery may be possible, recovery attempts may still be unsuccessful.
Types of data loss that may require specialist assessment
Examples of situations where specialist assessment may be required include:
Accidental deletion or formatting
Failed external drives, SSDs, or memory cards
File system corruption
Mechanical or electronic failure
Server or multi drive storage failures
Storage devices that are no longer recognised
Water, impact, or heat damage
These examples are illustrative only. Each case is assessed individually and outcomes cannot be predicted in advance.
What to do if a device has failed
If you believe a storage device has failed or data has been lost, it is generally advisable to stop using the device as soon as possible.
Further use may increase the risk of overwriting data or worsening existing damage. Avoid attempting repeated restarts, software based recovery tools, or disassembly unless instructed by a specialist as part of an assessment process.
Role, responsibility, and limitations
Evening Computing does not perform laboratory data recovery work and does not control, supervise, or participate in the technical recovery process.
Where specialist data recovery is required, Evening Computing may introduce the client to an independent data recovery specialist. All recovery work is carried out entirely by that specialist under their own procedures, tools, and professional judgement.
Evening Computing:
does not control or approve recovery methods
does not supervise or direct data recovery engineers
does not influence technical recovery decisions
does not determine recovery feasibility
does not set recovery pricing or commercial terms
Any assessment, quotation, recovery attempt, or outcome is determined solely by the data recovery specialist.
Contracts, responsibility, and disputes
Any data recovery services are provided under a separate agreement between the client and the data recovery specialist.
Evening Computing is not a party to that agreement and has no authority to amend, enforce, or intervene in its terms.
Any disputes relating to pricing, recovery outcomes, data completeness, delivery, or service performance are matters between the client and the data recovery specialist.
If you choose not to proceed after assessment
If, following assessment, the client chooses not to proceed with the recovery work, the storage device will be returned by the data recovery specialist using a secure courier service.
The cost of return shipping is the responsibility of the client and is payable directly to the data recovery specialist.
Next steps
If you would like to discuss your situation or understand whether specialist assessment may be appropriate, you can contact us to talk through the circumstances calmly and without obligation.
Any decision to proceed with assessment or recovery work is made after clear explanation of the process, limitations, and next steps.