Data Loss or Corruption

Critical files are missing, a database is corrupted, or you've discovered your backups aren't working. The most important thing: don't write new data to the affected storage.

Call Now: (587) 318-0019

✓Do This Right Now

Stop using the affected system immediately

Every new file written to the drive reduces the chance of recovering deleted data. If it's a server, prevent users from saving new work to it.

Check the Recycle Bin and version history

Deleted files often go to the Recycle Bin first. OneDrive and SharePoint have version history that can restore previous versions of changed files.

Note exactly what's missing and when you last saw it

Which files or folders? When did they last work? Was there a recent change, update, or error? This helps us target the recovery.

Call us before attempting recovery yourself

Our team at (587) 318-0019 can assess whether the data is recoverable and choose the right approach — DIY recovery tools can make things worse.

✗Don't Do This

Don't install data recovery software on the same drive where data was lost. The installation itself can overwrite the data you're trying to recover.

Don't run chkdsk or disk repair utilities on a drive with missing data. These tools can overwrite directory structures needed for recovery.

Don't defragment the drive. Defragmentation moves data around and destroys the patterns recovery tools rely on.

Don't restore from backup without verifying the backup is good first. A corrupted backup restored over a partially recoverable drive makes everything worse.

How We Help

Assess what's recoverable

We determine whether files were deleted (often recoverable), corrupted (sometimes recoverable), or lost due to hardware failure (depends on damage level).

Professional data recovery

We use enterprise data recovery tools that read raw disk sectors without modifying the drive. For physically damaged drives, we work with certified clean-room recovery partners.

Restore from backup

If the data is in your backup system, we perform a verified restore — testing the restored data before replacing your production copy.

Prevent future data loss

We review your backup configuration, implement monitoring for backup failures, and set up alerts so you know immediately if a backup job fails.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can deleted files be recovered?

Often yes, if you act quickly. When files are deleted, the data usually remains on the drive until it's overwritten by new data. The faster you stop using the drive, the better the chances. Recovery rates drop significantly after continued use.

How much does data recovery cost?

Software-based recovery (deleted files, corrupted partitions) typically costs $500-$2,000. Hardware-level recovery (failed drives requiring clean-room work) can cost $1,000-$5,000+. We assess the situation and provide a cost estimate before proceeding.

Our backup failed — what now?

First, we attempt to recover the data from the primary source. Then we diagnose why the backup failed — common causes include full storage, expired licenses, changed permissions, or network issues. We fix the backup and implement monitoring to prevent silent failures.

How long does data recovery take?

Software recovery takes hours to a few days depending on drive size. Hardware recovery with a clean-room partner takes 1-2 weeks. We provide expedited service for business-critical data.

How do we prevent data loss in the future?

Automated backups with the 3-2-1 rule (3 copies, 2 media types, 1 offsite), backup monitoring with failure alerts, regular recovery testing, and proper access controls to prevent accidental deletion. See our [Backup & DR service](/services/data-backup-disaster-recovery) for details.

Other IT Emergencies

Server Down Ransomware Attack Network Outage

Prevent this from happening again. Automated backups with monitoring and regular testing prevent most data loss scenarios.

Learn About Backup & DR