Data Recovery

What data recovery actually means?

Data recovery is the process of trying to recover files that have been deleted, corrupted or made inaccessible because of a storage, software or computer problem.

A file recovery service may be needed when a hard drive stops appearing. There were many reasons for this, such as a laptop no longer starting, a device being formatted by mistake, a file system becoming corrupted or important files disappearing after a system failure. In some cases the problem is logical, which means the storage device may still be physically working. But the computer cannot correctly read its files. In other cases the storage hardware itself may be failing.

The right recovery method depends on the symptoms. A deleted folder on a working drive is very different from a hard drive that clicks or repeatedly disconnects. This is why an assessment matters before recovery attempts begin. The more important the data is, the more careful you should be about trial-and-error fixes that could overwrite files or worsen a failure.

What Types of Data Can Be Recovered?

Many different file types may be recoverable, depending on the storage device, the cause of the loss and whether the original data is still present. Examples include personal documents, family photos, videos, coursework, emails, spreadsheets, project files, financial records, business documents, databases and other important files.

Personal files

Photos, videos, documents, downloads, archives and other files stored on a personal computer or drive.

Work and study files

Spreadsheets, presentations, projects, coursework, research files and documents needed for work or education.

Business data

Business documents, shared files, records, databases and other operational data where loss can interrupt day-to-day work.

Data recovery for
Different Storage Devices

Different storage technologies fail in different ways, so the first step is identifying the device, the symptoms and what happened immediately before the data became inaccessible.

Hard Drive Data Recovery

(Logical or physical failure)

Traditional hard drives contain moving parts and can suffer logical, electronic or mechanical problems. Signs of trouble include clicking noises, very slow access, repeated disconnection, files that will not open, a drive that appears as unformatted, or a drive that is no longer detected.

A hard drive data recovery service should begin with careful diagnosis. Repeatedly powering a mechanically failing drive can sometimes make a problem worse, so unusual noises are a reason to stop and seek advice.

SSD Data Recovery

(Flash memory, no moving parts)

SSDs utilize background processes, such as TRIM, that can actively clear deleted data to maintain drive efficiency. So deleted files can be harder to recover than on a hard drive, especially after time has passed. An SSD that stops being detected entirely usually points to a controller or chip-level fault.

External Hard Drive Recovery

(Portable, more exposed to knocks)

External drives can develop problems with the drive itself, the USB connection, power, the enclosure, or the file system. A drive that does not appear on one computer is not automatically beyond recovery; the cause needs to be identified first.

External Hard Drive Recovery

(Portable, more exposed to knocks)

USB Flash Drive Recovery

(Bent connectors, interrupted writes)

USB drives can become unreadable because of corruption, damaged connectors, electronic faults, accidental formatting or file deletion. If the device repeatedly disconnects or is physically damaged, avoid forcing the connector or continuing to write new data to it.

Memory Card Recovery

(Cameras, drones, and similar devices)

Photos and videos may disappear from SD and other memory cards after accidental deletion, formatting, camera errors or file-system corruption. Stop recording new content onto the card if the missing files matter.

Laptop & Desktop Recovery

(The computer failed, not necessarily the drive)

When a computer won’t turn on or won’t get past the startup screen, the drive inside may still be intact. Recovery often means accessing that drive separately before addressing what stopped the computer working.

Common Data Loss Problems We Help With

Accidentally deleted files:

A deleted file may remain recoverable until the storage space it occupied is reused. The most helpful action is often to stop writing new data to the affected drive.

Formatted hard drives:

Formatting changes the way the device organises its data. In some situations files may still be recoverable, but the result depends on the type of format and what has happened to the drive since.

Failed or failing hard drives:

A drive may stop working because of mechanical, electronic or logical problems. Clicking, repeated spin-up attempts, disappearing volumes or major slowdowns are signs that continued use may be risky.

Laptop or computer failure:

Power, motherboard, operating system and storage problems can all make a computer appear to have lost its data. Diagnosis helps establish whether the files can be accessed without relying on the failed computer.

Operating system failure:

Windows or another operating system can fail to start while the storage device remains readable. In that situation, protecting the files may be more important than immediately reinstalling the operating system.

Accidental data loss:

Files can be lost through deletion, formatting, software errors, failed updates, interrupted transfers or mistaken changes. The best next step depends on what happened and how valuable the missing data is.

Our data recovery process

Every case is different, but most jobs follow the same sequence.

Initial enquiry

You get in touch and describe what’s happened to your device and data.

Initial assessment

An early look at the symptoms to understand the likely type of failure.

Device diagnosis

A closer inspection of the drive to identify exactly what’s wrong.

Recovery plan

An explanation of what can realistically be attempted, and what it involves.

Data extraction

The recovery work itself, carried out based on the type of failure identified.

Why choose data recovery specialists?

Data recovery specialists focus first on understanding the failure rather than immediately applying a generic repair. That matters because an incorrect recovery attempt can create a logical problem. And problem become more difficult or place extra stress on physically failing hardware.

Data recovery specialists bring a careful assessment before any attempt, technical understanding of how storage technologies fail, methods matched to the specific fault, awareness of data privacy, safe handling. And also an honest advice including when a DIY approach might genuinely be enough.

How hard drive failures are categorised

Logical failures — corruption, deletion, formatting; hardware still works.
Physical failures — head, motor, or bad sector faults; often signalled by clicking or non-detection.
Deleted data — often recoverable if the drive hasn’t been heavily used since.
Corrupted file systems — the drive can’t be read correctly, though data may still be there.

Data recovery in London and nearby areas

Thor Computer provides data recovery support for home users, students, professionals and businesses across London and nearby areas. This includes customers in Central, North, South, East and West London, as well as Greater London and surrounding areas that can genuinely be served.

If you are searching for data recovery in London, hard drive recovery in London or “data recovery near me”, the important question is not just distance. You also need clear advice about whether the device should still be powered on, what may have caused the loss and whether previous attempts could affect recovery.

Nearby customers, including those in relevant surrounding parts of Kent, can contact Thor Computer to discuss the device and symptoms first. No separate branch or physical data recovery facility is claimed here.

Central London

North London

South London

East London

West London

Greater London

Nearby Kent

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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. When i realised my laptop just wasnt working i reached out to Mike. Best thing i could have done. He arrived within a couple of hours and quickly diagnosed the problem. Sorting out a solution wasnt easy but his patience, perseverance and expertise came to the fore. And all is well now thank you
  
 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I hired this company to fix my computer, they did come to collect and work on it. However we had a verbal agreement that they would accept payment when the job was done. I tursted them and paid them early as the issue seemed simple by their explination. In the end they had to contaxt the manufacture to use the warrenty, which i could do myself. I arranged the warrenty meaning Thor Computer LTD did not finish the job, and when I asked for a partial return of my money they said no. If you hire them please have in writing any payment agreement and do not give them money until your work is done.
  
 
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Thor Computer Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is data recovery?

Data recovery is the process of trying to retrieve files that have become lost or inaccessible. This may be needed after deletion, formatting, corruption, computer failure or a storage device problem.

Can deleted files be recovered?

Sometimes. Deleted files may remain recoverable until their storage space is overwritten. Stop using the affected drive where possible and avoid saving new data to it.

Can data be recovered from a failed hard drive?

Recovery may be possible depending on the type and severity of the failure. Logical corruption, electronic problems and mechanical failure require different approaches.

Can data be recovered from an SSD?

It may be possible, but SSD recovery can differ from traditional hard drive recovery. SSDs manage deleted data in ways that can reduce the chance of recovery after files are removed or overwritten.

Can data be recovered from a formatted drive?

Sometimes. The result depends on the type of format, the storage technology and whether new data has been written to the device afterwards.

How long does data recovery take?

There is no single turnaround time. Device condition, the type of failure, diagnostic requirements, recovery complexity and the amount of data all affect the timescale.

How much does data recovery cost?

The cost depends on the specific case. Device type, failure, physical or logical damage and the amount of work required can all change the price, so an assessment may be needed first.

Should I stop using a failing hard drive?

Yes, especially if it is clicking, disappearing, extremely slow or repeatedly failing to start. Continued use can increase risk when a drive has a mechanical or unstable hardware problem.

Can data be recovered from a damaged laptop?

Potentially. A laptop can fail while its storage remains readable, or the storage itself may be the cause. Diagnosis helps identify which part of the system is preventing access to the files.

Can files be recovered from an external hard drive?

Often there are options worth assessing. The problem may involve the connection, enclosure, file system, electronics or the drive itself. The safest recovery method depends on the cause.

Data Recovery

What data recovery actually means?

What Types of Data Can Be Recovered?

Personal files

Work and study files

Business data

Data recovery for Different Storage Devices

Hard Drive Data Recovery

SSD Data Recovery

External Hard Drive Recovery

External Hard Drive Recovery

USB Flash Drive Recovery

Memory Card Recovery

Laptop & Desktop Recovery

Common Data Loss Problems We Help With

Accidentally deleted files:

Formatted hard drives:

Failed or failing hard drives:

Laptop or computer failure:

Operating system failure:

Accidental data loss:

Our data recovery process

Initial enquiry

Initial assessment

Device diagnosis

Recovery plan

Data extraction

Why choose data recovery specialists?

How hard drive failures are categorised

Data recovery in London and nearby areas

Central London

North London

South London

East London

West London

Greater London

Nearby Kent

Thor Computer Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Quick Links

Our Services

Get in Touch

+44 7487 555254

info@thorcomputer.com

167-169 Great Portland Street , 5th Floor, London, W1W 5PF

Data recovery for
Different Storage Devices