Windows PC Data Recovery

25 Years of Desktop Data Recovery Expertise

Aberdeen Data Recovery is the go-to solution for individuals, IT professionals, and businesses facing desktop computer data loss. With over 25 years of experience, our team has become Scotland’s No.1 data recovery specialist aberdeen-datarecovery.co.uk, equipped to handle any failure on any desktop PC make or model. We combine deep technical expertise with a friendly, customer-focused approach to make the recovery process as smooth as possible. Over the decades, we’ve successfully recovered data from thousands of desktop systems – earning the trust of clients across Aberdeen, Scotland and beyond.

Supported Desktop Computer Brands

We can recover data from any brand or model of desktop computer. Our engineers have experience with all major manufacturers, including but not limited to:

• Dell

• HP

• Lenovo

• Apple (iMac, Mac Pro, Mac Mini)

• Microsoft (Surface Studio and other desktop PCs)

• Acer

• ASUS

• Custom-Built PCs (bespoke gaming rigs, workstations, etc.)

Whether you have a standard office PC, an all-in-one Apple iMac, or a high-end custom build, we have the know-how to tackle its data recovery.

Supported Internal Storage Devices and Interfaces

Desktop computers can contain a variety of internal storage types and interfaces. Our lab is equipped to work with all of them, from older legacy devices to the latest high-speed SSDs. We support recovery from drives using interfaces such as:

• SATA (Serial ATA): The common interface for most modern 3.5″ desktop hard disk drives (HDDs) and many 2.5″ solid-state drives (SSDs). SATA became the standard for PC hard drives after it superseded older PATA in the early 2000s.

• IDE/PATA (Parallel ATA): An older interface (also just called IDE) used in many PCs before SATA. We can handle these legacy drives as well – PATA was the standard PC drive interface until around 2003, when SATA replaced it.

• SCSI / SAS: SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) drives were common in high-end desktops and workstations in the past. Its successor, SAS (Serial Attached SCSI), introduced in 2004, is used mostly in enterprise-class desktops and servers, replacing older parallel SCSI drives. We recover data from both traditional SCSI drives and newer SAS hard drives.

• NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express): A modern high-speed interface/protocol for SSDs that leverages the PCI Express bus for data transfer. NVMe drives (usually in M.2 or add-in card form) offer extremely fast read/write speeds by using the PCIe interface. We have the tools to recover data from failed NVMe SSDs, even when they are not recognized by the system.

• PCIe-Based Storage: Some desktops use storage devices that connect directly via PCI Express slots (for example, high-performance PCIe SSD add-on cards or RAID controller cards). Our specialists can work with these direct-attach PCIe storage solutions as well.

• M.2 and U.2 Drives: We support all form factors of SSDs. M.2 drives (the gumstick-shaped SSDs found in many modern desktops and laptops) and U.2 drives (2.5″ NVMe SSDs typically used in workstations/servers) are both supported. Whether your desktop’s SSD is in an M.2 slot on the motherboard or attached via a U.2 cable, we can recover data from it.

• eSATA (External SATA): If you used an external desktop backup drive or enclosure connected via eSATA, we can handle that too. eSATA is essentially an external SATA interface — we treat those drives with the same care, connecting them to our recovery systems to retrieve your files.

Supported Storage Device Brands

Our capabilities cover all major hard drive and SSD manufacturers. No matter the brand of your desktop’s internal drive, we have likely seen it before. We frequently work with drives from top makers such as:

• Seagate (including legacy Maxtor models)

• Western Digital (WD) (including HGST/Hitachi drives)

• Toshiba (including OCZ technology drives)

• Samsung

• IBM and Fujitsu (older legacy desktop drives)

• Kingston, Crucial, SanDisk (major SSD brands for flash-based drives)

• Intel, ADATA, Corsair (other popular SSD and flash storage brands)

From high-capacity Seagate and Western Digital hard disks to ultra-fast Samsung SSDs, and from older Hitachi/IBM drives to newer Kingston or Intel solid-state drives, we have the tools and expertise to recover data from any manufacturer.

Common Desktop Data Loss Scenarios

Desktop computers can lose data for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the most common failure scenarios we handle on a daily basis:

• Mechanical Hard Drive Failure: Traditional HDDs have moving parts that can wear out or break over time. Components like read/write heads or spindle motors may fail, often indicated by unusual clicking or grinding noises. A head crash or motor seizure is a serious mechanical issue that can leave the drive unable to read data. Our engineers can disassemble and repair these drives in our cleanroom to retrieve data from damaged platters.

• Firmware Corruption: Hard drives and SSDs have onboard firmware (internal software) that controls how they operate. If this firmware becomes corrupted or is updated improperly, the disk may not initialize correctly or might report the wrong size. Firmware issues can lead to the drive being inaccessible even though its hardware is intact. We use specialized tools to repair or bypass firmware corruption and restore access to the data.

• Bad Sectors or NAND Flash Wear: Over time, sectors on a magnetic hard disk can become unreadable (“bad sectors”) or flash memory cells in an SSD can wear out. These bad sectors or worn-out cells cause read errors, slow performance, or random crashes. If critical file system areas reside on bad sectors, the whole drive can appear unmountable. We employ advanced imaging techniques to work around bad sectors, cloning as much readable data as possible and then reconstructing the missing pieces from parity or error-correcting codes when available.

• Logical Corruption (File System Errors): Not all data loss is hardware-related – some is logical. For example, an abrupt power loss or system crash can corrupt the file system or partition table, making your data invisible to the OS. Virus or malware attacks can also damage system files or directories. In these cases, the drive is physically fine but the data structures are damaged. Our team can repair corrupted partitions, rebuild file systems, and extract intact files from logically damaged drives.

• Accidental File Deletion or Formatting: Human error is another common cause. You might accidentally delete important files or format the wrong drive. Perhaps a system restore or OS reinstall wiped out your documents. Even if the files seem gone, they often still reside on the disk until overwritten. We utilize sophisticated recovery software and techniques to carve out deleted files or undo the effects of an accidental format. The sooner we intervene, the higher the chance of a full recovery (since continuing to use the drive can overwrite the deleted data).

• Drive Not Detected in BIOS: You power on your desktop and the hard drive or SSD isn’t showing up at all – even the BIOS/UEFI can’t see it. This could indicate a serious issue like a controller board failure, firmware fault, or severe disk damage. Commonly, the drive’s printed circuit board (PCB) might have shorted out. In other cases, firmware bugs or bad firmware sectors can prevent detection. Our specialists can diagnose why a drive isn’t being recognized and often revive it temporarily to extract the data.

• Power Surges or Electrical Damage: Sudden power surges, lightning strikes, or faulty power supplies can fry a drive’s electronics in an instant. A surge or power outage during disk operations may burn out the PCB or internal components, leaving the drive lifeless. We have a stock of donor parts and electronic repair skills to swap out burned components or transplant your platters into a healthy drive chassis when needed. Even in cases of severe electrical damage, we can frequently salvage the data by repairing or replacing the damaged electronics.

• SSD Controller Failure: Unlike HDDs, solid-state drives have no moving parts, but they can still fail. One common failure point is the SSD’s controller chip. Excess heat or firmware bugs can cause the flash controller or onboard cache to fail, making the SSD unreadable. When an SSD’s controller dies, the data on the NAND flash is stranded. Our lab has specialized equipment to access NAND chips directly or replace faulty controllers in order to recover the data from “dead” SSDs. We also handle issues like sudden SSD firmware lock-ups and TRIM data loss.

• Encryption Issues: Many desktop drives (especially in business environments) are encrypted using technologies like BitLocker, FileVault, or hardware self-encryption. Encryption is great for security, but it can complicate data recovery. If an encrypted drive fails or if the encryption metadata is corrupted, the data remains scrambled. We are experienced in recovering encrypted data – if you have the encryption key or password, we can work with it to decrypt recovered files. Even in cases where the encryption header is damaged, we have techniques to repair it or brute-force approaches to retrieve the key when possible. Important: if your failed drive is encrypted, never attempt DIY recovery, as improper attempts could permanently lose the decryption keys. Our experts will safely handle the encryption aspect to ensure your recovered data is usable.

Our Desktop Data Recovery Process

We follow a streamlined, professional process to maximize your chances of a successful recovery. Here’s an overview of how our service works:

• Free Diagnostic Evaluation: Every data recovery case starts with a completely free diagnosis. You can bring or send your desktop’s drive to our Aberdeen lab, and our engineers will perform a thorough assessment to identify the problem. We’ll then report back to you on the drive’s condition, the likelihood of recovery, and a no-obligation quote for the recovery service. This diagnostic process costs you nothing – it’s risk-free.

• Standard Recovery (2–4 Day Turnaround): Upon your approval, we proceed with the data recovery. Our specialists will use advanced hardware-imaging tools and techniques to clone and rescue your data in a controlled environment. Mechanical issues are handled in our ISO-certified cleanroom, and logical issues with specialized software. Most standard desktop recoveries are completed within 2–4 business days once we begin work (time can vary depending on the severity of damage and data volume). We keep you updated on the progress. After recovery, we verify the integrity of your files and transfer the recovered data to a secure replacement device (or arrange an encrypted download), getting your data back to you as quickly as possible.

• 48-Hour Critical Service (Optional): We understand that some situations are extremely urgent – for instance, business-critical data or urgent project files. For such cases, we offer an expedited 48-hour critical recovery service. With this option, our team will prioritize your case around the clock, aiming to return your data within two days or less. This intensive service minimizes downtime for your home or business. (We’ll always advise if an emergency recovery is viable for your particular situation during the diagnostic stage.)

Throughout the process, your data’s security and privacy are paramount. We handle all media with strict confidentiality. The recovered data is only accessible to you, and we securely wipe our working copies after you have confirmed receipt of your files.

Why Choose Aberdeen Data Recovery?

Choosing a data recovery provider is an important decision. Here are some key reasons to trust Aberdeen Data Recovery with your desktop computer data:

• Over 25 Years of Experience: We’ve been in the data recovery business for decades, and our seasoned engineers have seen it all. This depth of experience allows us to tackle everything from simple file deletions to highly complex disk failures with confidence and skill. Our long track record means you can trust us to handle your case professionally and efficiently.

• High Success Rates: Our lab boasts an exceptionally high success rate in recovering data – in fact, our results are on par with the best in the industry. (Top data recovery labs report success rates around 95–97% for recoverable cases, and we achieve similarly outstanding outcomes.) We utilize industry-leading techniques and continually invest in the latest tools to maximize our success on each job.

• Fast Turnaround Times: We offer some of the quickest turnaround times available for desktop data recovery. Standard recoveries are often completed within just a few days, not weeks. If you’re under time pressure, our 48-hour critical service is ready to get you back up and running in as little as 2 days. We understand that downtime can be costly, so we work efficiently to reunite you with your data as soon as possible.

• “No Data, No Fee” Guarantee: We stand by the quality of our work with a simple promise – if for any reason we cannot recover your data, you don’t pay us a penny. This “no recovery, no fee” guarantee gives you peace of mind that we’re fully committed to successfully retrieving your files. (Even industry leaders with 97% success rates maintain a no-charge policy for unrecovered cases, and so do we.) In short: we’re confident in our ability to help, and you only pay for results.

• Advanced Tools & Secure Facilities: Aberdeen Data Recovery uses state-of-the-art equipment and adheres to the highest standards of data care. We have an in-house cleanroom environment for safely opening and repairing delicate hard drive components without contamination. Our specialized hardware imagers and recovery software handle drives at a low level, allowing us to bypass faults and pull raw data when necessary. Your data is kept secure throughout the process – all recoveries are performed on isolated systems, and we follow strict data privacy protocols. We treat your data with the same care as if it were our own.

• Trusted by Individuals and Businesses Alike: Over the years, we’ve helped everyone from home users to IT departments at large companies. No matter who you are, you can expect the same level of professionalism and dedication. Our client base in Aberdeen and across Scotland includes schools, small businesses, hospitals, and even government offices. This breadth of experience means we are comfortable handling sensitive and mission-critical data. When you choose us, you’re choosing a team that is trusted by thousands of satisfied clients to get the job done right.

Contact Us for a Free Diagnostic

If you’ve lost data on your desktop computer, don’t panic – help is available. Contact Aberdeen Data Recovery today for a free diagnostic assessment and let our experts guide you toward a solution. You can reach out to us by phone or through our website to arrange your free evaluation. Our friendly staff will quickly assess your situation and provide clear next steps, with no obligation.

Don’t delay: the sooner you get in touch, the higher the chances of a full recovery. Whether it’s personal photos or vital business documents, we’re here to help you get your data back. Talk to Scotland’s desktop data recovery specialists now and take the first step toward retrieving your valuable files!

💼 Why Choose Aberdeen Data Recovery?

• 🏴 Scotland’s #1 Desktop Data Recovery Experts

• 🧰 25 Years of Experience in Data Forensics & Engineering

• 🧪 Cleanroom Facilities for Mechanical and Head Damage Cases

• 🔐 Strict Confidentiality and Security Standards

• 🚚 Free Diagnostic – No Recovery, No Fee

• ⏱️ Standard Turnaround: 2–4 Days | Critical Recovery: 24–48 Hours

🛡️ RAID Expertise Built In

If your desktop is part of a RAID configuration, we have the tools and expertise to recover data from RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and hybrid arrays. Our engineers are among the most experienced RAID recovery specialists in the UK.

📞 Get Your Free Diagnostic Today

If your desktop has failed or your files have vanished, don’t delay. Contact our engineers today for a free diagnostic and start the recovery process.