Overview: Aberdeen Data Recovery has 25 years’ experience recovering data from laptop internal drives (HDDs/SSDs) across Scotland and the UK. We specialise exclusively in laptop storage devices – internal hard drives and SSDs – and do not handle removable media like memory cards. Our friendly, technical team uses advanced forensic tools to retrieve lost files whether your data was deleted by accident, corrupted by a virus, or trapped on a physically damaged disk. With UK-based support and a local Aberdeen lab, we offer rapid service, secure handling and free diagnostics. Every recovery is treated with strict confidentiality and care, and our processes meet industry standards such as cleanroom repair facilities.
Common Laptop Issues
We encounter every kind of laptop data loss. Below are 20 of the most common scenarios and how we resolve them:
- Accidental Deletion & Formatting: Users often delete or reformat volumes by mistake. Our specialists scan the drive with deep-file-carving software to reconstruct directories and restore deleted files. Even if the Recycle Bin was emptied or the drive was reformatted, we can usually rebuild the original file structure and recover lost documents or photos.
- File System Corruption: A corrupt NTFS/FAT file system or damaged volume can render data inaccessible. We employ forensic-grade tools to bypass or repair the broken file system. By directly accessing the raw disk, we can rebuild corrupted directories or scan for individual files, restoring data from “RAW” drives that Windows or macOS cannot read.
- Partition Table/MBR Errors: If the master boot record (MBR) or partition table is damaged (for example by a failed partitioning operation), entire partitions may disappear. Our engineers can reconstruct or recover partition tables so that all original partitions become visible again, then extract data from them.
- Physical Impact Damage: Dropping a laptop can jar the hard drive mechanism or crack solder joints. We inspect the drive for broken parts (e.g. snapped heads, trays, or connectors). In our ISO-certified cleanroom lab we carefully open damaged drives and replace broken components (read/write heads, spindle motor, PCB chips, etc.) to retrieve the data without causing further harm.
- Hard Drive Mechanical Failure: Symptoms like clicking, buzzing or a drive that won’t spin up indicate an internal failure (read/write heads or spindle motor fault). In such cases, we perform a head-swap or motor-replacement procedure in a sterile environment. Using donor parts and precision tools, we revive the drive long enough to make a full clone and recover all files.
- Bad Sectors / Media Corruption: Drives can develop bad sectors over time, which cause read errors on parts of the disk. Our technicians use specialized imaging techniques to copy data sector-by-sector, skipping and retrying around bad areas. We then extract the intact data from the cloned image, minimizing loss even when parts of the disk are unreadable.
- SSD / Flash Controller Failure: Failed controllers on SSDs or flash-based drives often leave data unreachable. We have the capability to perform chip-off recovery: removing the memory chips and accessing them with laboratory equipment. By reading the flash chips directly and reassembling the data, we can recover information from SSDs that have completely failed electronically.
- Drive Not Recognised by System: When a laptop drive is not detected by the BIOS or OS (showing up as uninitialized/RAW), we connect it to our hardware-imaging systems. A full drive image is made at the hardware level, then analysed with recovery software. This allows us to retrieve data even if the original laptop cannot see the disk.
- Controller Board Failure: If a hard drive’s PCB (electronic board) is damaged by a power surge or component failure, the disk may spin but data is inaccessible. We can replace or reprogram the controller board. In many cases we transplant modules or use donor PCBs so that the drive’s firmware and calibration match, restoring the drive to a readable state.
- Liquid/Spill Damage: Coffee spills, rain exposure or flood damage can short the drive’s electronics or corrode its platters. We handle liquid-damaged drives with utmost care, powering them down immediately and bringing them to our lab. In the cleanroom, we disassemble the drive and clean and dry the platters and once the drive is stabilised, we proceed with imaging and recovery.
- Overheating / Thermal Damage: Overheated drives can have burnt components or warped media. We examine the PCB for heat damage and replace any burnt chips. The platters themselves usually survive, so after replacing electronics we image the disk as above. Proper cooling is re-established before recovery to avoid re-triggering failure.
- Electrical Surge / Lightning Damage: Power spikes can burn drive circuitry. We treat these cases similarly to overheating or liquid damage. We replace the damaged PCB in our lab and recover the data from the media. In severe cases we extract the storage chips directly (chip-off) as a last resort.
- Firmware Corruption: A drive with corrupted firmware may fail to spin up or be detected. Using manufacturer-specific tools, we can reload or repair the drive’s firmware. Once the drive’s firmware is fixed, the disk becomes accessible again and normal recovery can proceed.
- Malware / Ransomware: Malware can delete files or encrypt them (ransomware). We first isolate the drive and image it to prevent further infection. Then we attempt to recover unencrypted data or use decryption methods when possible. Often, even after ransomware, remnants of files can be reconstructed from disk sectors.
- Forgotten Encryption Password: If a drive was encrypted (e.g. BitLocker, FileVault) and the password or key is lost, that’s a special case. In some scenarios we can recover the key from the system’s TPM (Trusted Platform Module) or other backup. When possible we decrypt the drive using advanced techniques. (Note: without the key or recovery file, encrypted data is generally unrecoverable by design.)
- Operating System Crash / System Errors: Crashes, blue screens or failed OS installs can corrupt data but usually leave the disk intact. We remove the drive and connect it to a working system. By imaging the drive and using recovery software, we can salvage data without needing the original OS to boot.
- Overwritten Data / Reinstallation: If new data has been written over old files (for example a reinstalled OS), recovery is more limited. We perform a thorough scan of the drive’s free space to find file fragments. In some cases we can piece together old documents from residual blocks, but overwritten data is the hardest to recover.
- Partition Deletion / Resize Errors: Mistakes during partition resizing or accidental deletion of a partition can wipe out a volume. We use partition-recovery tools to scan for old partition signatures. This often allows us to restore the lost partition table and recover the files it contained.
- Encryption or Boot Lockouts: Aside from file encryption, a drive might be locked by a BIOS password or firmware lock. We can sometimes bypass these by cloning the drive with specialized hardware. Our goal is always to mount the drive in a safe environment and extract the data directly.
- Miscellaneous Hardware Failures: Other issues like faulty cables, adapter electronics or laptop motherboard failure can render the drive inaccessible. We connect the laptop’s internal drive directly to our lab equipment, eliminating external faults, and recover the data as if it were a standalone disk.
Supported Laptop Brands
We support data recovery from all major laptop manufacturers – both consumer and business lines. Recent UK market analysis confirms the leading brands include HP, Lenovo, ASUS, Apple, Acer and others. In practice, our engineers regularly work on systems from:
- Apple – MacBook Air, MacBook Pro (Intel and M-series)
- Dell – Inspiron, XPS, Latitude and OptiPlex laptops; plus Alienware gaming systems
- HP (Hewlett-Packard) – Pavilion, Envy, EliteBook, ProBook and more
- Lenovo – ThinkPad, IdeaPad, Yoga, Legion, ThinkBook series
- ASUS – ZenBook, VivoBook, ROG (Republic of Gamers), TUF, ExpertBook
- Acer – Aspire, Swift, Spin, Nitro, Predator series
- Microsoft – Surface Laptop, Surface Pro, Surface Book, Surface Go/tablet hybrids
- Samsung – Galaxy Book series and older Samsung laptops
- Toshiba / Dynabook – Satellite, Tecra, Portégé (now Dynabook brand)
- Fujitsu – LIFEBOOK and Celsius business laptops
- Razer – Blade gaming laptops
- MSI – GS, GE, GF series gaming and workstation laptops
- Huawei – MateBook and MatePad laptops
- LG – Gram series ultraportables
- Panasonic – Toughbook rugged laptops
- Google – Pixelbook and Chromebook models
- LG – Gram series ultraportables
- Alienware – (covered under Dell, but listed separately for clarity)
- Vaio – (formerly Sony, now independent) premium laptops
- Gigabyte / AORUS – High-end gaming and creator laptops
- Xiaomi – Mi Notebook series
For every brand and model above, we have the firmware knowledge, donor parts, and testing equipment to handle drive failures and retrieve your data.
Recovery Methods
Our recovery process uses both hardware repairs and advanced software tools, all in-house, to maximize success:
- Drive Imaging & Cloning: First, we use hardware write-blockers to create a full bit-by-bit copy of the drive. Working from the clone preserves the original. This allows us to attempt multiple recovery techniques without risking further damage to your data.
- Cleanroom Component Repair: For physically damaged or contaminated drives (drops, spills, smoke), we open the drive in our cleanroom. Technicians replace heads, motors or clean platters under a microscope so that particulates don’t foul the surface. This sterile environment is essential for safely repairing exposed drives.
- Firmware and Chip-Off Recovery: If a drive’s firmware is corrupted or its controller has failed (common in SSDs and some HDDs), we can use specialized tools to reload firmware code. In severe SSD or USB failures, we perform a chip-off procedure: we remove the memory chips and read them directly with forensic hardware, then reassemble the data.
- Advanced Software & File Carving: Once we have an image or repaired drive, our engineers use top-tier recovery software (FTK, R-Studio, PC-3000, etc.) to scan and rebuild the file structure. When directory information is missing, we perform file carving – scanning raw sectors for known file headers – to recover documents, images, and videos even without folder names.
- Manufacturer-Specific Tools: We utilize industry-standard recovery systems (like PC-3000, PC-5K, PC-6HC) that allow low-level access to drives. These tools can repair boot sectors, decrypt special firmware, or reset drive controllers. We also follow manufacturers’ service manuals and protocols so that warranty seals (when not damaged) remain intact.
- Secure Handling: All recovered data is treated with confidentiality. We follow strict data security protocols (encryption of transferred data, secure server storage) and adhere to industry best-practices.
Why Choose Us
- 25 Years’ Expertise: Aberdeen Data Recovery has been solving data loss cases since 1999. Our senior engineers are seasoned veterans of the drive-repair field, having dealt with every failure scenario imaginable.
- Extensive Lab Facilities: We operate an in-house laboratory with cleanroom facilities, dedicated recovery stations (PC-3000, etc.), and a large inventory of donor parts. This lets us fix hardware failures quickly and safely.
- Industry-Leading Success Rates: Industry reports show top recovery labs achieve around a 98% success rate. We pride ourselves on similar outcomes – in practice, we recover data in the vast majority of cases. (Note: no lab can guarantee 100%, but we deploy every tool and technique to maximize results.)
- Free Diagnostic & No-Risk Quote: We offer a free evaluation/diagnostic of your laptop drive. This means you get a detailed report (fault analysis, price quote) before committing to recovery work. If we can’t recover your data, there’s no charge – our no-recovery, no-fee policy.
- Fast Turnaround: We understand the urgency of data loss. With 24/7 lab operations and local presence, many recoveries are completed within 1–3 working days. (96% of our recent cases were resolved in under a week.)
- Local, Friendly Service: Based in Aberdeen, we serve customers across Scotland and the UK. You can drop off your laptop at our workshop or ship it to us. Our technical staff will keep you informed throughout the process in plain English – we explain the problem and the solution step by step.
- Comprehensive Coverage: As noted above, we recover data from every laptop make and model. Whether it’s a common PC laptop or a specialized workstation, we have experience with it.
Get a Free Diagnostic
Don’t let a laptop crash or accident mean permanent data loss. Contact Aberdeen Data Recovery today for a free diagnostic evaluation. We’ll analyse your drive and give you a clear, no-obligation quote. Our experts are ready to recover your precious data. Call us now or submit our online form to start the process – prompt, professional help is just a call away!