Should I try recovery software or go straight to the lab?

It depends on the type of failure. If the drive makes strange noises (clicks, buzzing), isn't detected, or has suffered a drop, go directly to the lab: software will worsen the damage. If it was accidental deletion or formatting and the drive works normally, you can try software like Recuva or R-Studio from ANOTHER computer, connecting the affected drive as secondary. If the software doesn't work within 30 minutes, stop and contact a professional.

How long do I have before data becomes unrecoverable?

It depends. On a powered-off HDD, data can survive for years. On an SSD with active TRIM that stays on, sectors marked as free can be erased within minutes. On an encrypted phone, each day reduces options. General rule: turn off the device as soon as possible and don't use it until you speak with a professional.

Is it safe to ship my hard drive by courier?

Yes, as long as it's properly packaged: anti-static bag, foam or bubble wrap, rigid box. A professional lab like RecuperaTusDatos offers free home collection with specialised packaging and transport insurance included.

What information should I give the laboratory?

Describe: what device it is (brand, model, capacity), what happened (drop, deletion, won't boot, noises), what data you need (photos, documents, databases), and whether the device has encryption (BitLocker, FileVault, phone PIN). The more information, the faster the diagnosis.

Emergency Checklist: What to Do When You Lose Data

10 step-by-step actions, a DO / DON'T table, and a decision tree to know whether to try software or go straight to the lab.

✓ 10 emergency steps ✓ DO / DON'T table ✓ Decision tree

⚠ EMERGENCY — Quick response

If you have just lost data: 1) Turn off the device NOW. 2) Do not install anything on the affected drive. 3) Do not open the hard drive. 4) Write down what happened. 5) Call a professional lab: 900 899 002 (free). Every minute of use reduces the chances of recovery.

The 10 emergency steps

1

Turn off the device immediately

Disconnect the power supply, USB cable, or turn off the phone. On SSDs with active TRIM, data can be erased within minutes.
2

Do not turn on or restart

Each boot triggers automatic writes (journaling, swap, logs) that overwrite deleted data.
3

Do not install recovery software on the affected drive

Installing programs writes new data over the lost files. If you want to try software, do it from ANOTHER computer.
4

Do not open the hard drive

HDDs have nanometre tolerances. Opening them outside a clean room introduces particles that scratch the platters.
5

Write down the symptoms

Clicking? Not detected? Accidental deletion? Dropped? Error message? This information speeds up the diagnosis.
6

Identify the type of failure

Logical: deletion, formatting, corruption. Physical: noises, clicks, won't boot, impacts. If physical, go straight to the lab.
7

Contact a professional laboratory

Look for: ISO Class 5 clean room, ISO 9001/27001 certifications, PC-3000, «no data, no fee» policy. Free phone: 900 899 002
8

Request a free diagnosis

A reputable lab diagnoses within 4 hours and provides a fixed-price, no-obligation quote.
9

Do not accept quotes without a breakdown

Demand fault detail, technique, timeframe, and result guarantee. Be wary of «fixed» prices with no prior diagnosis.
10

Ship the device safely

Anti-static packaging + cushioning + rigid box. RecuperaTusDatos offers free home collection across Spain with packaging and insurance included.

DO / DON'T table for data loss

✔ DO	✘ DON'T
Turn off the device immediately	Continue using the computer
Write down the symptoms and what happened	Restart several times «to see if it works»
Contact a professional laboratory	Install recovery software on the affected drive
Pack the drive with anti-static protection	Open the hard drive casing
Demand a fixed-price quote with a breakdown	Accept quotes without diagnosis
Verify the lab's certifications (ISO)	Trust «technicians» without a clean room
Ask for «no data, no fee» policy in writing	Pay upfront without guarantees
Stay calm and act quickly	Try to repair the drive using YouTube

Decision tree: software or professional lab?

Does the drive make strange noises?

(clicks, buzzing, grinding, beeping)

YES → LAB

Physical damage. Software will make things worse.

NO ↓ continue

Has the drive been dropped or hit?

YES → LAB

Possible internal mechanical damage.

NO ↓ continue

Is the drive not detected by the BIOS/system?

YES → LAB

Electronic or firmware failure. Requires PC-3000.

NO ↓ continue

Is the data very important or irreplaceable?

(unique photos, accounting, critical database)

YES → LAB

Don't risk it. A professional maximises recovery.

NO ↓ continue

You can try recovery software

Connect the drive as a secondary drive on another computer. Use Recuva, R-Studio, or PhotoRec. If you don't recover data within 30 minutes, stop and contact a lab.

Emergency contact

Free phone

900 899 002

628 076 740

info@recuperatusdatos.es

Need urgent help?

Free diagnosis within 4 hours. Home collection across Spain. No data, no fee.

Free Diagnosis 900 899 002

5 emergency steps (detailed) Prices 2026 Our methodology Full pricing table Services

Emergency Checklist: What to Do When You Lose Data

The 10 emergency steps

Turn off the device immediately

Do not turn on or restart

Do not install recovery software on the affected drive

Do not open the hard drive

Write down the symptoms

Identify the type of failure

Contact a professional laboratory

Request a free diagnosis

Do not accept quotes without a breakdown

Ship the device safely

DO / DON'T table for data loss

Decision tree: software or professional lab?

Emergency contact

Need urgent help?

Need data recovery?