Data recovery by post
A hard drive that no longer starts, deleted files, an unreadable USB stick or SD card: send me the drive, wherever you are. The diagnosis is free, and you only pay if your files are recovered.
Three types of fault, three clear prices
The free diagnosis tells me which category your drive falls into. I confirm the price before I start.
Logical recovery
Deleted files, formatted drive, lost partition, corrupted USB stick or SD card, a computer that no longer starts.
Failing drive
Bad sectors, a drive that is very slow or keeps disconnecting. I copy it first with a tool designed for damaged drives, then work on the copy.
Physical fault
A drive that clicks or no longer spins, a fall, water, a dead SSD. It has to be opened in a clean room: I refer it to a specialist lab, and you get its quote before any work.
What I cannot recover
Better to know before paying for postage. If in doubt, describe your situation to me first.
- lock
Encrypted drive without the key
BitLocker, FileVault or an encrypted external drive: without the password or the recovery key, nothing can be read.
- laptop_mac
Recent Macs
On Macs with Apple silicon or a T2 chip, the storage is soldered and encrypted: recovery goes through Apple or a lab.
- smartphone
Phones and tablets
I do not recover data from a smartphone or a tablet.
- memory
Deleted files on an SSD
On a recent SSD, the TRIM function often wipes deleted files within minutes. The diagnosis tells you honestly what is left.
How a data recovery by post works
Nothing is charged without your agreement, and nothing is done on the original.
You describe the problem
By form or phone: type of drive, what happened, priority files.
You send the drive
The drive on its own if possible, well packed, with a tracking number.
Free diagnosis
Within 48 h on working days: I tell you what can be recovered and confirm the price.
Copy, then recovery
I copy the drive first, then work only on the copy.
Your data comes back
On a new drive or by encrypted link, along with your original drive.
How to pack a drive
A damaged drive copes badly with knocks. A few minutes of preparation protect your chances.
- power_offPoint 1
Don't switch it on again
If it clicks, grinds or is no longer recognised, every power-up reduces the chances. Unplug it and don't run any repair software.
- shieldPoint 2
An anti-static bag
Slip the hard drive or SSD into an anti-static bag, or failing that a clean, dry bag.
- inventory_2Point 3
Bubble wrap and a rigid box
At least two layers of bubble wrap, in a rigid box where nothing moves. Never a padded envelope on its own.
- descriptionPoint 4
A note in the parcel
Your name, your phone number, what happened and the folders to recover first.
Prices and turnaround
Turnaround times start from receipt of the parcel, not including delivery time.
| Service | Details | Turnaround | Price (incl. VAT) |
|---|---|---|---|
Diagnosis On receipt | I tell you what can be recovered and confirm the price before any work. | Within 48 h on working days | Free |
Logical recovery Deleted files, formatting | Only paid if your files are recovered. | 2 to 5 working days | €90 |
Failing drive Bad sectors | A slow, careful copy of the drive, then recovery from the copy. | 3 to 7 working days | €190 |
Physical fault Clean room | Referred to a specialist lab, quote passed on to you before any work. | Depending on the lab | Quoted |
Tracked Colissimo return Your original drive | Careful packaging and tracking number sent by email. | Shipped within 48 h | €10 |
New drive for your data Optional | Or an encrypted download link, free of charge. | With the return | Depends on capacity |
My commitments
Never on the original
I copy your drive first, then work only on the copy. The original is no longer put under strain.
Confidentiality
I only open what is needed to check the recovery. Nothing goes through the cloud.
Copies deleted within 30 days
My copies of your data are erased 30 days after delivery, giving you time to check everything.
No recovery, no invoice
If nothing can be recovered, you only pay for the return of your drive.
Frequently asked questions
What if nothing can be recovered?expand_more
You don't pay for the recovery. Only the return shipping of your drive (€10) remains payable by you. If you prefer, I recycle it free of charge after wiping it.
Do I need to send the whole computer?expand_more
No, the drive on its own is usually enough: the parcel is lighter and less fragile. If you don't know how to remove it, send the whole laptop, and the return shipping is then calculated by weight.
Why not try free software myself?expand_more
On a healthy drive with files that were simply deleted, it is possible, as long as you save nothing onto that drive. On a drive that makes noise, slows down or disconnects, every attempt wears it a little more: better to send it as it is.
How long does it take?expand_more
The diagnosis is done within 48 h on working days after receipt. The recovery then takes 2 to 7 days depending on the condition and size of the drive. I keep you informed at every step.
Are my files safe?expand_more
I work offline, with no transfer to the cloud, and I only open what is needed to check the recovery. My copies are erased 30 days after delivery.
Who pays for sending it to you?expand_more
Sending it to me is at your expense, with a tracking number. For a valuable drive, take an insurance option. For irreplaceable data, good packaging matters more than anything.
Your files may not be lost.
Describe what happened before shipping anything: I tell you whether sending it is worthwhile and which price category you are probably in.
The workshop is in Cannes (Alpes-Maritimes). Do you live in Cannes, Le Cannet, Mougins, Antibes or the surrounding area? No need to send anything: drop your drive off at the workshop by appointment, see data recovery in Cannes. For a whole computer to repair, see repair by post.