The data on where each of your volumes starts and ends is stored in the first few sectors of the disk. If you damage those data blocks, all of your volumes suddenly will become invisible; however, if you look a little deeper into the disk you can see that their actual file system contents still exist. Therefore this usually recovers well. And the best way to cause an unrecoverable loss of that information is by initialising the entire disk!
The “Disk unknown, not initialised” error indicates that your computer is unable to find your partitions (partition tables). Initialising erases your partition tables. Close that dialog box and do not initialise your disk.
A partition is essentially a few hundred bytes describing where a particular volume begins & ends. If you lose the partition, the corresponding volume disappears.
Data recovery from partition loss is one of the better types of recoveries as data duplication is built into many systems, making data recovery more likely.
Since the last sector on a GPT disk contains the backup partition table, if it exists then you are able to reconstruct your primary from it. That usually restores the exact layout. On MBR disks, you don’t get a backup of your primary. However, as most file systems leave behind identifiable signatures (such as NTFS boot sectors, ext superblocks or APFS containers), you can find where they were placed by searching for them.
At this point we take the image and attach a volume (mount) and you will be able to access your files using the normal path structure as they existed prior to the loss. This typically works well; it’s certainly much more effective than ‘carving’.
Under no circumstances do we write anything back to your original disk.
We will run through this process before performing any analysis, even if your disk seems fine, as the reconstruction is trial and error. It happens on a clone, so there is zero risk to your originals.
If you have a GPT disk then there is often going to be enough information in the secondary table located at the end of the disk to tell us exactly how things were laid out originally.
When both tables are gone, or don’t survive, we simply look for structure in the image itself that would indicate where your volumes are and test various layouts until we find something that makes sense and allows us to make a good mountable file system.
The reconstruction of an original layout can be confirmed by attaching it to the image so as to confirm the structure of the directories is correct (not just “appears” to be) as opposed to random ‘plausible’ looking data.
Data is extracted directly from the attached image or the corrected table is written back to a valid replacement disk if desired. This allows restoration of the volume in place.
These are usually logical jobs and consequently priced accordingly.
A single drive is from £300 +VAT whilst a RAID, NAS or server volume will cost from £500 +VAT. However, please note a detailed quotation will always be provided in writing after a free 48-hour diagnostic. In most cases you only pay if we recover your data.
Please provide details of the disk prior to failure e.g., number of partitions, approximate sizes, OS etc. The more information you can supply in this regard the less time we have to spend searching for your data. Detailed examples include: a PC that lost its partition, not its files.
Before we can start work on your unit you will need to send it in for a free diagnostic review and tell us briefly what happened. We then have one of our engineers review your unit & verify your exact quote in writing prior to starting any work.
Before dropping off or posting your device please request a quotation either by telephone or using our quotation form. The first step to recover your data is to get the device to us. Please ensure that you pack the device securely, include your contact information and then forward it to us. Once we have completed the free diagnostic of your device we will provide you with your exact price in writing prior to commencing any further work.
Posting it? We would suggest using a tracked and insured delivery method. Want to drop it off? That’s okay too. Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5:30pm is good; no appointment necessary: simply prepare the item as described above.
If you want a few more details first, fill out this form and let an engineer go through it and send you back a custom quote.
We’ll be in touch shortly. If it’s urgent, call 01865 593000.
Most commonly asked questions regarding recovery of a lost/missing partition.
Windows can’t read your partition table so it doesn’t know how you’ve organised your hard drive. Fortunately, most of the time your partitions and files remain in place. Please do not agree to initialise; initialising will write a new blank partition table on top of the existing one which we could recover.
Usually, and often completely; deleting a partition simply deletes the reference to the location of that partition within the partition table. Most of the time the file system remains intact as well. On GPT disks a copy of the GPT (GUID Partition Table) also resides at the end of the disk and frequently survives, allowing recovery software to access & reconstruct the exact previous organisation.
Yes, typically; this is why recovering a lost partition is such a success. Once the partition has been rebuilt, you’ll be able to access your files/folders under their correct names. Files won’t have to be recovered without knowing their origin.
It occurs (usually) when there is an interruption of disk operations (or drive letter loss), rather than actual deletion of the partition. Before assuming the worst, check Disk Management; a volume appearing healthy with no assigned letter just requires that assignment.
Then this goes from a logical process to a physical one and time becomes critical. If the sectors on the drive which house the partition table are failing, the drive needs to be imaged read-only prior to any type of reconstruction.
For a single drive, from £300 + VAT; for a RAID/NAS/server volume from £500 + VAT. The price is fixed in a written quote following a complimentary 48-hour diagnostic. In most cases you only pay if we recover your data.
Complimentary diagnostic & lost partition recovery from any drive/stick/card, every file back complete. In most cases you only pay if we recover your data. Get your recovery started today!