External Hard Drive Data Recovery
Portable and desktop external drives hold years of photos, backups and work. When one is dropped, stops showing up or starts clicking, DriveSavers can usually get the data back.
Why external drives fail
Dropped while running
The most common cause. Impact while spinning damages heads and platters.
Not showing up
The drive lights up but doesn't appear on your computer.
Broken USB port
A bent or snapped connector on the drive's enclosure.
Clicking or beeping
Mechanical failure inside the enclosure.
Asks to format
The file system is damaged and the computer can't read it.
Encrypted enclosures
Drives with built-in hardware encryption tied to the enclosure.
What to do right now
- Unplug the drive and stop trying to connect it.
- Don't click Format or Initialize if your computer asks.
- Keep the original enclosure. Some encrypt data at the USB bridge.
- Don't open the case or swap it into another enclosure.
- Call us for a quote and a free overnight label.
How we recover external drives
- Engineers recover the drive inside the enclosure, including hardware-encrypted models.
- Physical damage is handled inside our certified ISO Class 5 cleanroom.
- Damaged USB connectors and bridge boards are bypassed safely.
- Recovered data is returned on a new drive with your original.
- Manufacturer authorization keeps your warranty intact.
Turnaround times
ASAP
Recovery begins upon receipt of your device, 365 days a year, including evenings, weekends and holidays.
1 to 2 business days
24 to 48 hours during business hours, Monday through Friday. The fastest Standard turnaround in the industry.
5 to 7 business days
Completed during business hours. Smart devices such as phones and tablets take 10 to 14 business days.
No payment is needed to start. You pay only when your recovery is complete.
Frequently asked questions
My external drive fell over while copying. Can you recover it?
Usually, yes. Turn it off right away. Drops while the drive is spinning damage the heads, which our cleanroom engineers replace.
Why does my drive ask to be formatted?
The file system is damaged. Formatting writes new structures over what's left, so don't format it.
Should I send the enclosure too?
Yes. Many external drives encrypt data at the enclosure's circuit board, and we may need it to recover your files.