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Database recovery in Bristol.

Corrupt database, a SQL Server stuck in Suspect mode, a dropped table or a lost transaction log? We recover SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle and every other engine. We repair the database at page level, rebuild it from the data file where needed and extract your tables and records — all from copies, never your originals.

From £500 · per database
Most jobs — no fix, no fee
SQL · MySQL · Oracle
~ db_2026-001 — live RECOVERED
$ bdr diagnose /dev/db
 Database: SQL Server · MDF · 220 GB
 Status: SUSPECT — log damaged, will not mount
 Client: Hayes, M. · Fishponds BS16

$ bdr engineer-working
 MDF + LDF: copied read-only
 Pages: repaired · checksums fixed
 Database: online · tables intact

$ bdr verify
 ✓ tables — 220 GB
 ✓ records — all back
 ✓ database recovered — data back
!

Don't run a repair that allows data loss on a corrupt database.

If your database is corrupt, in Suspect mode or won't mount, stop — don't run repair commands that allow data loss, restore over it or keep writing to it. Those can overwrite the very data we need to recover. Take the database offline, keep the data and log files as they are, and call us. The first attempt at recovery is always the safest, and we work only from copies.

// faults we recover from

Database faults we fix.

From a corrupt MDF to a dropped table, these are the database failures we recover from most — corruption, suspect mode, deletion and storage.

Corrupt database fileA SQL Server MDF, MySQL InnoDB or Oracle DBF that is corrupt from a bad shutdown, power loss or disk fault, throwing consistency errors? We repair the file at page level and extract your tables and data.CorruptPagesSuspect, recovery pending or offlineA SQL Server database stuck in Suspect or Recovery Pending, or one that won't mount or come online? We work from a copy, repair the data and log, and bring the database back.SQLSuspectDropped table, database or recordsA table or database dropped, or rows deleted without a WHERE clause? The data is usually still in the file or the log — we carve it back out and recover the records.LogicalDeletedTransaction log lost or corruptAn LDF deleted or corrupt, so the database won't recover or attach? We rebuild the database from the data file with or without the log and recover a consistent copy.LogLDFRansomware-encrypted databaseDatabases are a prime ransomware target. Where there are unencrypted pages, earlier copies or backups left, we can often recover the data — ransomware needs special handling, so ask us.LogicalRansomwareFailed restore or bad backupA backup that won't restore, a corrupt BAK or DMP, or a restore that left the database broken? We work from whatever exists — file, backup or log — to recover your data.BackupRestoreData file without the logOnly the data file survived and the log is gone? We can usually rebuild a working database from the MDF, IBD or DBF alone and recover the tables inside.Data fileNo logPage or index corruptionSpecific pages unreadable, checksum or torn-page errors, or corrupt indexes stopping queries? We repair the affected pages and rebuild the indexes to get the database usable again.PagesIndexStorage failure under the databaseThe drive, RAID or server holding the database has failed? We recover the storage first, then repair and recover the database on it.StorageHardware
// databases we recover

Every engine. Every file.

We recover every database — SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, Access and the rest — corrupt files, dropped tables, lost logs and failed restores. The engine decides the method, not whether we can help.

SQL ServerMySQLMariaDBOraclePostgreSQLMicrosoft AccessExchangeMongoDBSQLiteIBM Db2FirebirdSybaseMDFNDFLDFIBDibdata1DBFEDBACCDBBAKInnoDBMyISAMFRM

Microsoft SQL Server (MDF, NDF, LDF), MySQL and MariaDB (InnoDB, MyISAM), Oracle (DBF), PostgreSQL, Microsoft Access (ACCDB, MDB), Exchange (EDB), MongoDB and SQLite · corrupt files, suspect databases, dropped tables, lost logs and failed backups · on any drive, RAID, NAS, SAN or server.

// our recovery process

How we recover a database.

Database recovery means getting your data out of a database the engine can no longer open. We work from a copy of the files, repair the database at page level — or rebuild it from the data file alone — and extract your tables, records and schema, recovering the storage underneath first if that has failed.

01

Free diagnostic

Tell us the database — engine and version, the files you have, what happened. We assess it and send a written quote, usually within 48 hours.

02

Secure the database files

We take a read-only copy of the database files — MDF, NDF, LDF, IBD, DBF or EDB — and where the drive or array has failed, we recover that first so the originals are never written to.

03

Recover failed storage

Where the drive, RAID or server holding the database has failed, we repair and image it, or rebuild the array, before any database work. Drive-level repairs need 50% of the fee upfront.

04

Repair the database

We repair the database at page level — fixing corrupt pages, checksums and headers — and where the log is missing, rebuild a consistent database from the data file alone.

05

Extract your data

We extract your tables, records, schema and stored procedures — to a working database, scripts or CSV — pulling the most complete and consistent copy of the data.

06

Verify

We check the recovered tables and records are readable and consistent — row counts, key data and structure — before anything is returned to you.

07

Return your data

We return your recovered database ready to attach, or your data as exports, whichever suits how you need to put it back into service.

// what we recover from

Every database. Your data back.

We recover every database — SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle and the rest — repairing corrupt files, rebuilding from the data file alone and extracting your tables and records, whatever has happened to the database or its storage.

Every engine
SQL, MySQL +
Read-only
files never altered
Page-level
repair & rebuild
48 hr
Diagnostic turnaround
Tables & rows
extracted
25 yrs
Recovering data
// get a custom quote

Get a custom quote

Tell us what happened and we will get back to you, usually within one working day.

Prefer to call? 0117 332 1137 · Mon–Fri 9am–5:30pm

// pricing

Clear, fixed pricing.

Clear, tiered pricing for database recovery — with a free diagnostic and a written quote before any work starts.

Database recovery
From £500 + VAT
From, for repairing a corrupt database where the files are readable. Where the drive or array has failed too, recovery starts at £800. Most jobs are no fix, no fee.
  • Free diagnostic and a written quote first
  • Database repair from readable files from £500 + VAT
  • With failed drive, RAID or server storage from £800 + VAT
  • Database files copied read-only — your originals are never written to
  • Tables, records and schema extracted and verified
// recent recoveries

Failed databases. Real recoveries.

A snapshot of recent database recoveries across corrupt files, suspect databases, dropped tables and failed storage. Names redacted, results verified.

// CASE 2026-036recovered
SQL ServerMDFSuspect mode

SQL Server database stuck in Suspect mode after a power cut.

The log was damaged and the database wouldn’t come online. We repaired the data and log and brought every table back.

// CASE 2026-030recovered
MySQLInnoDBCorrupt tablespace

MySQL InnoDB tablespace corrupted after a server crash.

The ibdata file was damaged and MySQL wouldn’t start. We rebuilt the tablespace and recovered every database.

// CASE 2026-024recovered
SQL ServerMDF · no LDFDropped table

Production table dropped by mistake with no usable backup.

The rows were still in the data file. We carved out the dropped table and recovered every record.

// CASE 2026-017recovered
OracleDBFBlock corruption

Oracle datafile with block corruption that blocked recovery.

Several blocks were unreadable. We repaired the datafile and extracted the schema and data intact.

// CASE 2026-010recovered
Microsoft AccessACCDBCorrupt file

Corrupt Access database that wouldn’t open or repair.

The file header was damaged. We rebuilt the database and recovered all the tables and forms.

// CASE 2026-003recovered
SQL ServerRAID 5 · 6 disksArray failed

SQL Server database on a RAID 5 array that dropped offline.

Two disks had failed under the database. We rebuilt the array, then repaired and recovered the database on it.

// client reviews

Databases recovered. Customers relieved.

Reviews from real Bristol and South West clients whose databases we recovered.

★★★★★
Our main SQL Server database went into Suspect mode overnight and the business was at a standstill. They repaired it and recovered every table. I cannot recommend them enough.
M
Michael H.Fishponds, Bristol · March 2025
★★★★★
Our MySQL database corrupted and the whole system went down. They rebuilt it and got every record back. Worth every penny and a relief to deal with.
S
Sarah J.Bath · November 2024
★★★★★
Someone dropped a live table and we had no usable backup. They carved it back out and recovered every row. Fast, fair and completely honest.
D
David T.Keynsham · August 2023
★★★★★
Our Oracle database had block corruption and two other firms gave up. These repaired it and recovered the lot. Genuine experts.
P
Priya K.Clifton, Bristol · May 2022
★★★★★
Gave us a clear quote up front, no fix no fee, and kept us updated throughout. Recovered our corrupt Access database that nothing else would open. Brilliant service.
T
Tom W.Bristol · January 2021
★★★★★
Our database was on a RAID that failed and I feared the worst. They rebuilt the array and recovered the whole database. Honest, skilled and reassuring.
L
Linda M.Portishead · September 2019
// sending your device in

Two simple steps.

Send us your device for a free diagnostic, and tell us a little about what happened — an engineer will review it and confirm your exact quote in writing before any work begins.

1

Send us your device

Recovering your data starts with getting the device to us. Pack it safely, add your contact details, and send it over — after we run a free diagnostic, we’ll confirm your exact price in writing before any work begins.

How to pack it
  • Package the device into a small, sturdy box or padded envelope.
  • Leave out caddies, cables and power supplies — we won’t need them for the recovery.
  • Include your details inside the package: name, address, phone and email — on a slip of paper, or use our shipping form — then seal it up.
Post toBristol Data Recovery
Castlemead, Lower Castle Street
Bristol BS1 3AG
Shipping formPDF · print & include with your devicePDF ↓

Posting it in? We recommend a tracked, insured service. Prefer to drop it off? You’re welcome Monday–Friday, 9am–5:30pm — please still package the device as above.

2

Need more information?

If you need more information on our data recovery service, fill out the form with more detail about your issue and an engineer will review it and give you a custom quote.

An engineer reviews every enquiry personally — we usually reply within 30 minutes during the day. Prefer to call? 0117 332 1137.

Thanks — your message is in.

We’ll be in touch shortly. For anything urgent, call 0117 332 1137.

// frequently asked questions

Database recovery, answered.

The questions we are asked most about recovering a database.

Usually, yes. Suspect mode normally means a problem with the transaction log or a data file, not that the data is lost. We work from a copy, repair the data and log at page level, and bring the database back online with its tables intact. Don't run repair commands that allow data loss first — ask us.

Yes. We repair database files at the page level — corrupt pages, checksums, headers and indexes — for SQL Server, MySQL, MariaDB, Oracle, PostgreSQL and more, then extract your tables, records and schema, even when the engine can't open the file.

Usually, yes, if you act quickly. Dropped tables and deleted rows normally stay in the data file or transaction log until they're overwritten. Stop writing to the database and contact us — we carve the data back out and recover the records, the sooner the better.

Usually, yes. When the transaction log is missing or corrupt, we can rebuild a consistent database from the data file alone — MDF, IBD or DBF — and recover the tables inside, so a lost LDF doesn't mean a lost database.

Repairing a corrupt database where the files are readable starts at £500 + VAT. Where the drive, RAID or server holding the database has also failed, recovery starts at £800 + VAT, depending on the storage and the work needed. Every job starts with a free diagnostic and a written quote, and most are no fix, no fee.

On most jobs, yes. Where drive-level repairs are needed we take a 50% deposit upfront and the rest is only due if we recover your data — so if we can't, you are not left with the full bill.

Every engine — Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, MariaDB, Oracle, PostgreSQL, Microsoft Access, Exchange, MongoDB, SQLite and more. The engine decides the method, not whether the data can be recovered.

Yes. Where the drive, RAID, NAS or SAN holding the database has failed, we recover the storage first — imaging the drive or rebuilding the array — then repair and recover the database on it. The storage layer and the database are both things we handle.

Sometimes. Databases are a common ransomware target, and where there are unencrypted pages, earlier copies or backups left, we can often recover the data. A fully encrypted database needs special handling, so ask us about that separately and don't pay anything before you do.

Repairing a readable database is usually done within 2 to 4 working days. Where the underlying storage has failed too, it takes 4 to 7 working days. The free diagnostic is normally finished within 48 hours, and urgent business cases can often be prioritised.

If the storage is healthy you can send the database files on a drive, or drop them at our Bristol location Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm, or post them fully insured. If the drive or array has failed, send the disks labelled with their bay order. Include your name, company, address, phone number and email so we can book it in and quote before any work begins.

// database failed?

Corrupt database, suspect mode or a dropped table? We'll recover it.

Free diagnostic, tiered pricing from £500, and no fix no fee on most jobs — every database recovered, SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle and the rest, file and storage. Start your recovery today.

Call us — 0117 332 1137
Mon–Fri · 9am–5:30pm · No fix, no fee
Start a free diagnostic →