When a drive shows as RAW, a card throws an error, or your files just won't open, the data is usually still there — it is the structure around it that has been damaged. We rebuild corrupt file systems and repair damaged files from any hard drive, SSD, USB stick or memory card, in-house.
$ bdr diagnose /dev/sda → Device: WD My Passport (2 TB) · external → Status: CORRUPT — file system RAW, data intact → Client: Sutton, M. · Bedminster BS3 $ bdr engineer-working → Forensic image: taken · originals untouched → File system: rebuilt from NTFS structures → Restored: 2,840 folders · 61,200 files $ bdr verify → ✓ documents — 38,400 files → ✓ photos — 22,800 files → ✓ drive readable again — recovered
When a drive is corrupt, Windows may offer to “scan and fix” it or to format it. Tools like chkdsk can move or overwrite data while trying to repair, and formatting wipes the file table — either can make a recoverable problem far worse. Don't format, don't run chkdsk or fsck, and if the drive is making any unusual noise, switch it off and talk to us first.
Corruption usually damages the structure around your data, not the data itself — which is why it is so often recoverable. These are the causes we see most often.
We recover from corruption on every kind of storage and every major brand. If it holds your files, we can almost certainly help.
Hard drives · SSDs · USB sticks · SD, microSD and CF cards · external and portable drives · the drives inside laptops, PCs and Macs.
Recovering from corruption is a careful, copy-first process. We never work on your original device — we image it, rebuild the file system, then repair and recover your files from that copy.
Tell us what is corrupt and on what device. We assess whether it is the file system, individual files or failing hardware, and send a written quote — usually within 48 hours.
We take a forensic image of your device and work only on that copy, so nothing is changed and a failing drive is never stressed further.
We rebuild the corrupt file system structures to restore access to your folders and files wherever possible.
Where individual files are damaged, we repair them where we can, or carve the intact data out by its file signature.
We check that the recovered files open correctly and are intact before anything is returned to you.
We return your recovered files on fresh media, organised and ready to use.
We backup your data to either an external drive and ship it back to you, or we also offer a free download service for your data up to 75GB.
We recover from corrupt file systems and damaged files on hard drives, SSDs, USB sticks, memory cards and external drives — rebuilding the file system and repairing or carving your files, always from a forensic copy.
Tell us what is corrupt and we will get back to you, usually within one working day.
We will be in touch shortly. For anything urgent, call 0117 332 1137.
No hidden fees and no pressure — just a free diagnostic and a written quote before any work starts.
A snapshot of recent corruption recoveries across different devices. Names redacted, results verified.
The NTFS file system had corrupted after a power cut. We imaged the drive, rebuilt the file system from its structures, and restored the full folder tree.
The card had been removed while writing, corrupting its file system. We rebuilt it and recovered the photos and video the camera could not read.
Unsafe removal had left the file system damaged. We repaired it from a forensic image and recovered every file fully intact.
Reviews from real clients whose corrupt drives, cards and sticks we brought back.
My external drive suddenly showed as RAW and wanted me to format it. They rebuilt it and recovered everything on it. I was so relieved — brilliant.
My camera said ‘card error’ and I thought my photos were gone for good. They repaired the card and got every one of them back. Superb service.
My USB stick became corrupt and completely unreadable. They recovered all of my files quickly and cheaply. I cannot recommend them enough.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We’ll be in touch shortly. For anything urgent, call 0117 332 1137.
The questions we are asked most about recovering corrupted files and drives.
Usually, yes. Corruption normally damages the structure around your data — the file system, or a file's internal header — rather than the data itself. We rebuild the file system or repair the files to get your data back, working from a forensic copy of your device.
It usually means the file system has become corrupt, not that the drive is blank. Your data is still there underneath. Do not format it — we can rebuild the file system and recover your files instead.
We strongly advise against it. On a corrupt or failing drive, chkdsk and similar repair tools can move or overwrite data while trying to fix it, which often makes recovery harder. It is far safer to image the drive first, which is exactly what we do.
Yes — corrupt cards are very common, usually from being removed while still writing. We rebuild the card's file system and recover the photos and videos, even when the camera or phone can no longer read it.
Most often an improper shutdown, a power cut, or removing a drive or card while it is being written to. Bad sectors, software crashes and interrupted file transfers can all cause it too.
Sometimes. Occasional corruption from a power cut is usually just logical, but repeated corruption or bad sectors can mean the drive is starting to fail. We will tell you at the diagnostic stage, and if the drive is failing we image it on specialist hardware to protect your data.
Corrupted file recovery is £250 + VAT for memory cards and USB sticks, and £300 + VAT for hard drives, with a free diagnostic first and no fix, no fee on most jobs. If the corruption is caused by a physically failing drive, we will confirm any higher price in writing before any work begins.
Hard drives, SSDs, USB sticks, SD, microSD and CF cards, external and portable drives, and the drives inside laptops, PCs and Macs. If it holds your files, we can usually help.
Most corrupted file recoveries are completed within 1 to 3 working days, and often sooner. The initial diagnostic is usually finished within 48 hours. Urgent cases can often be prioritised — just let us know.
You can drop it off at our Bristol location Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm, or post it to us fully insured. Ensure the device is packaged and sealed, include your full contact details inside the package including Name, Address, Phone Number and Email Address so we can fully book it in. Once we have it, we will run the free diagnostic and send you a written quote before any work begins.
Free diagnostic, no fix no fee on most jobs, and corruption recovery from any drive, stick or card. Don't run repair tools — start your recovery today.