Probably the most critical part of the data recovery process is diagnostics. Typically, this is a free service provided by most data recovery providers. But, as is the case with pretty much everything else these days, there are exceptions.

So, when can you expect a free diagnostic and evaluation?

Here’s a scenario for you to consider. Your hard drive has failed on you and you take it straight to the data recovery center. In this instance, the diagnostic review will be free of charge. This is pretty straightforward, right? It should be as this is a standard policy with most data recovery providers.

But there are exceptions.

If The Hard Drive Has Been Tampered With

If you find yourself taking your hard drive to several different data recovery providers and the hard drive seal has been tampered with, expect an upfront fee before the diagnostic process begins. To a data recovery specialist, a hard drive with a broken or damaged seal usually means someone (the hard drive owner, usually) has already opened the drive.

You Bring Several Different Items

It is not normally a problem if you bring one or a few different devices to a data recovery provider. There won’t normally be a diagnostic fee. But if you show up with a box full of tapes you need recovered, expect a fee as it will take time to review each of the tapes and give you an idea of what is required to recover data from them.

Heavy Platter Damage and Large Capacity Drives

Large capacity drives can have up to 11 platters in them. This translates to 22 platter surfaces. If there is platter damage, which is usually the case in 90 percent of cases, the platter assembly has to come apart. When this is done, each platter surface is examined individually. This can take several hours so be prepared to cover those costs before any work begins.

Submitting Large Files For Audio Restoration

Audio restoration differs from data recovery simply because you are not recovering lost data. You are enhancing audio recording. If the data recovery provider you have contacted offers audio restoration service, and the file you submit for evaluation runs 12 hours in length, expect a commitment fee of some kind. If you later decide to cancel the job, for whatever reason, there is going to be a cost to you. You will be expected to cover the cost of time spent by the engineer used to evaluate your file to the point where you canceled the job.

Decline and Return

Maybe you took your hard drive to a data recovery provider for free diagnostics and received a quote for data recovery. But you decide that you don’t want to proceed and choose to pick up your hard drive and leave. But a few days or weeks later you come back to the same data recovery provider. Expect this time around to pay the evaluation fee whether or not you have been to another data recovery provider with your hard drive.

In Short

Whatever the reason for data recovery, the best way to leave a good impression is to contact a data recovery provider and quiz them on what is included with a free diagnostic review. Remember, a transparent, reputable company will take the time required to explain everything they will do during the diagnostic process so you fully understand what is required to recover your data. Companies that are a bit on the sketchy side will do anything to avoid questions and will likely seem difficult to work with.

Asking the simple question, “What is included with your free diagnostic of my hard drive?” should not be a hard question to answer. By paying attention to the response you get, you will be able to make an informed decision on which company to support with your data recovery needs.

And…remember to always back up and stay protected!