Disk Data Recovery Prague – Lab With Direct Access

Our data recovery lab is located in Prague 6, offering in-person drop-off and express turnaround. Whether you're dealing with a failed hard drive, a non-responsive SSD, a damaged flash drive or data loss after a drop or impact – we handle both software and hardware issues across all brands and disk types. Diagnostics are always free and no-obligation.

Consultation with a technician Consultation with a technician Free diagnostic evaluation Data recovery price list

Free diagnosticsfree consultation, diagnostics, pick-up

You pay only for successno data – no fee

Express recovery 24/7priority service available

Success rate > 95%own EXALAB laboratory

Why Choose a Local Data Recovery Lab in Prague

Disk data recovery is a time-sensitive process. The sooner a damaged disk reaches specialists, the higher the chances of successful data recovery. Our lab is located in Prague 6 (Pod Marjánkou 4, Břevnov), giving Prague-based clients distinct advantages that diminish with distance.

You can bring your disk in person – just arrange a time by calling 608 177 773. In-person drop-off eliminates transport risks (further impacts, vibrations) and allows us to begin diagnostics within hours. For mechanically damaged hard drives, where every power-on carries the risk of further platter damage, this is a significant advantage. For SSDs and flash drives, transport risk is lower, but speed of handover still matters – particularly if there's a risk of the device being reconnected and the Trim function permanently erasing data.

For clients across Prague and the Central Bohemian Region, we also offer free courier pickup. We safely package and collect the disk from your location – home, office or server room.

Most Common Disk Problems We Solve in Prague

Since 2006, our Prague lab has processed thousands of data recovery cases across all disk types. Hard drives (HDDs) still account for the largest volume, but the share of SSDs and flash media is growing. Here is an overview of the most common scenarios Prague clients bring to us.

Disk Failure – Data Completely Inaccessible

The hard drive powers on and the platters spin, but the computer either doesn't detect the disk at all or shows incorrect capacity and identification. The cause may be PCB (electronics) damage, read/write head failure or a service area error. With SSDs, the symptoms present differently – the disk may stop communicating entirely or report zero capacity. Each scenario requires a different approach and professional diagnostic tools. For pricing details by media type and damage, see our price list.

Drop, Impact or Mechanical Damage

A hard drive after a drop or impact is one of the most sensitive cases. Inside the drive, data platters rotate at 5,400 or 7,200 RPM while read/write heads hover above them at a distance smaller than a human hair's width. An impact can cause the heads to contact the platters, damaging the magnetic layer that holds your data. Do not power on a dropped drive – each power-on can significantly worsen the situation. Bring the disk to our lab or use our pickup service. External SSDs and flash drives are less prone to mechanical damage, but a strong impact can still damage the memory chips or controller.

Clicking, Grinding or Unusual Noises

Clicking and grinding sounds coming from inside a disk typically indicate a problem with the read/write heads or data platters. In roughly 10% of cases, the electronics may be at fault. Do not power on the disk in this state and contact us – diagnostics will confirm the extent of damage and recovery options. This symptom applies exclusively to HDDs – SSDs and flash drives contain no moving parts and fail silently.

Deleted Data or Formatted Disk

Accidentally deleted files or a formatted disk are generally recoverable, provided the media was not used after deletion. With traditional CMR hard drives, the probability of recovery is high. With modern SMR (Shingled Magnetic Recording) HDDs and especially SSDs, the situation is more complex – the Trim function can permanently erase deleted data within minutes. We recommend disconnecting the disk immediately and contacting us.

Non-Functional External Disk

External disks – whether HDD or SSD – are more prone to problems due to their portable nature. A frequent issue is USB interface or encryption chip failure in the external enclosure, where the disk itself may be perfectly fine but the data is inaccessible. In our lab, we can remove the disk from the enclosure and work with it directly – without risk of further damage through the faulty interface.

Short Circuit, Power Surge or Storm Damage

Power surges, incorrect power adapters or moisture can damage disk electronics. Every hard drive has unique service data on its PCB, essential for proper initialisation – simply swapping the board for the same model usually doesn't work. With SSDs, the electronics are even more critical, as the controller holds the data mapping for the memory chips. We have the tools and procedures for electronics-level work that goes beyond standard IT service capabilities.

SSD and Flash Drive Data Recovery Specifics

SSDs and USB flash drives use NAND-type memory chips, and their data recovery requires different procedures than HDDs. When the controller or firmware fails, direct work with the memory chips is necessary – identifying the NAND type, reading raw data and reconstructing the file system. We use specialised tools including chip readers and software for data reconstruction from NAND dumps. For detailed information on SSD recovery, visit our SSD data recovery page; for flash drives, see Flash drive data recovery.

How Data Recovery Works at Our Prague Lab

The entire process is designed to be as straightforward as possible for the client while maintaining maximum safety for the damaged media.

1. Contact and consultation – Call 608 177 773 or fill in our diagnostics order form. Describe the symptoms – based on that, we'll provide a preliminary assessment and recommend the best way to deliver the disk.

2. Disk handover – In Prague, you have three options: in-person drop-off at the lab (Pod Marjánkou 4, Prague 6), free courier pickup across Prague and surroundings, or shipment via an insured courier service. For mechanically damaged HDDs, we strongly recommend in-person drop-off or pickup to eliminate transport vibrations.

3. Diagnostics – We perform comprehensive diagnostics using ACE Lab PC-3000 professional tools and additional specialised equipment. For HDDs, we verify the condition of the electronics, firmware, mechanics and platter surfaces. For SSDs and flash drives, we analyse the controller, memory chips and internal data mapping. The result is a precise identification of the fault, a recovery success estimate and a price quote. Diagnostics are free and no-obligation – if you decide not to proceed, we return the media at no charge.

4. Data recovery – After you approve the quote, we begin the recovery process. Processing time depends on the type and extent of damage. For express cases, we can deliver results the same day. We keep most spare parts for common HDD brands (Western Digital, Seagate, Toshiba, Samsung, Hitachi/HGST) in stock.

5. Data handover – Recovered data is delivered on the media of your choice. In Prague, in-person pickup at the lab is also available.

Data Recovery Pricing

The final price depends on the media type (HDD, SSD, flash drive) and the extent of damage, which is definitively determined only after diagnostics. Diagnostics are always free and no-obligation. Our "no data – no fee" principle applies: if data recovery is unsuccessful, you don't pay for the work.

Full data recovery price list – pricing by media type and damage

Why Choose EXALAB for Data Recovery in Prague

Professional data recovery is a specialised field where the difference between successful and unsuccessful recovery often depends on the lab's equipment and the operator's experience. At EXALAB, we have been recovering data since 2006, handling cases from individual clients, businesses, government institutions and other service organisations.

Our lab is equipped with ACE Lab PC-3000 professional tools – a hardware-software complex designed exclusively for diagnostics and data recovery from damaged disks. This is complemented by additional specialised equipment for electronics work, firmware repair, HDD mechanics and direct NAND chip reading for SSDs and flash drives. Our long-term HDD data recovery success rate is approximately 95%.

For sensitive data, we offer a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). For clients with data insurance, we issue confirmation for insurance claims.

Disk Failure – Essential First Steps

If your disk has stopped working, follow these basic rules before the media reaches the lab:

Stay calm. Most disk data loss cases are recoverable.
Power off the device – computer, NAS, external enclosure. Every additional power-on of a damaged disk can worsen the situation.
Do not power on an HDD after a drop or impact. Irreversible platter damage may result.
Do not reconnect an SSD or flash drive – the Trim function may permanently erase deleted data.
Avoid DIY recovery attempts – data recovery software can cause more harm than good on physically damaged disks.
Contact us – 608 177 773. The consultation is free and takes just a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions – Data Recovery Prague

How quickly can I get my data back in Prague?

Processing time depends on the media type and extent of damage. Software issues (deleted data, corrupted file system) can typically be resolved within several hours to a few days. Hardware faults on HDDs requiring head replacement or platter-level work may take longer. For SSDs and flash drives, it depends on the extent of controller and chip damage. Express processing is available – contact us by phone to arrange a specific timeline. Prague clients benefit from in-person drop-off and pickup, eliminating shipping time.

Can I drop off my disk in person?

Yes, in-person drop-off at our lab at Pod Marjánkou 4, Prague 6 (Břevnov) is available by prior phone appointment. This is the preferred method especially for mechanically damaged HDDs, where you want to minimise further handling of the media. The lab is well accessible by public transport (tram to Malovanka stop) and by car.

How much does disk data recovery cost?

The price depends on the media type and extent of damage. You will receive an exact quote after the free diagnostics. If data recovery is unsuccessful, you don't pay for the work. Diagnostics are always free and no-obligation. For a pricing overview, see our price list.

Can I attempt data recovery on my own?

For purely software-related issues (accidentally deleted files from a functional disk), this may be possible under certain conditions. However, if the disk is making unusual noises, has stopped working after a drop, or won't power on, DIY attempts can irreversibly damage the data. With SSDs, note that simply connecting the drive to a computer can trigger Trim and permanently erase deleted data. If in doubt, don't connect the disk and use our free diagnostics instead.

Do you handle all disk brands and types?

Yes – hard drives (HDDs) of all brands (Western Digital, Seagate, Toshiba, Samsung, Hitachi/HGST, Maxtor and others), SSDs (Samsung, Crucial/Micron, Kingston, Intel, WD and more), as well as USB flash drives and memory cards. We keep most spare parts for the most common HDD models in stock, enabling us to begin work without waiting for delivery.

Do you provide services in English?

Yes, our team communicates in English. All consultations, diagnostics reports and handover can be conducted in English. We regularly work with international clients and expat communities in Prague.

Do you recover data from other media besides disks?

Yes, our Prague lab handles data recovery across all media types – RAID arrays, NAS systems, mobile phones, memory cards and Apple devices. Detailed information for each media type is available on the respective pages.