HDD Repair and Restoration

Data Security

Disk Source provides full repair and restoration services for Hard Disk Drives (HDD). The protection of end users' data is of paramount importance to us. For this reason, all drives are data wiped when received unless the customer has specified the HDD is for Data Recovery. Data wiping uses a data elimination algorithm which is compliant with the US Defence Department Standard 5220.22. This involves seven exhaustive overwrites of all sectors of the drive, ensuring that no attempt to recover the data will be successful, be it hardware or software based and regardless of its level of sophistication.

Eliminating failing tracks/sectors

No HDD is error free; even when new, hard drives have error logs from the manufacturer. The error logs record the failing sectors to enable the heads to avoid a particular area of the disk. We use the same technology to rewrite the entire HDD and amend error logs as necessary. Key to the process is noting the number of new errors logged. If the number of new errors compared to the manufacturer's original log is excessive, the drive will be failed.

Soak Test

All HDDs are then put through a soak test, which examines the small class of problems that may appear intermittently. The soak test involves a test to verify functionality, check the S.M.A.R.T. function for impending failure, perform detailed mechanical analysis using the head positioning systems and read with every head. A controller test is also run to check the drive's controller circuitry and component function. This is followed by a seek test which examines the drive's ability to accurately position the heads over each track, from both directions, and at maximum head positioning speed. Next, a data pattern is written to the entire drive sequentially and read to verify full media data integrity; this is repeated in a random mode. The soak test is designed to run the HDD to its maximum performance. We run a 12 hour test which can be extended if required, however if extended this could result in premature failure of the HDD for the end user.

Repaired HDDs

When HDDs have successfully passed through all the stages, they may be safely installed into computer systems requiring a drive of the same specification. The computer will access only the restored tracks and any previously encoded data will have been completely eliminated.

Process for failed HDDs

If the HDD cannot be accessed due to mechanical failure the drive's platters are physically destroyed by means of exposing them in an unprotected atmosphere, removing the surface and breaking the platter. The result is 100% data security, as the platters cannot be used again.  

Data Recovery

HDDs received for Data Recovery must have a certificate stating the name and address of the owner of the data and written and signed authority to process the data for the purpose of recovering the data. The recovery process may take many hours of processing and the result may not be a complete recovery of all the data. In some cases where the disk platters have been severely damaged it may not be possible to recover any data at all. Data will be returned to an authorised representative of the customer either on another HDD or on other media if specified.  

Test Environment

Our test systems are all stand-alone generic PC's giving us the ability to run unique software appropriate for the HDD to be tested/repaired. We also have commercially available hardware test systems.

We use a wide range of in-house software to accomplish HDD repair. Specialized utilities allow deeper diagnostics of drive malfunctions and subsequent restoration of functionality, e.g. repair of corrupted firmware modules. The procedures and equipment used are continually under review and we are currently developing a hot-swap multiple test system, which will enable full access to each HDD as with a generic PC. This will allow up to eight HDDs to be tested and repaired at the same time, resulting in faster throughput in the engineering workshop. These systems will be linked to one main server where all the hard drive information e.g. ID, S.M.A.R.T. status and tests preformed will be saved, enabling us to keep a history of every drive processed.

Terms and Conditions

Disk Source Ltd Terms and Conditions Apply.