A freelance graphic designer in London experienced a sudden failure of their M.2 NVMe SSD, which was the primary storage device in their Windows 11 desktop. The drive contained critical data, including client design projects, invoices, and software configurations essential for ongoing work.
M.2 drives, known for their speed and compact size, are also prone to unique challenges when they fail, often requiring specialized tools and expertise for data recovery. The designer approached Advanced Data Recovery, renowned as London’s best data recovery company, for assistance.
The Problem
The M.2 NVMe SSD failed abruptly, with the following symptoms:
- Inaccessibility: The system failed to boot, and the SSD was not detected in the BIOS.
- Critical Data Loss: The drive contained irreplaceable client data with no backup.
- Physical Damage: Diagnostics revealed that the drive’s controller chip had failed due to an electrical surge, rendering the onboard data inaccessible.
Despite attempts by the designer to reseat the drive and connect it to an external enclosure, the SSD remained unresponsive.
The Data Recovery Process by Advanced Data Recovery
Step 1: Initial Assessment
Upon receiving the SSD, the team performed a detailed assessment:
- Physical Inspection: The M.2 drive showed signs of electrical damage on the controller chip.
- Logical Assessment: Advanced tools confirmed that no logical access to the drive was possible without addressing the physical damage.
Step 2: Drive Repair for Access
To access the data:
- The controller chip was temporarily repaired or bypassed using specialized equipment.
- Advanced Data Recovery utilized a compatible donor drive for parts to address the controller issue.
Step 3: NAND Chip Data Extraction
With the controller bypassed:
- Direct NAND Access: The NAND flash memory chips were extracted and read using specialized tools.
- Reconstruction of Data: Since M.2 drives use advanced data structures (including wear leveling and encryption), the recovery team reconstructed the logical data layout from raw NAND data.
Step 4: Data Reconstruction and Recovery
- File System Recovery: The Windows 11 NTFS file system was reconstructed, repairing file metadata and resolving corruption caused by the sudden failure.
- Data Validation: Recovered files were validated to ensure integrity, focusing on critical project files and software configurations.
Challenges Faced
- Physical Damage: The controller failure required delicate repairs and component-level expertise.
- Encryption: The SSD’s firmware encryption necessitated advanced decryption techniques using proprietary tools.
- Large Data Volume: The drive held 2TB of data, requiring efficient handling to extract and organize files within the client’s tight timeline.
Outcome
Advanced Data Recovery successfully:
- Restored 100% of the critical data, including client projects, invoices, and essential software configurations.
- Delivered the data on a new SSD with a full directory structure intact.
- Enabled the designer to resume work with minimal disruption, avoiding loss of clients and revenue.
Lessons Learned
- Backup Systems: Regular backups to an external drive or cloud storage are essential to safeguard against sudden hardware failures.
- Power Protection: Using a UPS or surge protector can help prevent electrical damage to sensitive components like SSDs.
- Professional Assistance: Attempting DIY repairs on M.2 drives can worsen damage. Engage experts immediately for the best chance of recovery.
Why Choose Advanced Data Recovery (London)?
- Expertise with Modern Storage: Specialists in recovering data from advanced storage solutions like M.2 NVMe SSDs.
- Cutting-Edge Tools: Access to proprietary technology for bypassing controller issues and extracting raw NAND data.
- Customer-Centric Approach: Fast turnaround times and transparent communication to minimize client downtime.
Advanced Data Recovery’s success in recovering data from this failed M.2 drive underscores their expertise in tackling complex modern storage challenges, making them a trusted partner for data recovery in London.