A freelance video editor in London experienced a critical issue with their Samsung EVO SSD. The SSD, which contained project files, video edits, and client deliverables, suddenly stopped being recognized by the computer. Despite multiple attempts to connect the drive to different systems, it remained inaccessible.
The video editor turned to Advanced Data Recovery, London’s leading data recovery company, for urgent assistance.
The Problem
The failure was caused by:
- NAND Chip Corruption:
- The SSD’s NAND flash memory showed signs of corruption, likely due to a sudden power surge during operation.
- Controller Failure:
- The SSD’s controller chip failed, preventing the drive from initializing and rendering it invisible to the operating system.
- No Backup:
- The SSD was the primary storage device for active projects, and the client had no backup, making recovery critical.
The Data Recovery Process by Advanced Data Recovery
Step 1: Initial Assessment
The team conducted a comprehensive diagnosis:
- Hardware Inspection: The SSD was examined for physical damage, such as issues with the PCB or visible component damage.
- Firmware and Controller Check: The controller chip was identified as non-functional, preventing the SSD from communicating with the host system.
- NAND Chip Analysis: Initial testing confirmed that the NAND chips were intact but required direct access for data extraction.
Step 2: SSD Repair for Access
To enable data recovery:
- Controller Chip Bypass: Advanced tools were used to bypass the failed controller, allowing direct access to the NAND chips.
- Firmware Repair: Proprietary software was used to emulate the original controller and reconstruct the firmware environment.
- NAND Readout: The team extracted raw data directly from the NAND flash memory chips using specialized chip readers.
Step 3: Data Reconstruction
Once the raw data was extracted:
- Wear-Leveling Algorithm Reassembly: Samsung EVO SSDs use complex wear-leveling algorithms to distribute data across NAND cells. These algorithms were analyzed and reversed to reconstruct the logical data structure.
- File System Repair: The NTFS file system was reconstructed to recover directory structures and metadata.
- Fragmented Data Recovery: Large video files were reassembled from fragmented raw data to ensure usability.
Step 4: Validation and Delivery
- Integrity Check: The recovered video files and project assets were tested for completeness and playback quality.
- Secure Data Transfer: The recovered data was transferred to a new SSD and delivered to the client, ensuring immediate usability.
Challenges Faced
- Controller Failure: The failed controller required advanced techniques to bypass and emulate its functionality.
- NAND-Level Recovery: Recovering data from NAND chips involved reversing wear-levelling algorithms and handling potential bad blocks.
- Large File Sizes: Recovering and reassembling high-resolution video files posed a challenge due to their size and fragmented storage.
Outcome
Advanced Data Recovery successfully:
- Recovered 98% of the data, including all critical video edits and project files.
- Delivered the recovered data within 72 hours, allowing the client to meet deadlines for their projects.
- Provided recommendations for improving data protection, including implementing a robust backup strategy.
Lessons Learned
- Backup is Crucial: Always maintain backups of critical data on external drives or cloud storage to safeguard against sudden hardware failures.
- Power Protection: Use a reliable UPS or surge protector to minimize the risk of power-related failures in SSDs.
- Professional Recovery is Key: Attempting DIY recovery on SSDs can lead to permanent data loss. Consult professionals for the best outcomes.
Why Choose Advanced Data Recovery (London)?
- Expertise with SSDs: Advanced knowledge of SSD architecture, including NAND flash and controller-level recovery.
- State-of-the-Art Tools: Proprietary equipment for direct NAND access and firmware reconstruction.
- Rapid Turnaround: Emergency recovery services designed to minimize downtime for critical projects.
This case demonstrates Advanced Data Recovery’s ability to recover data from advanced storage technologies like SSDs, ensuring clients regain access to their essential files with minimal disruption.