Data Recovery FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Data Recovery

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Get answers to common data recovery questions such as:

  • Mail-In Data Recovery vs. Data Recovery Pickup/Drop-Off Service
  • Data Recovery Prices
  • Data Recovery Time Frame
  • IMPORTANT:

    If you have experienced data loss or corruption, it is important that you turn off the affected computer, drive or device right away.  Further use may lead to further damage, & increased recovery costs.

    Shut down your computer or device and disconnect it from the power source, then contact us for a free drive diagnostic.

    Please be aware that – while NO company can guarantee a successful data recovery, we are confident that if your data is retrievable, Geeks On Command! has the resources & experience to do so competently & confidentially.

  • You’ll Receive A Guaranteed Quote For Your Data Recovery After A Free Diagnostic.

    You’ll just pay for shipping or pickup/delivery when applicable, and no billable services will be performed without your prior approval. After diagnostics are completed, we’ll contact you by phone with a flat-rate quote for your recovery. You’ll have the option to proceed with the recovery, or decline further services.

    If you decide to move forward, payment will be due in advance of recovery services. Once payment has cleared, we will begin the recovery attempt. If you decline services you will not be charged. If you wish for us to return your device and/or accessories, you’ll be responsible only for the cost of return shipping.

  • We are normally able to complete diagnostics and provide a guaranteed quote for your recovery within 2-3 business days of arrival at our facilities. This timeframe cannot be guaranteed, however, as devices with extensive damage will require significantly more time to diagnose.

  • Mail-In Option (Just Pay Shipping):

    If you choose the mail-in recovery option, though the diagnostic is free, you will be responsible for all shipping costs. This includes the cost to ship your device and accessories, as well as the cost of return shipping for your recovered data, device, and accessories.

    We will send any return shipments to you via USPS. You may choose your own delivery options, including shipping speed, shipping insurance, package tracking, and signature requirements.

    Mail your computer, drive or device to:

    GEEKS ON COMMAND!
    Data Recovery Dept.
    370 W Pleasantview Ave
    Suite 2-155
    Hackensack, NJ 07601

     

    Pickup/Delivery Option (add $250 for courier service):

    If you live within a one hour drive of our Boulder, CO, Roseland, NJ, or Hackensack, NJ locations, a technician can visit your home or office to answer your questions, perform your initial consultation, transport your device and accessories to our recovery facility, and deliver your device, accessories and recovered data back to you upon completion of service.

    This fee is separate from the cost of data recovery services, and is non-refundable upon completion of the initial consultation, even if you decline recovery service after diagnostics, or your recovery attempt is unsuccessful.

  • Data Recovery Pricing:

    After a free diagnostic, we’ll know what type of recovery is needed, and let you know exactly how much it will cost.
    Data recovery prices largely depend on the type of damage, but we’ve done our best to outline them below:

    CATEGORY 1 ($125-$299):
    Computers (or hard drives) that have no physical damage, but their data is inaccessible due to corruption, deletion, or a broken/dead computer. 
    Examples Include:

    • Accidentally deleted files or folders.
    • Computers that will not turn on.
    • Data stuck on an old, or broken PC.
    • Data lost to viruses, or Windows errors.

    CATEGORY 2 ($250-$1,000):
    This is the most common category to recover data from corrupted or damaged USB drives, phones, tablets, SD cards, CDs & DVDs. Examples include:

    • Computer won’t read a USB thumb drive
    • Cell phone or tablet won’t turn on
    • SD card error: “You Need To Format This Drive”
    • Scratched CDs or DVDs

    CATEGORY 3 ($1,200+):
    These recoveries are the most rare, and expensive, averaging ≈ $1,200. They require physical repairs, or replacement parts, and will be disassembled and repaired by a specialist in a Class 100 Data Recovery Clean Room. Examples include:

    • Dropped (or struck) computers or drives
    • Crushed, cleaved, or mangled drives
    • Damage from fire, heat, or liquid
    • Damage from lightning, or power surges

  • Free Phone Consultation:

    During your free phone consultation, we should be able to provide an estimate based on your description – though no guaranteed quote can be provided until after full diagnostics have been run.

    If you decide to proceed with our free drive diagnostic, a guaranteed flat-rate quote for recovery will be provided, and no billable services will be performed without your prior approval.

  • Confidential Data:

    To perform a data recovery attempt, Geeks On Command!, LLC (or it’s partners, subcontractors, or affiliate agencies) may need to collect, process, utilize, and store your data during the course of service, including passwords, PINs, usernames, logins, credit cards, and other personal information that may be considered confidential and/or proprietary.

    Confidential information in our possession will be used for no other purpose than to assist in data recovery. At no time will we use any confidential information obtained from your device or data for personal benefit, nor will we disclose or communicate your information to any third party without your prior consent. This policy continues to be effective even after the completion of a recovery.

    We will retain a backup copy of your recovered data for up to sixty (60) days in case of emergency. During this period, we will answer any questions concerning the recovered data and provide additional copies if requested.

    After sixty (60) days, all data will be securely and permanently erased. Under no circumstance will we retain (or permanently copy) any information correlated with this data recovery after 60 days.

  • We Have No Idea, But We’ll Get Your Data Back As Fast As We Can.

    It is impossible to predict how long a data recovery will take, due to influencing factors such as: the extent of damage to the device, the availability of replacement parts, the amount of data on the device, and the storage capacity of the drive, but all reasonable efforts shall be made to complete your recovery in a timely manner, and to keep you informed of any complications.

    No rush service is available for data recovery.

  • Packaging Recommendations:

    We recommend choosing a shipping method that includes insurance and tracking information. To minimize the risk of damage, we recommend following these packaging instructions.

    1. Use a corrugated cardboard shipping box that is at least twice the size of your drive or device.
    2. Individually wrap your drive or device, as well as any other included items, in bubble wrap.
    3. Ensure at least three inches of padding covers the sides and edges of all included items.
    4. Be certain the padding is secured (use tape if necessary) and won’t slip off during shipment.
    5. Place the securely wrapped items inside your shipping box.
    6. Write your name, address, and phone number on a piece of paper, and include it in the box.
    7. Add bubble wrap to fill any empty space until all items are completely immobile inside the box.
    8. Be certain not to use packing peanuts! They carry static electricity that can damage your drive.
    9. Once all items are completely secured inside the box, seal the box closed with packing tape.
    10. On all six sides, use a permanent marker to write the word “FRAGILE”.
    11. Fill out your return shipping address, then ship your package to:

    Geeks On Command!
    Data Recovery Dept.
    370 W Pleasantview Ave
    Suite 2-155
    Hackensack, NJ 07601

  • Successful recoveries will require a new drive or device to hold the recovered data. You are given the option to provide or purchase one of the following:

    • USB Thumb Drive
    • USB External Hard Drive
    • Replacement Computer (Tablet, Phone, etc.)

    Once recovered data has been transferred to the new drive or device we will return your device, accessories, and data to you in the manner of your choosing.

    Mail-In Option:

    If you have chosen the mail-in recovery option, we will send your device, accessories, and data to you via USPS. You will be responsible for all shipping costs.

    Geeks On Command!, LLC is not responsible for any data, device, or accessory that is lost or damaged during transit, though we retain a backup copy of your recovered data for up to 60 days in case of emergency.

    Pickup/Delivery Option:

    If you have chosen the pickup/delivery option, we will schedule a time to dispatch your technician to your home or office to deliver your device, accessories, and data. Please be aware that supplemental on-site services, such as data migration, virus scans, new pc setup, etc. are not included in the pickup/delivery fee, but may be purchased at this time at our standard rate of $125 per hour + tax.

  • No Data – No Fee Guarantee:

    Our “No Data – No Fee Guarantee!” refers to our policy that if no “user data” was recovered, you will be refunded in full for the recovery attempt (minus any applicable pickup/delivery or shipping costs).

    “User data” refers to files (pictures, music, videos, or documents) that had been created or saved by you (or the computer user), whereas a “system file” is a file that was automatically created by the device (or a program on the device), such as program files, windows files, temp files, etc.

    In the case of a partial recovery, please be aware that if ANY user data is successfully recovered, then our “No Data – No Fee Guarantee!” will not apply.

  • Short Answer, Yes!

    We work with all brands & styles of computers, tablets, phones, cameras, drives, electronic devices, USB devices, SD cards, memory cards, CDs, and DVDs.

    We’ve recovered data from all types of disasters, including:

    • Dead Computers & USB Drives: Retrieve files from drives or computers that no longer turn on.
    • Deleted Files: Get back accidentally deleted files from a computer, drive or device.
    • Corrupted Files / Windows Errors: Blue Screen, Virus, Spyware, or Malware related data loss.
    • Catastrophic Failure: Drives found after floods, fires, tornadoes, crashes, etc.
    • Physically Damaged: Banged, crushed, dropped, cleaved & impaled drives.
    • Electronic Failure: Occurs when a drive’s electrical circuits have failed.
    • Mechanical Failure: Occurs when internal parts fail to move properly.

  • Forensic Data Recovery:

    Forensic data recovery is a specific type of data recovery which is used for legal purposes in court proceedings for criminal or civil investigations.

    If you require forensic data recovery, we have the tools and experts to help, but you’ll need to let your technician know your intentions during the initial consultation.

  • It isn’t possible to recover software, but we can help you install a new copy of most programs using downloadable setup files. If you’ve lost a software license or product key we can help recover these from your device.

  • Yes, provided it is not an encrypted drive. We have the ability to bypass or remove passwords to access locked drives and devices.

    You MUST be able to provide proof of ownership for all devices, accessories, information, and data you provide to Geeks On Command!, LLC for the purposes of recovery, and will be held responsible for any costs, or legal fees awarded against Geeks On Command!, LLC as a result of a breach of this agreement.

Data Recovery FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Data Recovery

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Get answers to common data recovery questions such as:

  • Mail-In Data Recovery vs. Data Recovery Pickup/Drop-Off Service
  • Data Recovery Prices
  • Data Recovery Time Frame
  • IMPORTANT:

    If you have experienced data loss or corruption, it is important that you turn off the affected computer, drive or device right away.  Further use may lead to further damage, & increased recovery costs.

    Shut down your computer or device and disconnect it from the power source, then contact us for a free drive diagnostic.

    Please be aware that – while NO company can guarantee a successful data recovery, we are confident that if your data is retrievable, Geeks On Command! has the resources & experience to do so competently & confidentially.

  • You’ll Receive A Guaranteed Quote For Your Data Recovery After A Free Diagnostic.

    You’ll just pay for shipping or pickup/delivery when applicable, and no billable services will be performed without your prior approval. After diagnostics are completed, we’ll contact you by phone with a flat-rate quote for your recovery. You’ll have the option to proceed with the recovery, or decline further services.

    If you decide to move forward, payment will be due in advance of recovery services. Once payment has cleared, we will begin the recovery attempt. If you decline services you will not be charged. If you wish for us to return your device and/or accessories, you’ll be responsible only for the cost of return shipping.

  • We are normally able to complete diagnostics and provide a guaranteed quote for your recovery within 2-3 business days of arrival at our facilities. This timeframe cannot be guaranteed, however, as devices with extensive damage will require significantly more time to diagnose.

  • Mail-In Option (Just Pay Shipping):

    Diagnostics are free. You’ll just be responsible for shipping costs, including the cost to ship your device & accessories, as well as return shipping for your recovered data, device & accessories. We’ll send any return shipments to you via USPS. You may choose your own delivery options, including shipping speed, shipping insurance, package tracking & signature requirements. Mail your computer, drive or device to:

    GEEKS ON COMMAND!
    Data Recovery Dept.
    370 W Pleasantview Ave
    Suite 2-155
    Hackensack, NJ 07601

    Pickup/Delivery Option (add $250 for courier service):

    If you live within a one hour drive of our Boulder, CO, Roseland, NJ, or Hackensack, NJ locations, a technician can visit your home or office to answer questions, perform your initial consultation, transport your device to our recovery facility & deliver your device, accessories & recovered data back to you upon completion of service. This fee is separate from the cost of recovery services, and is non-refundable upon completion of the initial consultation, even if you decline recovery service after diagnostics, or your recovery attempt is unsuccessful.

  • Data Recovery Pricing:

    Prices below are estimates. A guaranteed quote will be provided after diagnostics.

    CATEGORY 1 ($125-$299): Computers (or hard drives) that have no physical damage, but their data is inaccessible. Examples Include:

    • Accidentally deleted files or folders.
    • Computers that will not turn on.
    • Data stuck on an old, or broken PC.
    • Data lost to viruses, or Windows errors.

    CATEGORY 2 ($250-$1,000): Recovers data from damaged USB drives, phones, tablets, SD cards, CDs & DVDs. Examples include:

    • Computer won’t read a USB thumb drive
    • Cell phone or tablet won’t turn on
    • SD card error: “You Need To Format This Drive”
    • Scratched CDs or DVDs

    CATEGORY 3 ($1,200+): These recoveries are the most rare, requiring replacement parts & physical repairs in a Class 100 Data Recovery Clean Room. Examples include:

    • Dropped (or struck) computers or drives
    • Crushed, cleaved, or mangled drives
    • Damage from fire, heat, or liquid
    • Damage from lightning, or power surges

  • Free Phone Consultation:

    During your free phone consultation, we should be able to provide an estimate based on your description – though no guaranteed quote can be provided until after full diagnostics have been run.

    If you decide to proceed with our free drive diagnostic, a guaranteed flat-rate quote for recovery will be provided, and no billable services will be performed without your prior approval.

  • Confidential Data:

    To perform a data recovery attempt, Geeks On Command!, LLC (or it’s partners, subcontractors, or affiliate agencies) may need to collect, process, utilize, and store your data during the course of service, including passwords, PINs, usernames, logins, credit cards, and other personal information that may be considered confidential and/or proprietary.

    Confidential information in our possession will be used for no other purpose than to assist in data recovery. At no time will we use any confidential information obtained from your device or data for personal benefit, nor will we disclose or communicate your information to any third party without your prior consent. This policy continues to be effective even after the completion of a recovery.

    We will retain a backup copy of your recovered data for up to sixty (60) days in case of emergency. During this period, we will answer any questions concerning the recovered data and provide additional copies if requested. After sixty (60) days, all data will be securely and permanently erased. Under no circumstance will we retain (or permanently copy) any information correlated with this data recovery after 60 days.

  • We Have No Idea, But We’ll Get Your Data Back As Fast As We Can.

    It is impossible to predict how long a data recovery will take, due to influencing factors such as: the extent of damage to the device, the availability of replacement parts, the amount of data on the device, and the storage capacity of the drive, but all reasonable efforts shall be made to complete your recovery in a timely manner, and to keep you informed of any complications.

    No rush service is available for data recovery.

  • Packaging Recommendations:

    We recommend choosing a shipping method that includes insurance & tracking info. To minimize the risk of damage, we recommend following these packaging instructions.

    1. Use a corrugated cardboard shipping box at least twice the size of your drive or device.
    2. Individually wrap your drive or device, and any other included items, in bubble wrap.
    3. Ensure at least 3″ of padding covers the sides and edges of all included items.
    4. Make sure the padding is secure (use tape if needed) & won’t slip off during shipment.
    5. Place the securely wrapped items inside your shipping box.
    6. Write your name, address & phone number on a piece of paper & include it in the box.
    7. Add bubble wrap to any empty space so all items are completely immobile in the box.
    8. Don’t use packing peanuts! They carry static electricity that can damage your drive.
    9. Once all items in the box are completely secured, seal the box closed w/packing tape.
    10. On all six sides, use a permanent marker to write the word “FRAGILE”.
    11. Fill out your return shipping address, then ship your package to:

    Geeks On Command! (Data Recovery Dept.)
    370 W Pleasantview Ave., Suite 2-155
    Hackensack, NJ 07601

  • Successful recoveries require a new drive or device to hold the recovered data. You may provide or purchase a:

    • USB Thumb Drive

    • USB External Hard Drive

    • Replacement PC (Tablet, Phone, etc.)

    Once recovered data has been transferred to the new drive or device we will return your device, accessories, and data to you in the manner of your choosing.

    Mail-In Option:

    If you have chosen the mail-in recovery option, we will send your device, accessories, and data to you via USPS. You will be responsible for all shipping costs.

    Geeks On Command!, LLC is not responsible for any data, device, or accessory that is lost or damaged during transit, though we retain a backup copy of your recovered data for up to 60 days in case of emergency.

    Pickup/Delivery Option:

    If you have chosen the pickup/delivery option, we will schedule a time to dispatch your technician to your home or office to deliver your device, accessories, and data. Please be aware that supplemental on-site services, such as data migration, virus scans, new pc setup, etc. are not included in the pickup/delivery fee, but may be purchased at this time at our standard rate of $125 per hour + tax.

  • No Data – No Fee Guarantee:

    Our “No Data – No Fee Guarantee!” refers to our policy that if no “user data” was recovered, you will be refunded in full for the recovery attempt (minus any applicable pickup/delivery or shipping costs).

    “User data” refers to files (pictures, music, videos, or documents) that had been created or saved by you (or the computer user), whereas a “system file” is a file that was automatically created by the device (or a program on the device), such as program files, windows files, temp files, etc.

    In the case of a partial recovery, please be aware that if ANY user data is successfully recovered, then our “No Data – No Fee Guarantee!” will not apply.

  • Short Answer, Yes!

    We work with all brands & styles of computers, tablets, phones, cameras, drives, electronic devices, USB devices, SD cards, memory cards, CDs, and DVDs.

    We’ve recovered data from all types of disasters, including:

    • Dead Computers & USB Drives: Retrieve files from drives or computers that no longer turn on.
    • Deleted Files: Get back accidentally deleted files from a computer, drive or device.
    • Corrupted Files / Windows Errors: Blue Screen, Virus, Spyware, or Malware related data loss.
    • Catastrophic Failure: Drives found after floods, fires, tornadoes, crashes, etc.
    • Physically Damaged: Banged, crushed, dropped, cleaved & impaled drives.
    • Electronic Failure: Occurs when a drive’s electrical circuits have failed.
    • Mechanical Failure: Occurs when internal parts fail to move properly.

  • Forensic Data Recovery:

    Forensic data recovery is a specific type of data recovery which is used for legal purposes in court proceedings for criminal or civil investigations.

    If you require forensic data recovery, we have the tools and experts to help, but you’ll need to let your technician know your intentions during the initial consultation.

  • It isn’t possible to recover software, but we can help you install a new copy of most programs using downloadable setup files. If you’ve lost a software license or product key we can help recover these from your device.

  • Yes, provided it is not an encrypted drive. We have the ability to bypass or remove passwords to access locked drives and devices.

    You MUST be able to provide proof of ownership for all devices, accessories, information, and data you provide to Geeks On Command!, LLC for the purposes of recovery, and will be held responsible for any costs, or legal fees awarded against Geeks On Command!, LLC as a result of a breach of this agreement.

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