SSD or NVMe not detected or showing as RAW: what should I do?
Every attempt you make can turn recoverable data into data that can no longer be recovered.
If your SSD does not show up in the BIOS or on the computer, there is usually a problem with the controller, the firmware or the power. SSDs have no mechanical parts, but recovering their data is often more complex than with a hard drive. Switch the device off, do not write to the drive and do not run update or formatting tools. We determine the situation through analysis.
- Shut down the computer. If it is a laptop, unplug the adapter and remove the battery if possible.
- If you cannot remove the battery and the fault prevents you from shutting the computer down, hold the power button until the computer turns off (5-10 seconds)
- Note down the brand, model and capacity of the SSD.
- Do not run formatting, 'Secure Erase' or reset tools.
- Do not install a manufacturer firmware update.
- Do not keep plugging the drive in and out.
- If files were deleted, do not write new data to the SSD.
- Do not install recovery software on this SSD.
Why does an SSD not show up?
An SSD's controller is a small processor that manages which memory chip holds which data. If the controller or its software (firmware) becomes corrupted, the computer may not see the drive at all, may show a very small capacity or may list it as RAW. Sudden power cuts, overheating and ageing memory cells can lead to these faults.
The main causes:
- Controller or firmware failure
- A file system corrupted after a power cut
- A connector or slot problem
- Memory cells that have reached the end of their life
What should you do based on the symptom?
| What do you see? | Possible cause | Software or lab? | What should you do? |
|---|---|---|---|
| It does not appear in the BIOS at all | Controller, firmware or power problem | Lab | Switch it off, do not try again |
| It shows a very small capacity | Possible firmware corruption | Lab | Do not write data, call us for an analysis |
| The drive shows up but as RAW | File system corruption | There may be a physical fault; if your data matters, do not try anything | Do not format |
| It slows down, freezes, disappears now and then | Worn cells or a controller problem | Do not even try to make a backup; this can leave the chips unusable | Switch off the power and bring it to our lab |
Why are deleted files harder to recover from an SSD?
SSDs use a command called TRIM to free up the space of deleted files. Once TRIM has run, the space of the deleted data may be reset to zero, and recovering it becomes very difficult, sometimes impossible. Hard drives do not do this kind of cleanup on their own. That is why, if you deleted files on an SSD, it is important to stop using the computer and contact us right away. For details, see the deleted files page.
What is done in the lab?
Although an SSD has no mechanical parts, in most cases the casing has to be opened to reach the part where the chips are. The analysis looks at the condition of the controller and the firmware. The method depends on the type of fault; we tell you which method can be applied after the analysis.
How long does it take and how much does it cost?
Standard cases take 10 business days on average, and urgent cases take 24 business hours on average. The actual time depends on the type of fault, sourcing the parts needed and the capacity of the drive. Some jobs are completed within a few hours, while others can take months.
The price depends on the type of fault, the parts needed and how long the work takes. After the analysis we send you the exact price in writing. If you do not accept the quote, you get your device back without paying. Not every case falls within the scope of free analysis. For requests outside the free analysis scope, you are informed in writing about the analysis fee before any work begins. For details, see the pages on what determines the price and how long it takes.
Can the data always be recovered?
No. On an SSD with a failed controller, on an encrypted SSD or on one where TRIM has run, some or all of the data may not be recoverable. We cannot know the outcome without carrying out an analysis. After the analysis you will be informed about the situation.
Frequently asked questions
What does it mean if the SSD shows up when connected to another computer?
The problem may be in the first computer's slot, driver or settings. The SSD itself may be healthy. If files appear to be missing, contact us without writing anything to it.
What happens when an SSD reaches the end of its life?
Memory cells have a limited write lifespan. Some SSDs that reach the end of their life switch to read-only mode, while others stop being recognised at all. If the drive has started to slow down, the right thing to do is to make a backup first.
Is there a difference between NVMe and SATA SSDs when it comes to recovery?
The basic approach is the same for both. The details vary with the model and the type of fault; we determine this during the analysis.
Do I pay anything if I do not accept the quote?
No. If you do not accept the quote after the analysis, you get your device back without paying. In cases where it cannot be foreseen at which stage the data will become accessible, the price may also be set after the data has been recovered, based on the time and resources spent on the work. In that case you are under no obligation to pay. Not every case falls within the scope of free analysis. For requests outside the free analysis scope, you are informed in writing about the analysis fee before any work begins.
Why is free analysis not available in every case?
For some requests a short assessment of the device is possible, and we can offer a free analysis. For others, our specialists can only reach an opinion or a result after long hours of work on your device with professional tools. Because we carry out the technical work that has to be done in the part we call analysis, we may not be able to offer those hours free of charge.
What do you do during the analysis?
During the analysis we actually begin the professional technical work that needs to be done. Many businesses, on the other hand, say they offer 'free analysis' to attract customers and get them to bring their device in, and once the device has been handed over, without setting aside any time for it, they say something like 'we will work on it; if it works it costs this much, if not, that much'. Having had the device handed over with the words 'free analysis', they know the customer will want the work to continue rather than go to the trouble of taking the device back, and since they put in no effort or time, they can claim to offer 'free analysis' in every case. In reality this is little more than a trap to attract customers.
Do you charge a service fee?
We do not charge anything under the name of a service fee. We offer free analysis. For requests outside the free analysis scope, the analysis fee is communicated in writing at the start. Some businesses advertise with phrases such as "600TL data recovery service fee", leading customers to believe they will have their data recovered for 600TL. That is how they draw customers in. We do not work in such an unethical way.
Let's assess your situation together: call 0212 909 56 19 or write to us on WhatsApp. See our contact page for the address and opening hours.
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