| Symptom: |
Resolution |
| Laptop does not power on / Screen is black / no sounds or lights. | If the unit is not receiving any power, there is a good chance that the hard drive inside the notebook is still in working condition. In this case, data recovery services are likely not needed, and a computer service center can remove your hard drive and backup any data needed prior to repairs. |
| Virus or Spyware Infection. | In most cases the data is still present on the hard drive, but if you are unable to boot completely into Windows, or if the computer is unstable and cannot be used, a computer service center should be able to either remove the infection or backup your data prior to a system restore. |
| Forgotten Windows / BIOS password | If your password is lost or forgotten, a computer repair center should be able to remove the drive and backup the data, then the system can be re-installed or BIOS cleared. |
| Hard drive not detected in BIOS | This can indicate either a problem with the laptop’s mainboard, or a problem with the hard drive itself. A computer repair center can try removing the drive to see if it works externally. If so, the data can be backed up and the laptop serviced or replaced. If the hard drive is still not detected, you will require in-lab data recovery services to rescue your data. Get Started Now |
| Unusual noises, clicking or grinding | While it is possible that a fan can cause some noise, if your computer is not able to boot and you hear odd noises from the vicinity of your drive, this is a clear indication of a hardware problem. Further attempts to use/boot the device can cause additional damage. You will require in-lab data recovery services to rescue your data. Get Started Now |
| Accidentally ran System Restore | A System Restore or Format/Re-Install will usually cause some data loss. While some data may be retrievable, the amount or quality depends on the amount of data present on the drive prior to re-loading, the amount of data written during the reload, the type of data, and it’s physical location and fragmentation level across the disk. Lab-based services may be required, but D-I-Y software is also available, provided you have another working computer and the ability to connect the affected drive to the working computer. Get Started Now |
| Other issues | CBL Data Recovery Technologies’ services are normally called upon when first-stage attempts at accessing information have failed. If you have not yet gone through normal troubleshooting steps with your IT staff or computer repair center, CBL would recommend you take advantage of these resources first. |
