Frequently Asked Questions:

Our Calgary data recovery lab receives hundreds of e-mails and phone calls each year. We've put together the most common questions and answers regarding data recovery below.

Can you always recover data?

If we cannot recover your data, there is no charge. In some situations data recovery may be impossible. Generally, if the platter(s) are not scratched data can be recovered.

How much does it cost to recover my data?

The cost to recover data depends on numerous factors which include the type and severity of the failure (mechanical, electrical, firmware, and logical) as well as the manufacturer, model number, capacity, and interface type. Other factors like RAID, encryption, and previous recovery attempts will influence the cost of recovery. In order for us to provide you an accurate cost of recovery, media diagnostics need to be performed.

Prices listed below included parts, labor, and a replacement hard drive.

• In 2023, the average cost of a non-RAID recovery was $602.55.
• In 2022, the average cost of a non-RAID recovery was $771.47.
• In 2021, the average cost of a non-RAID recovery was $691.32.
• In 2020, the average cost of a non-RAID recovery was $713.07.
• In 2019, the average cost of a non-RAID recovery was $672.88.
• In 2018, the average cost of a non-RAID recovery was $613.23.
• In 2017, the average cost of a non-RAID recovery was $763.57.
• In 2016, the average cost of a non-RAID recovery was $741.22.
• In 2015, the average cost of a non-RAID recovery was $707.32.
• In 2014, the average cost of a non-RAID recovery was $683.01.
• In 2013, the average cost of a non-RAID recovery was $573.12.
• In 2012, the average cost of a non-RAID recovery was $613.41.
• From 2005 - 2011, the average cost of a non-RAID recovery was $471.97.

iCube Development provides flat rate recovery options for USB flash and camera memory which require NAND or "chip-off" based recoveries (data is read directly from the memory chip).

USB Flash & Camera Memory
0GB to 3GB	$450
4GB to 8GB	$550
9GB to 32GB	$650
33GB to 64GB	$750
64GB to 128GB	$950

How much do diagnostics cost?

Diagnostics are performed free of charge. During the diagnostic process technicians will assess your media and determine the failure. Once diagnostics are complete (within 24 to 48 hours) a technician will prepare a quote indicating the amount of data that can be recovered, the time required to complete the recovery, and the total cost of recovery.

Free diagnostics do not apply for rush service, multi-disk arrays, or drives which have been previously opened. iCube Development (Calgary) Ltd., reserves the right to limit free diagnostics to one media per individual.

How long does it take to recover my data?

Recovery time is purely based on the results of the diagnostics. On average, most drives are recovered within 24 to 72 hours. More complex cases involving mechanical failures (eg: drives which have been involved in an impact) can exceed 7 business days.

Our Calgary data recovery lab provides 24/7 rush / emergency data recovery services - meaning we work around the clock to get your data back.

What is your data recovery process?

Our lab uses an industry standard data recovery method. We encourage all users to review our data recovery process and what you need to know if you suspect your hard drive or memory has failed.

Is it cheaper to recover certain files?

Depending on the type of failure, recovering specific files may be cheaper and faster. It ultimately will depend on what's wrong with the media and the health of mechanical and logical components. Technicians will provide partial recovery options (if available) when the diagnostic is completed.

Can I provide a target drive?

Clients may provide us their own target drives, however the drive must be new and sealed. To maintain the security of our lab we cannot use any used or opened materials. No exceptions.

Where is your lab located?

Our data recovery lab is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Lab tours can be requested by contacting us. We are an ethical award winning data recovery lab, meaning we do not outsource and do not operate using monitary referral incentives / commision.

Can I ship my media to your lab?

Our data recovery lab commonly receives media shipped from all around the world. Before you ship your media please contact us and we'll provide you mailing and packing instructions.

Is there a charge if data is not recovered?

All quotes include a recovery guarantee. If we fail to meet or exceed this guarantee you are not charged. We stand behind a simple no data, no charge policy.

Do you offer non-profit, student, or teacher discounts?

We have agreements with many educational and non-profit organizations. Students and / or teachers must first provide proof of their status before we will disclose any discounted service rates. Not-for-profit organizations will be asked to provide their government issued not-for-profit corporation number.