Data Recovery From a Failed SSD – What Are Your Options Now?

Solid state drives (SSDs) have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their fast performance and lack of moving parts. However, SSDs can and do fail, leaving your precious data trapped inside. As an SSD does not have physical platters like a traditional hard disk drive (HDD), recovering data from a failed SSD requires a different approach.

Why Do SSDs Fail?

There are several reasons an SSD may fail:

• Controller failure – The controller chip on the SSD fails, rendering the drive inaccessible. This is the most common cause of SSD failure.

• Flash cell degradation – After extensive usage and rewrite cycles, the NAND flash cells that store data will begin to degrade and fail.

• External damage – Physical damage from impacts, water exposure, etc can destroy SSD components.

• Power surge – A strong power surge can fry the sensitive electronics inside an SSD.

• Firmware corruption – Errors in the SSD’s firmware can make the drive undetectable or unresponsive.

• Logical failure – File system corruption and other software issues can make data inaccessible.

Challenges of SSD Data Recovery

Recovering data from a failed SSD is very different from a mechanical hard drive:

• SSDs have no physical platter or arm to repair – the main component is the controller board.

• If NAND flash cells begin to fail, data will be difficult to retrieve from those cells.

• SSDs store data in complex block formats rather than simple sectors.

• Wear levelling and garbage collection makes it harder to locate file data.

• TRIM and garbage collection permanently delete deleted data over time.

DIY SSD Data Recovery Attempts

Before turning to professional data recovery, there are some DIY steps you can attempt yourself:

• Try connecting the SSD to another computer via SATA or a USB adapter. This will determine if the drive failure is due to the SSD itself or something on your computer.

• Update SSD firmware – If firmware corruption is the issue, updating firmware may help recover the drive.

• Replace logic board – For controller errors, replacing the entire logic board could fix the SSD. Match the exact same model drive.

• Low level format – Completely erasing and reformatting the drive may resolve some software issues. This will erase all data so only do if you’ve exhausted all other options.

• Freezer method – Some have reported success placing an SSD in a sealed bag in the freezer for several hours, then quickly connecting it to copy data before it warms up.

Professional Data Recovery Options

If DIY attempts fail, your best option is turning to a professional SSD data recovery service. Here are the main professional-grade data recovery options:

Hardware Repair

• Carefully open the SSD case in a dust-free cleanroom to access the controller board and flash memory chips.

• Repair or replace damaged hardware components on the SSD – controller, capacitors, chips, etc.

• This microsoldering repair restores the SSD to a functional state so data can be extracted.

Chip-Off Forensics

• The flash memory chips are carefully desoldered from the SSD circuit board.

• The raw flash memory chip is then connected to specialized data recovery hardware and software.

• This allows data to be read on a lower level from the NAND chips themselves.

• Very technically challenging but can recover data even with failed controller board.

JTAG / ISP

• JTAG stands for Joint Test Action Group, named for the industry standard it uses.

• Requires soldering a connector to controller chip pins to access internal SSD communication buses.

• Enables advanced diagnostics of failed controller and firmware hacking or re-flashing to repair SSD.

• More technically complex than hardware repair but best chance for difficult no-boot SSD problems.

Ensure Proper Handling of Drive

• Don’t continue using or troubleshooting a failed SSD that contains valuable data – this can overwrite deleted data.

• Avoid DIY software fixes – this could cause more damage.

• Don’t open SSD case outside proper cleanroom – this exposes delicate components to dust.

• Keep failed SSD cool. Don’t freeze entire drive – moisture can damage electronics.

Choosing a Professional SSD Data Recovery Service

If DIY attempts fail, your data will need professional rescue. Use these tips when researching data recovery services:

• Find specialists – Look for recovery firms that specialize in SSD/flash drives to ensure proper handling.

• Cleanroom – They should have an ISO Class 5 cleanroom to safely open and repair drives without dust contamination.

• Experience – Choose an established company with years of proven experience recovering data from SSDs.

• Price transparency – Beware of lowball estimates that spike after diagnostics. Good firms will provide an upfront quote.

• Track record – Check reviews and success rates from past clients to validate quality. Avoid firms with mainly complaints.

• Security – Ensure they have strict procedures for protecting and returning your recovered data securely.

• Location – Determine if they can service your area or pay shipping both ways.

While data recovery from a failed SSD can be challenging, following these tips will give you the best chance to get back lost files and avoid common mistakes. With the right approach, SSD data recovery can often succeed. Just make sure to enlist professional assistance sooner rather than later.