Over 30 Years in Business
No Data, No Fee Policy
Unrivalled Technology
Over 500K Recoveries
Global access to replacement parts
ISO5 Certified Cleanroom
The Difference Between a Hard Drive and an External/Portable Hard Drive
Unlike general hard drives (HDDs) or solid-state drives (SSDs), external/portable hard drives connect to your computer via a USB.
Their portable nature makes them easy to use and convenient for transporting data between machines, however, it also creates a large risk for data loss due to being continuously plugged and unplugged to various devices and dropped or roughly handled. External/Portable drives often employ encryption to protect the data that is stored on the drives and Ontrack has developed tools to help recover data from these special drives.
We recover from all External/Portable HDD brands including:
Samsung | ||
Fujitsu | HP | |
Hitachi GST |
Types of External & Portable Hard Drive Failure
There are 2 basic types of hard drive failures that can result in data loss:
Physical/Mechanical Failures
If your hard drive is not working or is making clicking and/or grinding noises, it is probably experiencing a mechanical failure. This could be due to a head crash, motor failure or other issues.
Mechanical failures require a cleanroom environment in order to open the hard drive without causing further potential data loss. Contact one of our Data Recovery Professionals today to discuss the best recovery options for you.
PRO TIP: If a mechanical failure is detected, contact us immediately. Work done outside a professional cleanroom environment can reduce the chance of a successful recovery.


Logical Failures
If your hard drive is working, but you cannot access some or all of your files, then it is likely to be experiencing a logical failure. This could be due to a lost partition or accidental reformatting of the drive.
Common logical data loss issues include file deletion, corruption, or file directory damage from a virus or malicious program. Whatever the cause, Ontrack engineers can give you the best change of recovering your missing data.
PRO TIP: If your hard drive is still recognized, you can try using our Ontrack EasyRecovery software to get your data back before sending your device to us.
Simple Self-Debugging Methods
Check your cables and ports!
It is worthwhile double-checking that your cables and ports are working properly. If your device is not being detected, it could be due to a faulty cable or a defective port. You can test this by swapping out the cable for another one or test your hard drive on a different port or computer.
Note: If your external/portable drive is making any clicking or other unusual noises, unplug it immediately, and stop trying to access it. Any further attempts to access the drive may cause additional damage. Contact Ontrack ASAP to discuss your options for data recovery.

Service Levels and Pricing
We offer 3 service levels so we can return your data when you need it. We'll provide you with a fixed quote with no hidden charges.
Standard
From $550 to $1,760*
- Maximum price guarantee
- Recovery: 7-10 business days
- All inclusive pricing
Priority
From $1,100 to $2,420*
- Maximum price guarantee
- Free 4 hour evaluation
- Recovery: 2-3 business day
Emergency
From $3,850 to $4,950*
- Maximum price guarantee
- $1,100 emergency evaluation
- 24/7 until completion
- New external USB drive for your recovered data
- All-inclusive pricing, including GST
- Return shipping up to 3kg
- Buy now, pay later with Zip Pay
- *$330 surcharge for drives over 4TB
Our Data Recovery Process
We'll ensure that you are informed every step of the way so that you have complete peace of mind. You have our 100% support from initial consultation to job completion.
Join over a half million people and businesses who have trusted Ontrack to recover their data.
Media Drop-Off Locations
We have offices around Australia where media can be dropped off.
Alternatively you can give us a call on our toll-free number 1800 316 658 and we'll advise on the best way to send your media to us, which includes using our FREE shipping service.
Ontrack Brisbane:
Suite 9, 28 Donkin Street
West End, Brisbane, QLD 4101
Free Consultation: 1800 316 658
Ontrack Melbourne:
Level 50, 120 Collins Street
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Free Consultation: 1800 316 658
Ontrack Sydney:
Level 10, 20 Martin Place,
Sydney, NSW 2000
Free Consultation: 1800 316 658
Ontrack Perth:
Level 29, The Forrest Centre, 221 St Georges Terrace
Perth, WA 6000
Free Consultation: 1800 316 658