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Data recovery lab at board level

When a device won't power on or the memory stops responding, software can't reach it. We repair the electronics just enough to read the data again, in a lab closed to the public, with every case under a case file.

Send my caseHow we work
  • Diagnostic in 3–5 business days
  • No recovery, no fee
  • Insured pickup across Spain

What we handle and how

We'd rather say it clearly before you send anything.

In our lab

  • Board-level electronics: diagnosis, microsoldering and reballing
  • Soldered storage: MacBook (T2 and Apple Silicon) and iPhone
  • Android phones with board, liquid or boot failures
  • SSD and NVMe with controller or firmware failure
  • Logical recovery: partitions, formats and file systems

Hard drives with mechanical failure

  • Damaged heads, motor or platters: cleanroom opening with a compatible donor
  • Firmware and service-area failures with specialist equipment

We confirm viability, turnaround and a fixed price at diagnosis. You always deal with ForceData, from pickup to delivery.

Six techniques. One is chosen per case.

The diagnosis picks the technique, not a catalogue: the one that puts the data at least risk and has a real chance of reading it.

Board-level microsoldering

Repair of power and data lines, component replacement and BGA reballing so CPU, RAM and storage can talk again.

When it's used Devices that won't power on, liquid damage, short circuits.

Donor board transplant

Moving CPU and memory onto a compatible board when the original can't be repaired. On iPhone, processor and NAND move together to keep the cryptographic bond.

When it's used Destroyed boards with healthy CPU and memory.

ISP / JTAG

Reading memory through test points on the board, without desoldering the chip, when the controller fails but the silicon is fine.

When it's used Compatible models with eMMC or test-pad access.

Chip-off

Removing the memory chip to read it on a programmer. Only useful when the data doesn't depend on keys stored in the original processor.

When it's used USB drives, unencrypted SSDs, older eMMC.

Firmware and FTL rebuild

Service-mode access to SSD/NVMe controllers and reconstruction of the table that maps logical addresses to physical blocks.

When it's used SSD not detected, 0 GB, protection mode.

Forensic logical recovery

Sector-by-sector imaging and file system reconstruction (APFS, NTFS, ext4, Btrfs, ZFS) without ever writing to the original.

When it's used Formats, lost partitions, damaged structures.

Software or lab?

Recovery software works when the device works. When it doesn't, the electronics need intervention — and even then there are limits worth knowing.

SituationSoftwareLab
Deleted files or format
Damaged file system
Device that won't power on
Liquid or impact damage
Soldered SSD or Apple Silicon
Unresponsive controller or memory
Hardware encryption (FileVault, FBE, BitLocker)Conditional

With hardware encryption, data can only be recovered if the original hardware works again and the user's passcode or key is available. Without them, no lab can decrypt it.

No counter, for a reason

The lab doesn't serve walk-in customers. The technical area stays closed to protect open cases, prevent unrelated access to devices in custody and work without interruptions.

Request pickup

A case file per device

Every device is registered under its technical case file on arrival.

Written receipt

We confirm in writing that your device arrived and in what condition.

Identified pickup

Devices only enter through insured, tracked courier collection.

NDA on request

Reinforced confidentiality for companies, repair shops and legal cases.

Five stages, always in this order

  1. Reception and non-invasive diagnostic

    Microscope inspection, electrical measurements and failure identification. Nothing is written to the device.

  2. Quote and approval

    We explain the intervention, the real viability and a fixed price. Nothing starts without your approval.

  3. Intervention

    Microsoldering, direct read or transplant, depending on the diagnosis.

  4. Imaging and reconstruction

    Reading at the lowest possible level, decryption when credentials are available and file system reconstruction.

  5. Verification and delivery

    We check the files, send you the listing and deliver on new media or by secure transfer.

Documented cases

Real interventions explained step by step, including what worked and what didn't.

Frequent technical questions

What is a board-level data recovery lab?
A lab equipped to intervene physically on the device's electronics: repairing damaged tracks, replacing components, reading memory directly and rebuilding data at the lowest possible level. It reaches cases a software-only service can't.
What is a chip-off recovery?
It means removing the memory chip from the board and reading it on a programmer. It only helps when the data doesn't depend on keys stored in the original processor: USB drives, unencrypted SSDs or older eMMC. On iPhone, Macs with T2 or Apple Silicon and modern encrypted Android, chip-off returns unreadable data and the path is to repair or transplant while keeping the processor.
What is ISP / JTAG access?
Methods for reading memory through test points on the board without desoldering the chip. Useful when the controller fails but the silicon is healthy, on compatible models.
What is FTL reconstruction?
The FTL (Flash Translation Layer) is the table that maps logical addresses to physical memory blocks on an SSD. If the controller fails, it has to be rebuilt so the data read makes sense.
When do I need a lab and not recovery software?
When the device won't power on, has taken a knock or liquid, has soldered storage (MacBook, iPhone, modern Android) or shows hardware errors, such as an unresponsive controller or a drive the BIOS doesn't detect.
How much does the diagnostic cost?
Nothing if you accept the recovery quote. If you decline it, a flat €45 + VAT and administration costs fee covers the technical assessment.
What does "no recovery, no fee" mean?
If we can't recover your data after the agreed work, you don't pay the recovery fee. You only pay the €45 + VAT and administration costs diagnostic if you had declined a viable quote.
How long does a board-level case take?
Between 5 and 14 business days depending on complexity. Cases needing donor parts may take longer. Priority and urgent service are available with a surcharge, always quoted upfront.
Why can't I deliver my device in person?
ForceData is a restricted-access lab, not a shop. The technical area stays closed to the public to protect open cases and devices in custody. Every device enters through identified, insured collection, with written confirmation of receipt.
Do you do nationwide pickup?
Yes. We collect anywhere in Spain by insured courier. Receipt is confirmed in writing and the device is registered under its technical case file on arrival.
Is the data confidential?
Yes. Every case is handled under confidentiality and we sign NDAs on request, especially for companies, repair shops, MSPs and legal cases.

Tell us what happened.

We get back to you in under 4 business hours with an initial technical assessment. No shipping commitment.

Initial inquiry with no commitment. After we receive your device, diagnosis is free if you accept the quote; €45 + VAT, plus administration costs, if you decline it. Recovery is charged only if successful.

ConfidentialResponse < 4 business hNo commitment

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What happens next

  1. 01You receive an initial assessment by email or WhatsApp with timing and indicative price range.
  2. 02If you decide to proceed, we send a courier pickup label. We confirm receipt and complete the technical diagnosis within 3–5 business days after your device arrives at the laboratory.
  3. 03Written quote before recovery. Diagnosis is free if you accept the quote; €45 + VAT, plus administration costs, if you decline it. Recovery is charged only if successful.