The time frame for recovery is generally 5-10 business days for physical issues and 2-4 days for logical issues.  Sometimes if components are not readily available, then it may take weeks to complete the recovery.  Some firms offer expedite service and you definitely pay for this added attention. 

What About Data Recovery Software?

This is one area where you really do get what you pay for.  Try to stay away from software in the $20-$60 range, since these utilities are generally very limited in what they can do.  Also make sure that you NEVER and just to emphasize, NEVER EVER get data recovery software that writes anything at all to the damaged disk.  You run the risk of overwriting data that may otherwise have been recoverable, but will be lost forever.  If you are fairly computer savvy, then there are a few good data recovery software solutions available.

What To Look For When Shopping For Data Recovery

There's an old saying, "you get what you pay for."  In most cases this is true.  However, just because a company with a fancy website quotes you $3,500 for data recovery, does not mean that they are any better than a company that quotes you $1,500.  Also, try to stay away from companies that want to charge $50-$300 for evaluating your drive.  There has been a movement in the data recovery industry over the last couple of years to offer a number of free services.  Most reputable data recovery companies will evaluate standard IDE drives free of charge; so don't let the word "free" this or "free" that stop you.  The data recovery market is quickly becoming saturated, and a company does not necessarily cheapen itself or lack expertise by offering free evaluations.

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