Data Recovery from Laptops
We recover data from all types of Mac , Windows and Linux laptops — whether the machine has a traditional hard drive or an SSD/NVMe drive inside. We open the laptop, remove the drive where possible, or read directly from soldered NAND chips, and copy the data to a safe medium.
The only company in Iceland specialising in data recovery, operating since April 2012.
Partners
Why choose data recovery specialists?
Laptops are more complex than regular desktops when it comes to data recovery. Newer MacBooks have SSDs soldered directly onto the motherboard, and both Windows laptops and Macs typically have onboard encryption (BitLocker, FileVault, T2 security chip). This requires specialised equipment and expertise.
Datatech is the only company in Iceland that specialises in data recovery and has been active in the field since April 2012, with specialised technical equipment and the expertise to complete the work locally.
Our specialists have over 22 years of experience solving complex data recovery projects. They have received training from international leaders in data recovery such as Acelab and hold active certifications from them.
First steps make all the difference
It is important that you know what you are doing when it comes to laptop data recovery, and so it is critical to seek help from a professional immediately rather than turning to a regular computer repair shop — first steps matter and the technician must know exactly what they are doing.
If your laptop has suffered an NVMe (water damage, drop, fire or other external trauma) or won't boot, the safest course is to unplug it from power — do NOT try to switch it on repeatedly. The sooner you bring it to us, the better the odds.
- Do not keep trying to switch the laptop on if it won't boot
- Do not put a wet laptop in rice — it does not stop corrosion
- Do not remove the drive and try to read it with another computer
- Do not use free data recovery software
- Do not reinstall the OS or factory-reset the laptop
- Do not take the laptop to a regular computer repair shop
We recover data from all types of laptops
We recover data from
- Laptops that won't boot
- Water- and liquid-damaged laptops
- Laptops with a dead motherboard
- MacBooks with T2 / Apple Silicon chips
- Encrypted drives (BitLocker, FileVault)
- Cracked screen or keyboard (drive intact)
Common symptoms
- Laptop won't boot — no display, no LEDs
- Apple logo appears but doesn't load
- Blue screen of death or constant reboots
- Drive makes sound but OS doesn't see it
- Corrupted files after liquid damage
- Laptop was stolen or lost — only the drive remains
MacBooks with soldered SSDs or T2 / Apple Silicon chips
From 2016 onwards, most MacBooks have SSD storage soldered directly onto the motherboard — the drive cannot be removed and read in other equipment. From 2018 the T2 security chip was added (and Apple Silicon from 2020), which encrypts all data in hardware.
This means that data recovery from newer MacBooks requires specialised work: reading directly from NAND chips on the motherboard and reconstructing the data with the help of specialised software. We have the equipment and expertise to complete these projects locally in Iceland.
Important: If a MacBook or other laptop with a soldered SSD has suffered liquid damage or another shock, do NOT repeatedly try to switch it on — that can cause further corrosion on the motherboard and permanently destroy the data. Unplug it from power immediately and bring it to us.
Frequently asked questions about laptop data recovery
Answers to common questions about data recovery from laptops and MacBooks
My laptop won't boot — can the data still be recovered?
Yes, in most cases. Even if the laptop won't boot, the drive itself can still be intact — the cause is often the motherboard, power supply or display. We open the laptop, remove the drive and copy the data to a safe medium. On newer MacBooks with soldered SSDs, we read directly from the NAND chips on the motherboard.
Can data be recovered from a liquid-damaged laptop?
Yes, but the sooner the better. Liquid causes corrosion on components and that corrosion gets worse over time and with repeated boot attempts. Unplug the laptop from power immediately, do not try to switch it on again, and bring it to us. We have often recovered data from laptops that others said nothing could be done about.
What does laptop data recovery cost?
The price depends on the type of laptop and the kind of failure. Older laptops with a screw-in hard drive are simpler than newer MacBooks with soldered SSDs. After diagnostics we send a fixed data recovery quote by email. If the quote isn't accepted we charge hourly labour for the diagnostic work per our published rate.
Do you need my laptop's password?
Ideally yes, but not always strictly required. On encrypted drives (BitLocker, FileVault) we need either the password, the recovery key, or access to your Microsoft / Apple ID to decrypt the data. If you don't have the key we can often still copy the encrypted block off the drive, but the final recovery depends on the key being found.
Will the laptop itself be repaired afterwards?
Datatech specialises in data recovery, not hardware repairs. We return the laptop to you in the state it arrived in, along with the data on a safe medium. If you need the laptop hardware itself repaired — screen, keyboard, motherboard — we recommend [Computer.is](https://computer.is) for Windows laptops and [applevidgerdir.is](https://applevidgerdir.is) for Apple devices.
Why is laptop data recovery expensive?
Laptop data recovery requires specialised hardware — especially for newer MacBooks with T2 / Apple Silicon chips and soldered SSDs. Each laptop model has its own configuration and encryption scheme.
- Specialised equipment (PC-3000, DeepSpar, NAND reader)
- Expertise on T2 / Apple Silicon chips and soldered SSDs
- Specialised software from Acelab and others
- Each case requires a unique approach due to the variety of laptop models
- Staff require specialist training through annual courses at Acelab and other manufacturers
- Annual subscriptions to specialised software that are renewed yearly
What do our customers say?
We are proud of our outstanding service and results
I received very good service. The intake process is simple and smooth. The service is carried out quickly and safely. In my case it was a difficult project but I got all my data back.
Þorgeir Arnórsson
Short and sweet.. Came in with a broken drive but after a lot of work by Datatech everything could be saved from the drive and transferred to this 'itty bitty' drive from them. A dream and everyone is happy to finally see everything again.
Leifur Reynir Björnsson
I received exemplary service. My personal computer data was, for good reason, mostly stored on one drive, which suddenly became unreadable. After a fault analysis I was referred to Datatech. There the data was recovered 100%. All communication was as good as it could be.
Bjarni Frímann Karlsson
Really fast and professional service. Recovered my data 100% and was always available to answer any questions. Highly recommend.
Helga Lilja Magnúsdóttir
The Apple workshop couldn't do anything for me and referred me to Datatech but promised nothing. I wasn't optimistic but decided to try. It took time but succeeded and the cost estimate was honoured. I can give them the best possible recommendation.
Gunnar Árnason, Hljóðmaður
Other data recovery services
We also offer data recovery from other types of storage media
How to bring your laptop to us?
Create a service request
Fill in the form on our website
Bring the laptop to Pixlar
Suðurlandsbraut 54, 108 Reykjavík
Get a diagnostic and quote
You accept or decline the offer
Pixlar – Drop-off Location
Suðurlandsbraut 54, 108 Reykjavík
Weekdays: 10:00 – 18:00
Saturdays: 11:00 – 15:00
Laptops can also be shipped to us free of charge through our service request form.
Did you lose data from your laptop?
Create a service request and bring your laptop to us, even if you have been told elsewhere that nothing can be done to recover your data. We are specialists in data recovery with expert knowledge in the field and use specialised recovery equipment from Acelab, DeepSpar and HDD Surgery to ensure maximum success.