Backup broken. Server gone. I get the data back.

1. Don't reinstall

   A fresh system on the old disk or VM writes right over the data you want back.

2. No fsck on the original

   Repair tools change the filesystem. Make a copy first, then work on the copy.

3. Don't delete the backup file, even if it's broken

   A truncated or damaged backup is often still mostly readable. Leave it alone.

4. Don't cancel the server or let it be reinstalled

   Ask your provider for a snapshot or a copy first. Once the server is gone, it's gone.

5. Stop writing to the database

   Put the shop or app into maintenance mode, otherwise new data overwrites the old.

• Proxmox · Nextcloud

  Nextcloud from a truncated backup

  The Proxmox host was gone. The only copy of the Nextcloud VM was a vzdump backup whose upload stopped at 54 of about 65 GB. The normal vma tool gives up on that.

  Own extractor that reads the VMA format up to the cut-off point. Then repaired the filesystem on the copy and brought Nextcloud back up in Docker.

  Instance is running again, all four users with most of their files.

• WordPress · WooCommerce

  Online shop from two half backups

  Server expired. The full backup had the files but no database dump of the shop. The database only existed inside a VM backup on a different storage.

  Pulled the files from the Plesk backup, streamed the database straight out of the VM image and put both together on a new server.

  Shop back online, with rooms, orders and images.

1. 01

   You describe the case

   What happened, which system, which backups are left. No access needed, just a description.

2. 02

   Analysis, price agreed up front

   We agree on the analysis price first, €129 at most. Then I check what's still readable and tell you honestly what will realistically come back and what the recovery costs.

3. 03

   Recovery

   You approve, I get the data back and hand it over. If you want, straight onto a new server that runs.

• Analysis

  max. €129

  We agree on the analysis price up front. Often it's less. Then you get a fixed-price offer, and the analysis is fully credited if you go ahead.

• Recovery

  Fixed price

  Set after the analysis. If nothing usable comes back, you only pay for the analysis.

• Afterwards: never again

  from €29 / month

  Backups that actually work, with test restores and an alert when one is missing.

All prices incl. German VAT. Express (start the same day if possible) +50 %. Disks with mechanical damage (clicking, head crash) belong in a clean-room lab, I don't do that.

1. Do you need access to my server right away?

   No. Description first. Access or files only once it's clear it's worth it, and only as much as needed.

2. What happens to my data?

   Work happens on my own servers in Germany. A data processing agreement is available on request. After handover I delete all copies.

3. What if nothing can be saved?

   Then I tell you after the analysis and you only pay for the analysis.

4. Do you do regular hard drive recovery too?

   Logical damage yes: deleted partitions, broken filesystem, half backups. Mechanically dead disks no, they belong in a lab.

5. Do you work for agencies and IT providers?

   Yes, happy to work in the background for your clients. Just mention that you're a provider.