Adelaide owned and operated, IT & Digital + Web since 2001→

Data recovery for Adelaide businesses

When a drive fails or files disappear, the priority is getting your data back without making things worse. We assess the situation, tell you honestly what's recoverable, and handle the process properly from start to finish. Local Adelaide service: your data stays local, and you deal with a real person the whole way through.

Last updated

The short answer

Stop using the failed device and get it assessed first. WaTo Consulting recovers business data in Adelaide from hard drives, SSDs, RAID arrays, NAS units and USB storage, gives a fixed quote after assessment, and on standard jobs you don't pay for the recovery if nothing can be recovered. Afterwards they help set up proper backups.

What is data recovery?

Data recovery is the process of retrieving files from storage devices that have failed, been corrupted or had data accidentally deleted. That could be a hard drive that's stopped working, an SSD that's gone unresponsive, a RAID array with failed disks, or a USB drive with corrupted files. The methods range from software-based recovery for logical faults to specialist techniques for physically damaged drives.

What we recover

Hard drive recovery

Failed, clicking or unresponsive hard drives assessed and recovered using appropriate tools and techniques.

SSD recovery

Solid-state drives that have failed or become unreadable. It's different technology to spinning drives, requiring different methods.

RAID & NAS recovery

Multi-disk arrays rebuilt and data recovered from degraded or failed RAID configurations and NAS appliances.

Deleted file recovery

Accidentally deleted files or formatted drives recovered where the data hasn't been overwritten.

USB & external storage

USB flash drives, external hard drives and memory cards with corrupted or inaccessible data.

Backup verification

Once your data is recovered, we help you set up proper backups so you don't end up in the same spot again.

Who it's for

  • Businesses that have lost access to important files due to a hardware failure or accidental deletion.
  • Companies with a failed server or NAS that need their data back before they can get working again.
  • Anyone who's been told their drive has failed and wants an honest assessment before committing to a recovery.
  • Businesses that got caught without proper backups and need to recover what they can.

How it works

  1. Contact us immediately. The sooner you stop using the affected device, the better the chances. Call or email and we'll tell you what to do (and what not to do).
  2. Initial assessment. We examine the device, identify the type of failure, and give you an honest assessment of what's likely recoverable.
  3. Quote before we proceed. You get a clear quote based on the assessment, with no surprises and no charge if we can't recover your data on standard jobs.
  4. Recovery. Data recovered using the appropriate method for the fault type, with your files copied to a clean device.
  5. Handover and prevention. Your recovered data returned securely, and we discuss backup options so this doesn't happen again.

Why WaTo for data recovery

  • Honest assessment upfront. If we don't think we can recover it, we'll tell you before you spend a cent.
  • Your data stays local in Adelaide. We don't ship drives interstate unless specialist intervention is needed, and we'll explain why.
  • We handle the recovery and the prevention. Once your data is back, we set up proper backups.
  • One point of contact throughout. You deal with the same person, not a call centre.
  • Adelaide owned since 2001, trusted by local businesses with their most important files.

Data recovery questions

How much does data recovery cost?

It depends on the type and severity of the failure. Simple logical recoveries (like deleted files or minor corruption) typically start from a few hundred dollars. Physical failures or RAID rebuilds cost more. We assess the device first and give you a fixed quote before any recovery work begins.

How long does data recovery take?

Most straightforward recoveries are completed within two to five business days. Complex cases involving physical damage or RAID arrays can take longer. If it's urgent, let us know and we'll prioritise where possible.

Should I try recovery software myself first?

If the drive is physically failing (making clicking noises, not being detected, or running very slowly), don't. Running software on a physically damaged drive can make things worse. Call us first and we'll advise whether a DIY approach is safe for your situation.

What if you can't recover my data?

For standard jobs, if we can't recover your data, you don't pay for the recovery. We'll discuss this upfront during the assessment so you know exactly where you stand before any work starts.

Jobs we've done like this

Guides on this topic

Lost important data?

Don't keep using the device. Call us now and we'll walk you through the next steps. The sooner you act, the better the outcome.

Mon to Fri, 8:30am to 5pm

No two businesses are the same, so nothing we do is off-the-shelf. Every solution is built around yours, and kept simple.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

How do your plans and pricing work?

Whatever suits you: a fixed contract, a monthly retainer, prepaid blocks of hours, or simple hourly rates. You pick the model that fits your business, and we keep it transparent with no surprise bills.

How quickly do you respond?

Fast. You talk to a real person, not a call queue. For urgent issues we're often on-site within the hour across Adelaide, with remote support Australia-wide.

Do you only do IT support?

No. IT & Digital, cyber security, websites & hosting, business solutions and currency equipment, all from one local team. One number to call.

What does it cost?

Managed IT is typically $80 to $200 per user per month. One-off help is $115 an hour remote or $180 an hour on site. Prices are ex GST. See our rates.

Do you support businesses outside Adelaide?

Yes. We're Adelaide-based with on-site visits across South Australia, remote support Australia-wide, and we fly in to clients in Darwin, Brisbane and elsewhere for planned work.

Will you work with our existing IT person?

Absolutely. We often co-manage, taking on monitoring, security and after-hours cover alongside your in-house team.

Why we're different

Not your typical IT company

We keep it simple, and fix things so they stay fixed, instead of patching them today.

A typical IT company
WaTo Consulting
You wait in a call queue
A real person on the WaTo team answers
One rigid plan, take it or leave it
Contract, retainer, blocks or hourly: your choice
Patch it today, deal with it again later
Fix the root cause, and what it could cause next
Jargon and over-engineering
Kept simple and explained in plain English
IT only, you juggle other vendors
IT, cyber, web, business & currency under one roof
Hosting resold from someone else
Our own Australian hosting, run by us
WaTo character, happy to help

Still not sure what you need?

Tell us what's slowing you down and we'll point you to the right fix. You're a partner, not a client.

Call (08) 7123 0805 Email info@wato.com.au
Why clients choose us

Trusted by Adelaide business since 2001

The WaTo team
Real people in Adelaide, not a call queue
  1. SA Construct · client from day one
    Our whole IT structure is with WaTo Consulting for the simple reason that there's no sales spiel, no waiting in line on the phone, and always an effective, quick result when needed.
  2. Wato

    From day one and still going 🤝

  3. Enzo's at Home · client since 2001
    WaTo has been assisting our company since 2001. Always punctual, trustworthy, honest, and can be relied on to get the job done.
  4. Wato

    Time flies when you're having fun 🙌

  5. Real estate business · client from 2010
    WaTo looked after IT for our property management business from 2010. We grew dramatically in that time and WaTo was instrumental in keeping all our IT in order, with smooth upgrades.
  6. Alyx

    Loved being part of the growth 📈

  7. Hospitality venue
    In a busy, large hospitality venue with constant IT issues, WaTo is an incredible asset. If WaTo's called with an issue, they're often here within the hour.
  8. Lee

    On my way 🚗

  9. Accounting practice
    WaTo has been invaluable in moving us from Outlook to Gmail and teaching us the other Google products. Friendly, approachable and easily understood. We've even brought WaTo in to help one of our own clients migrate.
  10. Lee

    Happy to help your clients too 🤝

  11. CRS · client since 2011
    Our data is the backbone of our company, and we sleep easy at night knowing it's safe and secure. Whenever we have an IT problem, WaTo understands how crippling downtime is and is quick to act.
  12. Alyx

    Backups checked. Sleep easy 😴

  13. Lasers in Medicine
    WaTo's IT expertise streamlined our medical practice, reduced operating costs and simplified our backups. 100% quality customer service to small business.
  14. Wato

    Small business is our thing 💪

  15. Engineering company
    Wato, or "DJ WaTo" as he's known to us, has become like family. He always goes above and beyond, with a few good solutions to our ever-demanding needs.
  16. Wato

    🎧 DJ WaTo, at your service

  17. City cafe, multiple locations
    WaTo set up our point of sale and internet. They always answered my calls and could even troubleshoot problems over the phone. Very professional. Thank you, WaTo!
  18. Lee

    Always happy to pick up 📞

  19. Printing industry · client since 2013
    Our business relies on discipline and attention to detail, which is exactly why we've relied on WaTo since 2013. Their knowledge and personal attention give us peace of mind in every area of our operation.
  20. Alyx

    Detail is our thing too 🔍

  21. Genmed 480
    We feel extremely lucky to have WaTo look after our computers. Easy to talk with, explains things in plain terms instead of jargon, and never pushes us to upgrade to the latest and greatest.
  22. Lee

    No jargon, promise 🙂

  23. Alex, 30 Acres · client since 2021
    If you're anything like us, IT is very daunting! WaTo took away the hassle and stress of setting up our brand new restaurant and installed our point of sale. Timely, efficient and a reasonable price. Highly recommended!
  24. Wato

    30 Acres, still the freshest food ever! 🍽️

  25. AV industry
    WaTo delivers for our standard office admin and as a consultant for integrating audio, visual and lighting products into the IT world. Problems are dealt with swiftly to avoid downtime.
  26. Lee

    Lights, camera, uptime 🎬

  27. Cummins Allison (CPI) · client since 2014
    Their ability to grasp and apply product-specific technical process has allowed us to meet all customer KPIs and offer value-added services.
  28. Alyx

    KPIs met. Keep counting 💵

  29. Allied health practice
    When the medical diary crashes, that's an all-out emergency. It happened three times in one year, and each time WaTo fixed it in under 10 minutes. Personal, reliable and fast.
  30. Alyx

    Diary's back up ✅

  31. Sports industry · client since 2015
    We've used WaTo since 2015. Before that, other providers made things difficult. WaTo is prompt, upfront and very reliable, and has saved us heaps!
  32. Lee

    Glad we could save you heaps 💸

  33. Sole owner-operator
    WaTo moved my site to a new server and set up secure, reliable email and hosting, so I could get on with what I do best. I'd send anyone to WaTo for all their wizardry needs.
  34. Wato

    Wizardry on tap 🪄

  35. Recreation industry
    WaTo did an amazing job setting up the audio and visual in our new business, and fantastic work migrating email accounts and managing our domains. Service is A+.
  36. Lee

    A+ right back at you ⭐

  37. Small home business
    Doesn't matter how small your business is, we all need help with IT and digital. WaTo makes me feel like BIG business.
  38. Alyx

    Small business, big support 🚀

  39. Mike Roberts
    As a non-geek, I appreciate that WaTo's always got my back and never makes me feel I'm imposing when I ring out of hours. Looking for someone local and reliable? WaTo's who you call!
  40. Wato

    Anytime, Mike 👍

Who we work with

Our story

Built in Adelaide, since 2001

WaTo Consulting was founded by John Watson in Adelaide in 2001. Over two decades it's earned a name for tailored work across a wide range of industries, helping businesses of every size run more smoothly, work more efficiently and grow steadily, without blowing the budget or disrupting the day-to-day. Rumour has it the story starts much earlier, with a young Wato on his grandfather's knee in front of a Commodore 64, learning to code in BASIC.

Emma Watson (née Dickenson) was part of the story for a stage along the way. She brought real estate and property management expertise, and a clear view of where the business could go: growing it, bringing in new systems and fresh thinking, and lifting the standard of how things are done. WaTo has been through plenty of shapes and stages since, but one thing she helped sharpen has never changed: being consistent for the client is a must.

Today it's all tailored, never off-the-shelf: IT & Digital, Business & Web Hosting, built around what each client actually needs. Over the years those areas have come together under one roof: our IT & Digital, Currency, Business and Web Hosting work now all sit within WaTo Consulting. One team, one standard, looking after the lot.

When you work with us, you're a partner, not just a client.

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