Urgent Data Recovery Request – Water-Damaged Intel Optane Module and Storage Drive

Question

I need professional data recovery help if anyone knows what I need to do for a water-damaged Intel Optane module and primary storage drive. Here are the key details:

• Original System: HP ENVY x360 Convertible 15m-ed1xxx
• Issue: The Intel Optane module and primary storage drive (HDD/SSD) were both waterlogged. The specific Intel Optane model was designed to be used exclusively with its original motherboard (which is also fried) and cannot be transferred to a replacement laptop or motherboard. This incompatibility is why its now a discontinued product with it not being able to transfer the module to an identical model and it still not be recognized.
• Data Importance: The data on the storage drive is crucial. I need help recovering data from the damaged components or determining if recovery is possible.

Please if anyone can help or advise on what should be the next steps because I am at a complete loss and I truly need the data stored on that specific computer; and no that data was not backed or stored anywhere else.

Answer 1

Hello Alexia Brite,

thank you for posting on the Microsoft Community Forums.

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Here are some steps you can take to attempt to recover data from your water-damaged Intel Optane module and primary storage drive:

Immediate Steps

1. Do Not Power On: Do not attempt to power on the devices, as this could cause further damage.
2. Drying: If the storage devices are still wet, you can try to dry them out. Place them in a sealed bag with silica gel packets or uncooked rice for at least 24-48 hours to absorb moisture. However, this is a temporary measure and doesn't guarantee data safety.

Professional Data Recovery

Given the complexity and importance of the data, your best bet is to consult a professional data recovery service. Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Find a Reputable Data Recovery Service: Look for a data recovery service that specializes in water-damaged electronics. , and verify their credentials and read reviews to ensure they are reputable.
2. Contact the Service: Reach out to the chosen data recovery service and explain your situation in detail, including the specific model of your Intel Optane module and primary storage drive. Ask about their success rates with similar cases and get a quote for the recovery process.
3. Ship the Devices: Follow their instructions for shipping the damaged components to their lab. Make sure to package the devices securely to avoid any additional damage during transit.
4. Wait for Evaluation: Once the service receives your devices, they will perform an evaluation to determine the extent of the damage and the likelihood of successful data recovery. They will provide you with a detailed report and a cost estimate for the recovery process.

Post-Recovery Considerations

1. Backup Plan: After the data is recovered, implement a robust backup solution to avoid similar situations in the future. Consider using cloud storage, external drives, or a combination of both.
2. Replacement Hardware: You will need to replace your damaged components. Ensure that you also replace any hardware that might have been compromised due to the water damage.

Additional Tips

1. Data Recovery Software: Avoid using DIY data recovery software for water-damaged drives as it can exacerbate the problem.
2. Warranty and Insurance: Check if your warranty or insurance covers data recovery or hardware replacement.

Unfortunately, recovering data from water-damaged storage is not guaranteed, but a professional service will give you the best chance of retrieving your valuable information.

Hope it helps.

Best regards,

Lei