If your hard drive is dying, it’s important that you get the data off it quickly. However, sometimes that’s difficult for you to do if your computer can’t start.
There are many different approaches to data recovery. The tools I use most often are dd-rescue (to copy data from a damaged drive) and photorec (to recover photos and files from badly damaged drives.)
Yes, I’m giving away the tricks of the trade, but to me it’s more important that you have the best tools than for me to make money. You can learn how to use these yourself; or if you’d like me to do it for you, get in touch and I’ll do what I can. I have a system set up specifically for this task, and have been doing it for years.
This will work for PCs and most Macs.
Typical recovery cost is between $35 and $70 plus a replacement drive if needed.