Files lost after HP repair service replaced SSD

[Ruben0211]

My SSD got replaced after I sent my laptop to the HP repair center for a hardware network issue. This resulted in the loss of a lot of very important data. Not only did they replace an entirely unrelated part (SSD) to the problem, but they did not even fix the networking hardware which was the whole reason I initially sent the laptop to them, despite mentioning the specific hardware issue code. So, now I am stuck with 2 problems. The network issue will probably be solved soon as an HP engineer will visit my home. The other issue with the lost files is a bit more complicated. If HP still has the replaced SSD, it might still be possible to recover the data, but I am not sure whether this is feasible. As it felt like a total surprise to me that the HP repair service removed all of my data, I was wondering whether I could get some support from HP with this.

My problem really resembles the problem posted here: https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Desktop-Operating-Systems-and-Recovery/SSD-Replaced-to-repair-laptop-t... 

Similarly, I feel a bit disappointed by the HP warrantry system. The communication of the customer service is simply terrible. Moreover, the problem has evolved to become only worse.

[TheOldMan]

Sorry to hear of the problems you are having.  Since I do not have any personal experience with getting a PC serviced, I would think the Service center would advise the user to back up all data before sending a PC in for repairs.  One never knows what they will do to it or maybe not fix the PC but send a replacement.

I had a new printer that failed - never got it to come on - and a replacement was sent instead.  I would expect that possibly that was what thy actually did to/with your PC.

Any hope for the old SSD or any data from it are gone, I am afraid.

[BeemerBiker]

This is much like going in for surgery and having the wrong part removed.

As @TheOldMan said the SSD is gone.

I would also be concerned about private information left on the drive  such as  emails, contacts, usernames passwords, credit card numbers, etc.

Lot of users find out  the hard way that the drive should have been removed from the laptop before sending it in.

If system was used for any financial transactions or passwords left on the system were the same ones used elsewhere you should change your passwords ASAP.

[Prométhée]

Hi

I don't know if I'm going to be more optimistic
but anyway, only HP can tell you what it is..
Has the SSD been replaced, a certainty?
Or maybe just factory reinstalled, same SSD, but reset?
See all the same directly with HP, in order to know if the SSD, is recycled or other, little hope, but must try!
If the ssd has just been reset, used specialized software, you have a chance to find some data..

ex: https://www.ccleaner.com/recuva?cc-noredirect=

[BeemerBiker]

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as@Prométhée wrote:

If the ssd has just been reset, used specialized software, you have a chance to find some data..

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Your may have your original SSD. 

IF so it is possible to recover stuff from it.   I have found file scavenger to be excellent. There is a trial download and it list what is still on the drive and unless they have change the trial you can download the first 64k bytes of an deleted file.  It will also find files that in deleted partitions such as when  a disk is reformatted but not wiped clean.

https://www.quetek.com/download.htm

If these files are critical you should remove the SSD ASAP and use another computer to install file scavenger as any further use of your system may overwrite the spaces occupied by the files you are looking for  If none of your files show up then your have a replacement ssd.

Hope this helps.

[Ruben0211]

Thanks for the response Promethee. Yes, HP told me the SSD has been replaced. I have contacted them and they will check with the service center if my data can be retrieved somehow, but chances are low.

[Ruben0211]

Thanks for the response BeemerBiker. I also considered recovering data with such tools, but unfortunately the SSD got replaced. I contacted HP about this and they will attempt to obtain the old SSD, but chances are low.

[Prométhée]

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@BeemerBiker wrote:

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as@Prométhée wrote:

If the ssd has just been reset, used specialized software, you have a chance to find some data..

---

Your may have your original SSD. 

IF so it is possible to recover stuff from it.   I have found file scavenger to be excellent. There is a trial download and it list what is still on the drive and unless they have change the trial you can download the first 64k bytes of an deleted file.  It will also find files that in deleted partitions such as when  a disk is reformatted but not wiped clean.

https://www.quetek.com/download.htm

If these files are critical you should remove the SSD ASAP and use another computer to install file scavenger as any further use of your system may overwrite the spaces occupied by the files you are looking for  If none of your files show up then your have a replacement ssd.

Hope this helps.

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Too bad, because if the ssd, is no longer here ..
but for this solution, which you indicate following my answer @BeemerBiker 
To have tested with the software indicated, there was no need to remove the disk in place, when I had carried out the search
Just having an external drive was enough!
I used two / three programs in a row and recovered at least 90% of deleted files!