Windows data recovery, BitLocker and virus help in Kingsbridge
Photos and documents off a dead or failing drive, help with BitLocker recovery screens, and a proper clean-up after scams, pop-ups and infections, from a local team near Kingsbridge.
Springfield Farm Shop, East Charleton, Kingsbridge · Open Mon–Sat 09:00–17:00 · Sun 10:00–16:00
Losing files is upsetting, and being caught by a scam is worse. Both need calm, careful work rather than guesswork, because the wrong move can make things harder to fix. This page covers what to do first and how we help on Windows PCs and laptops.
If your files are at risk, do this first
- If a drive is clicking, buzzing or very slow, switch the computer off. Every minute it runs can make recovery harder.
- Do not install recovery programs onto the same drive you are trying to recover from.
- Check the Recycle Bin, and the OneDrive recycle bin online, before assuming files are gone.
- If a BitLocker recovery screen appears, do not keep guessing or reinstall Windows. Find the key first.
Data recovery we carry out
Failing and failed hard drives
Spinning drives wear out, and drops make it worse. We copy what we can from a weak drive carefully, then recover your files from that copy so the original is not stressed further. A drive with physical damage inside may need a specialist clean-room lab, and we tell you if so.
SSDs
SSDs fail differently. They are fast and quiet, but can stop without warning, and deleted files are often cleared quickly. Where an SSD is soldered to the board, getting the data back usually means repairing the laptop first.
Deleted files and formatted drives
Files deleted by mistake can sometimes be found in File History, previous versions, OneDrive or a backup drive. On a hard drive, deleted files can often be recovered if the drive has not been used much since.
A computer that will not start
If Windows will not load but the drive is healthy, we can usually copy your files off before repairing or reinstalling Windows.
Talk to the team
Tell us the model and what it is doing. We will say honestly what is likely to be involved and the quickest safe way to help.
BitLocker recovery screens
BitLocker encrypts the drive so a thief cannot read it. Many newer Windows 11 PCs switch it on automatically when you sign in with a Microsoft account. After a firmware update, a hardware change or a repair, the PC may ask for a 48-digit recovery key.
If you use a Microsoft account, the key is usually saved in it: sign in to your account on another device and look for recovery keys under Devices. Work PCs often store it with the organisation's IT. We can help you find it. Without the key, the data on an encrypted drive cannot be read, by us or anyone else, which is why we check for it before any repair.
Viruses, scams and unwanted programs
Fake Microsoft support and scam pop-ups
A loud warning that your PC is infected, with a phone number to call, is a scam. Microsoft does not put phone numbers in warnings. Close the browser; if it will not close, hold the power button. Do not ring the number.
If you let someone connect to your computer
Disconnect from the internet, ring your bank from a number on your card if you shared any card or bank details, and change your important passwords from a different device. Then let us check the PC for remote access software and anything else left behind.
Adware, browser hijackers and infections
Search engines that change by themselves, adverts everywhere and new toolbars. We remove the unwanted programs and extensions, check Windows Security is working and up to date, and make sure it does not come straight back.
Ransomware
If your files have been renamed and a message demands payment, disconnect the PC from the network and do not pay before getting advice. See our ransomware help.
Scam pop-upsVirus and malware removalRansomware helpBeen hacked? Get help
Keeping a second copy safe
Once your files are back, we can set up a backup that runs without you having to remember, usually OneDrive or File History to an external drive, or both. Then the next failure is an inconvenience, not a loss.
Your privacy
We only look at your files as far as we need to recover and check them. We only keep a working copy for as long as the recovery needs it, then securely delete it from our equipment.
Where we work
The workshop is at Springfield Farm Shop, East Charleton, Kingsbridge TQ7 2AR, just off the A379 with free parking. We help people and businesses in Kingsbridge, Salcombe, Dartmouth, Totnes and across the South Hams. For PCs and laptops of every make, see computer repair in Kingsbridge; for business support, see IT support and cyber security.
More Windows repair
- Windows PC and laptop repair in KingsbridgeLaptops, desktops, all-in-ones, Surface tablets and gaming PCs, looked after by a local team at East Charleton, just outside Kingsbridge. We find out what is wrong first and explain it plainly.
- Dell, HP, Lenovo, Acer and ASUS laptopsScreens, batteries, keyboards, hinges, charging and liquid damage, brand by brand.
- Microsoft Surface repairSurface Pro, Surface Laptop and Surface Go: screens, batteries, charging and SSDs.
- Gaming PCs, desktops and custom buildsTowers that crash, overheat or will not start, upgrades and new builds.
- Windows 11 upgrades and slow PCsWindows 10 options, Windows 11 checks, SSD and memory upgrades.
Related help
- Data recovery and backupGetting files back, and keeping a second copy safe.
- Virus and malware removalFor computers that are slow, strange or full of adverts.
- Scam pop-upsA screen saying your device is infected, with a number to call.
- Been hacked? Get helpEmail, accounts or a device someone else may have reached.
- Ransomware helpFiles locked and a demand on screen: what to do first.
- Dell, HP, Lenovo, Acer and ASUS laptopsScreens, batteries, keyboards, hinges, charging and liquid damage, brand by brand.
We're located behind Springfield Farm Shop
Find us off the A379 at East Charleton, near Kingsbridge. Turn into Springfield Farm Shop — free on-site parking is available, and you are welcome to drop devices during business hours by arrangement.
Address
Springfield Farm Shop, East Charleton, Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 2AR
Free parking at Springfield Farm Shop. Turn off the A379 at East Charleton — we are inside the farm shop premises. Look for the KTechnology sign.
Hours: Mon–Sat 09:00–17:00; Sun 10:00–16:00. Call 01548 600127 before you set off if you need directions.
Windows data recovery and virus removal: your questions
Can you recover files from a laptop that will not turn on?+
Often. If the drive is removable and healthy, we can usually read it directly. If the storage is soldered to the board, the laptop usually has to be repaired first.
Where do I find my BitLocker recovery key?+
If you sign in with a Microsoft account, it is usually saved there, under your devices. Work and school PCs usually have it stored by the organisation. We can help you look.
Can you get past BitLocker without the key?+
No. That is what BitLocker is designed to prevent. Without the key the data cannot be read, which is why we check for the key before any repair.
I rang the number on a pop-up and let them in. What now?+
Disconnect from the internet, call your bank if you shared card or bank details, change important passwords from another device, then let us check the PC.
Do I need to buy security software?+
For most home users, the Windows Security built into Windows 10 and 11 is enough when it is switched on and up to date, alongside good habits and backups. We tell you honestly if your situation needs more.