Buffalo MiniStation and DriveStation external drive recovery
Buffalo MiniStation portables and DriveStation desktop drives are widely used for backups. We recover them when they click, fail or stop being recognised.
About Buffalo MiniStation & DriveStation
MiniStation drives use 2.5-inch mechanisms, while DriveStation units use 3.5-inch drives; the DriveStation Duo and Quad models hold two or four drives in RAID. Some MiniStation models include hardware encryption, which means the original enclosure electronics are needed to read the data.
Buffalo MiniStation & DriveStation models we recover
Find the model or part number on the drive label or the underside of the enclosure. If yours is not listed, call us – we recover every Buffalo MiniStation & DriveStation model, including versions not shown here.
| Range | Years | Type and capacity | Model / part numbers |
|---|---|---|---|
| MiniStation (USB 3.0) | 2012–2026 | 2.5" USB, 500GB–5TB | HD-PCFU3, HD-PNT, HD-PCTU3 model codes |
| MiniStation Extreme / Extreme NFC | 2014–2020 | 2.5" rugged USB, 1TB–2TB | HD-PZFU3, HD-PZNU3 model codes |
| MiniStation Thunderbolt | 2012–2016 | 2.5" Thunderbolt/USB, 500GB–1TB | HD-PATU3 model codes |
| DriveStation | 2012–2026 | 3.5" USB, 2TB–16TB | HD-LBU3, HD-LCU3, HD-LXU3 model codes |
| DriveStation Duo / Quad | 2012–2020 | 2–4 drive RAID, 4TB–32TB | HD-WHU3, HD-QHU3 model codes |
Years are approximate sales periods; part numbers shown are common examples, not a complete list.
Frequently asked questions
Is my MiniStation encrypted?
Some models encrypt automatically. We check your model before taking anything apart.
My DriveStation light is on but it is not detected. Why?
Often the USB bridge board has failed while the drive is fine. We can usually read the drive directly.
What happens after I send the drive in?
We carry out a professional evaluation (£94.80), then send you a fixed quote and a list of recoverable files before any recovery work is charged.
Talk to an engineer
Describe the problem and the make and model if you know it. We will reply with a price and the fastest way to get it fixed, usually the same working day.
020 7237 6805 London repair centreUnit 1, 80 Willow Walk, London SE1 5SY
Monday to Saturday, 9am–6pm
Ready to send it in? Book online and get your job number by email straight away.