classic-computers.org.nz
Floppy disk file extraction and recovery service
Having a range of vintage computer models and experience with them means I have the capability to extract files from those old floppy 5.25 or 3.5 inch disks. I've been asked to do this a few times now and have decided to offer it as a service. It won't make me a living, but any income will help to support this website.
Who is this service for?
Primarily for people that have document or data files trapped on old floppies that they want to recover either for preservation or use. That is the primary market. However, the service might also be useful for people who wish to convert their old floppies into disk images they can use on emulators (assuming it's non-protected software). I'm based in New Zealand but will accept business from anywhere.
The following disk formats can all be catered for:
Five and a quarter inch disks (5.25 inch)
- PC format (both double density and high density)
- TRS 80 Model I, III and IV
- CP/M disks (Kaypro, Osborne, etc. - most flavours)
- BBC DFS disks
- Apple II/IIe (DOS 3.3 and PRODOS)
- Commodore 64
- Atari 8-bit computers
Three and a half inch disks (3.5 inch)
- Apple Macintosh (double density and high-density)
- PC format (double density and high-density)
- Amiga 16 bit
- Atari 16 bit
If your disks are not on the list above, ask anyway. I might be able to do something. For example, I can't directly read Apple Lisa disks but I might be able to transfer important files from a Lisa to a PC though.
How much?
It all depends on the disk format and the condition of the disks. The disks need to be assessed first as old disks can damage equipment. Some extraction tasks are easier than others and individuals may have different requirements as to the files they want extracted and how they want them delivered. Just as an example, the cheapest job would be a straight extraction of a PC-type disk in good condition, with the files zipped and returned to you via-email. Price would be $NZ15 for the first disk then $NZ8 a disk. Any other formats will be more expensive as the procedure is less straightforward. Some may only be recovered by a serial transfer from an older machine. This can take some time and effort and you might be looking at $NZ100+. ($1NZ = about 0.75US).
No files extracted. No charge
Disks do deteriorate with time and in many cases can't be read at all. If I find the disks are damaged and I can't extract ANY files, I won't charge you. You'll just need to pay for postage to me (and back if you want the disks returned).
Files recovered, but damaged or incomplete
This is a possibility if the media is getting flaky. I have limited skills in recovering/repairing DAMAGED files from disk. However if it's a very important document I might be able to recover something.
File conversion
Just because a document, database or spreadsheet file can be extracted from an old floppy disk doesn't mean it can be read by modern software. To be usable it may need to be converted to a more modern file format. I can also do this to a limited extent. It depends on what is required.
What to do?
If you are interested in using this service, email me with the details and I'll send you a quote. Be sure to include exactly what you want (single files, whole disk etc.) and the disk type and format (if known).
Terry Stewart (Tez)
14th December, 2011
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