If your Samsung SSD has become unrecognised by the operating system and displays no accessible volumes, the likely cause is a corrupted MBR (Master Boot Record) or GPT (GUID Partition Table). These structures are essential for the operating system to interpret the SSD’s layout, file system, and boot configuration. Their corruption can render the SSD unreadable, even when the hardware itself is fully functional.
At Exeter Data Recovery, we provide advanced recovery from SSD services using forensic techniques and non-destructive processes to restore access to lost partitions, volumes, and files. Our experienced engineers work with both consumer and enterprise-grade Samsung SSDs affected by logical failures, such as partition corruption, file system breakdown, or improper formatting.
What Causes MBR/GPT Corruption on Samsung SSDs?
Partition table corruption may occur due to:
- Improper shutdowns or power failures during write operations
- Failed OS or firmware updates
- Accidental disk management operations (deleting or converting partitions)
- Malware or ransomware activity
- Bad blocks affecting sector 0 (where MBR/GPT metadata is stored)
- Cloning or imaging failures between different disk formats
Once corrupted, the SSD may appear in Disk Management as “Unallocated”, RAW, or not show any usable volumes at all.
Step-by-Step Technical Recovery Process
Our recovery workflow for partition-damaged Samsung SSDs focuses on safely extracting data while restoring the original disk structure, where possible.
Step 1: SSD Imaging and Write Protection
- Connect the affected Samsung SSD to a write-blocked forensic imaging station
- Capture a full sector-by-sector image using hardware tools such as PC-3000 SSD Edition, Atola Insight, or Deepspar
- Assess the NAND and controller health via SMART data and direct chip communication
- Preserve the original SSD in a read-only state to avoid any accidental overwrites
Step 2: Identification of Partition Scheme and File System
- Determine if the drive uses MBR (for disks ≤2TB) or GPT (for disks >2TB or UEFI systems)
- Search for lost or damaged partition entries using:
- Hex-level analysis of sector 0 (MBR) or sector 1 and GPT header/backup (GPT)
- Partition signature scanning (e.g., 0x07 for NTFS, 0x83 for Linux EXT partitions)
- Confirm file system type: NTFS, exFAT, FAT32, HFS+, EXT3/4, APFS, etc.
Step 3: Rebuilding the MBR or GPT Table
For MBR Recovery:
- Recreate primary and extended partition entries manually using hex editor or automated recovery tools
- Validate volume boot sector (VBS) consistency and fix if necessary
- Rebuild the partition alignment to match file system block size and sector layout
For GPT Recovery:
- Parse the primary GPT header for partition entries
- If primary GPT is corrupted:
- Use backup GPT header (stored at the end of the disk) to rebuild the table
- Recalculate CRC32 checksums and update header values
- Restore alignment for UEFI boot records and logical volumes
Step 4: File System Analysis and Volume Mounting
- Once partitions are restored, mount the volume read-only in a forensic environment
- If the file system is partially damaged:
- Rebuild critical metadata like the Master File Table (MFT) for NTFS
- Repair volume boot sector (VBR)
- Reconstruct file allocation tables or journal entries for file systems like exFAT or HFS+
- Validate file tree integrity and isolate any orphaned files or directories
Step 5: Deep Data Recovery and Carving (if metadata is unrecoverable)
- For heavily damaged partitions:
- Perform file carving by scanning for known file headers/footers (e.g., JPEG, DOCX, XLSX, PST)
- Recover files from unallocated space and slack space
- Validate partial file integrity using hash checksums and internal structure analysis
Step 6: Data Validation and Secure Delivery
- Perform hash verification of recovered files (MD5/SHA-1)
- Review and test recovered data for usability
- Transfer the recovered files to a new, healthy SSD or external drive formatted to the required file system
- Provide the client with a detailed recovery summary and recovered file list
Supported Samsung SSD Models
We support recovery from all Samsung SSD product lines, including:
- Samsung 870 EVO / QVO (2.5″ SATA SSDs)
- Samsung 980 / 980 PRO (NVMe SSDs)
- Samsung 960 / 970 EVO and PRO
- Samsung T5, T7 Portable SSDs
- Samsung PM / SM Series OEM Drives
- M.2 SATA and PCIe SSDs
Supported interfaces:
- SATA III (2.5″)
- M.2 (B+M Key, M Key)
- PCIe NVMe Gen 3/4
- USB 3.1 Gen 2 (Portable SSDs)
Why Choose Exeter Data Recovery for SSD Partition Corruption?
- 25+ years of professional data recovery experience
- Advanced support for Samsung SSD firmware, controller types, and encryption protocols
- Use of non-destructive forensic recovery techniques
- Secure, GDPR-compliant processes
- Ability to recover from both logical and hardware-related SSD issues
- Expedited recovery services available (48–72 hours turnaround)
What Not to Do If Your SSD Partition Table Is Corrupted
- Do NOT initialise or reformat the disk – this will overwrite existing metadata
- Avoid using partition recovery software without a full sector image
- Do NOT run CHKDSK, which may destroy recoverable metadata
- Stop using the drive immediately and contact a professional recovery lab
Contact Exeter Data Recovery Today
If your Samsung SSD is no longer recognised due to MBR or GPT corruption, there is still a strong chance your data can be recovered. Our engineers are ready to assist with secure, professional recovery from SSD services tailored to partition and file system restoration.
📞 Freephone: 0800 689 0668
📍 Based in Exeter – Serving Devon and Nationwide
