ArchiveHive makes a sector-level archive: files, partitions, filesystem structures, and readable unused space. It packages the image with checksums, recovery data, and instructions that stay with it. You can check and repair the stored archive, and use published formats to reconstruct the image independently of ArchiveHive.
See what ArchiveHive adds to a disk image →
“I have a box of old drives and keep putting off sorting them.”
You do not have to finish sorting before you preserve them. Archive each healthy drive, review any read errors, check the result, and keep another copy in a separate location. Give each archive a name you will recognise. Then sorting can happen at your pace.
This takes time and storage: at the default recovery setting, one archive needs roughly twice its compressed image size, plus records. The planning screen estimates maximum space before you start.
“I have a parent’s old computer, and I am not ready to go through it.”
Preserving the drive gives you room to take your time. A sector-level copy can keep readable material outside the visible folders, too. Deleted-file remnants may survive, but overwritten, discarded, or unreadable data cannot be promised.
A whole-drive archive can also contain private documents and browser profiles. Treat access to it carefully before sharing a copy. Encrypted contents still require the appropriate passwords or recovery keys; store those securely.
“I want to sell or recycle a computer without losing something I overlooked.”
Capture the drive while it is still readable. Then review the capture’s read-error record, verify the archive, inspect important files, and make a checked second copy.
Keep the original until you have confirmed those results. ArchiveHive does not erase the source; securely erasing or disposing of it is a separate task.
“Our organisation has old drives to preserve.”
ArchiveHive can help a small institution or internal IT team keep a documented copy of its own media. Capture records describe what was read, checksums detect later changes, and optional health records preserve the readings the hardware makes available.
Commercial licences cover a named person’s internal business use. Buy one per person using the licensed creation features. Imaging, recovery, or forensic services for clients require a separate written services licence; contact support@steeltype.io before purchasing for that work. See section 6 of the licence agreement.
“I already rescued a drive to an image file.”
Import a rescued raw image and its ddrescue map with the command-line tool, or import supported E01, VHD and VHDX containers. Keep the original image set and its recovery records. Do not reread a failing original just to create an ArchiveHive archive.
“I have twenty archives and need to find one file.”
Search capture-time catalogs or build a catalog for an older archive. Browse supported filesystems and extract a selected file or folder without mounting the disk. Catalogs must be available to search; unsupported structures and encrypted data still need a compatible tool and any recovery keys.
“How do I know the copies are still good?”
Add the folders containing your copies to Archives. Check them individually, or use Check all copies to check and repair registered copies. Good pieces from another matching copy can help repair damage, with PAR2 recovery data as another repair source. Success depends on enough good data surviving for the damaged chunks.
Scheduled checks and optional repair are available when enabled, while your computer is awake and the locations are connected. Keep independent copies and check them over time; recovery data is not a substitute for another copy.
When this is the wrong next step
- The only copy is on a failing drive. Stop using it and consult a specialist recovery lab before another read. ArchiveHive cannot make failing hardware safe.
- You need ongoing backup or a ready-to-restore replacement computer. Start with a backup or deployment workflow.
- You need a forensic evidence workflow. Follow the format and handling requirements of that workflow. ArchiveHive is not presented as a forensic acquisition system.
- You only need a few accessible files. An ordinary file copy may be enough, with separate backups and checks appropriate to what you are keeping.
What it costs
Checking, repairing, opening, extracting, searching, and resuming an existing capture work without a licence. A licence is needed only to start a new archive. You can try the free reader on a sample archive first.
- Personal: $49 through 31 October, then $59
- Drives belonging to you, your household, or friends and family you are helping.
- Commercial: $149 through 31 October, then $199
- Drives for your organisation’s own use.
Prices are in US dollars. One purchase covers 2.x on Windows and supported Macs, for one named person on their own computers. Purchases have a thirty-day no-questions refund.