The best protection against data loss is, of course, the timely creation of backups. So if data loss occurs, it’s easy to restore your backup and access your files again. But what happens if there is no backup? In this case, we talk about data recovery solutions with RAID. One of these is the use of professional software programmes such as DiskInternals RAID Recovery.
What is RAID?
Redundant Array of Independent Disks, commonly written as RAID, is a storage technology that combines multiple independent drives into a single logical volume. It is generally understood that RAIDs offer more storage space and should combine all the functions of the connected drives.
There are two main types of RAID and several variations of RAID levels. The two types are software RAID and hardware RAID, while the variations include RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10 and others. Each variation offers specific advantages over the other and is intended for specific use cases.
Common causes of RAID failures
Here are some common causes of RAID failures:
Hardware failures:
- Hard drive failure: One or more hard drives in the RAID array may fail due to wear, manufacturing defects or other problems.
- Controller failure: A malfunction of the RAID controller can result in the entire array no longer being accessible.
- Power surges or failures: Sudden power failures or power surges can damage the components of the RAID array.
Software problems:
- Firmware errors: Errors in the RAID firmware can cause malfunctions and lead to failures.
- Damaged RAID configuration: Incorrect or damaged configuration settings can lead to a RAID failure.
Human errors:
- Accidental deletion: Accidental deletion of important files or partitions can cause the RAID to fail.
- Incorrect RAID rebuild: Incorrect procedures during a rebuild process can exacerbate problems and lead to data loss.
- Improper maintenance: Inadequate maintenance and monitoring can prevent the timely detection and resolution of potential problems.
Environmental factors:
- Overheating: Excessive heat can damage RAID components and lead to failures.
- Dust and moisture: Environmental contaminants such as dust and moisture can cause the hardware to malfunction.
Physical damage:
- Shocks and vibrations: Physical shocks and vibrations can damage the hard drives and other components.
- Natural disasters: Events such as floods, fires and earthquakes can physically damage RAID systems.
Data corruption:
- Bad sectors: The accumulation of bad sectors on hard drives can lead to data corruption and RAID failures.
- File system error: Errors in the file system can make the RAID array unreadable.
RAID level specific problems:
- RAID 0: No redundancy means that the failure of a single hard disk leads to a complete loss of data.
- RAID 5: A second hard disk error during rebuilding leads to a complete loss of data.
- RAID 6: Similar to RAID 5, but can tolerate two hard drive failures, with a third failure during rebuild resulting in data loss.
Measures to be taken immediately after a RAID failure
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Do not panic:- Stay calm and don’t make any hasty decisions that could make the situation worse.
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Switch off the RAID system:- Switch off the RAID system to prevent further damage or data loss.
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Assess the situation:- Determine the type of RAID failure (e.g. failure of a single hard drive, several hard drives, or the controller).
- Check for any error messages or warnings from the RAID controller or monitoring software.
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Do not attempt to perform the RAID recovery yourself:- If you have no experience with RAID recovery, avoid any self-help methods. Incorrect actions can cause permanent data loss.
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Document everything:- Note the RAID configuration: RAID level, number and order of hard drives, error messages or codes.
- Record any recent changes or events that may have caused the failure (e.g. power outage, hardware changes).
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Read the RAID manual:- Refer to the manual or manufacturer’s guidelines for troubleshooting and recovery steps.
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Search for backups:- Check for any current backups of the RAID data and prepare to restore from them if available.
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Remove and label the drives:- Carefully remove and label each drive by its position in the array to maintain the correct order for recovery.
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Contact a professional data recovery service:- Find a professional RAID recovery service, provide them with the documented info, and follow their advice.
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Avoid rebuilding the array:- Do not rebuild the RAID without consulting a specialist, as it might overwrite data and hinder recovery.
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Isolate the problem:- If possible, identify and replace the faulty component (e.g. drive, controller), but do not power the system on without guidance.
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Prepare for data recovery:- If using a recovery service, pack the drives securely and follow their shipping instructions.
How to Perform RAID Data Recovery?
At each level, RAID is configured with a number of parameters such as block size, disc order, parity order and their repetition. Similarly, these parameters are also required by the data recovery tool for RAID reconstruction and data recovery. If incorrect information about these parameters is entered into the software, it is possible that the software will not be able to build the probable RAID structure. However, to simplify the process, the software creates a virtual RAID.
The intuitive and user-friendly software interface helps in easy recovery of data from the damaged RAID array. The RAID data recovery software does not require a hardware controller, which significantly reduces the cost and effort of recovery. The advanced option to create a virtual RAID facilitates successful data recovery from deleted RAID drives and logically damaged or formatted hard drives in an array.
The following steps will help you to easily recover data from a damaged RAID array:
- Remove the damaged or deleted drive from the array. Use a hard drive enclosure or a SATA or USB converter cable and connect all RAID drives to a PC.
- Download and install Stellar Data Recovery Technician software on the same Windows PC.
- Launch the software and select the items to be recovered – photos, audios, videos, documents and other files. Select the ‘All Data’ option to recover all data from the drive.
- Select the ‘RAID Recovery’ option and click the ‘Scan’ button. A RAID reconstruction window is displayed. In the case of a RAID 5 array, perform the following steps.
- Select the RAID tab in the ‘RAID reconstruction’ window.
- A list of hard drives is displayed. Move the hard drives in the RAID to the ‘Move hard drives up/down in order’ list box by using the left-right arrow keys available between the two list boxes
- Select the ‘Stripe/Block size’ from the drop-down menu and click the ‘Create RAID’ button.
- The software compares the entered data with the available data on the RAID. If both entries match, the software creates a virtual RAID and displays the details of the created RAID volume in the Select Constructed RAID window.
- Next, select the volume from which the data is to be restored from the listed volumes of the RAID
- Click on the ‘Scan’ button and the desired files will be displayed. If you are missing files, click on the blue ‘Click here’ link at the bottom of the software next to the text ‘Deep Scan’.
- Click on the ‘Start Saving’ button to start saving the selected folders and files to the specified location.
