Repair RAID Array

Learning to Repair a RAID array is simple – as long as you have the correct tools. A single drive RAID failure is typically quite easy to fix, and with the proper documentation (usually provided by the RAID controller software vendor), can be a snap.

Usually, it requires only a new hard drive (provided this is a physical RAID hard drive problem), and basic software tools. Most popular RAID system manufacturers provide manuals which provide instructions for easy RAID array repair. If you have never repaired a RAID array before, do not rush into attempting a do-it-yourself job.

Is RAID Repair As Easy As It Looks?

In a word, no. Remember that you are probably using a RAID system in the first place because your data is critically important. Using untested RAID data recovery tools can leave you with a badly corrupted RAID array, no access to data and a real problem.

Many data recovery software companies attempt to offer re-packaged versions of their simple PC hard drive recovery software in hopes of generating high revenues because of the special applications of RAID. Don’t fall for it – unless your RAID server manufacturer specifically recommends a RAID recovery tool, do not use it to repair your RAID array. As always, consult with an expert first.

Two Drives Failed, What Now?

Well, in the case of a double RAID hard drive failure, whether you’re using a RAID 5 or 10 or better, you’re likely to be in a little bit of trouble without professional RAID recovery help. In cases where two or more hard drives have failed, understand that you simply CANNOT use software to repair the RAID array. It just simply won’t work, and may actually damage the RAID array beyond the point of recovery.

This point extends to Mac, Linux, Windows and other operating systems – when you have a physical hard disk failure, you are going to need professional help. Attempting to repair your own array will only leave you frustrated, and potentially with no ability to make a RAID failure recovery.

Trust Experience Only

At this point, the hard drive recovery industry is divided into two key sectors. The first sector includes high end professional shops which perform high end RAID array repairs, database server recoveries and clean room enabled hard drive recovery. There are also highly specialized shops, such as RAID Data Recovery Services Group, which concentrate specifically on high end repairs and RAID 5-50 jobs.

The second sector of the hard drive recovery business are the “back of a truck vendors”. These companies are typically small computer shops with very little physical data recovery experience who attempt to lure mainly consumers with ridiculously low prices (claims like “$99 data recovery” are hilariously common these days).

These companies are typically fly-by-night, and will claim to be able to repair RAID arrays, but likely cannot. NEVER have your RAID data recovery job performed by the shop that provided you with the lowest bid. If your data is critical enough to store on a RAID server, it’s critical enough to have the best in the industry attempt to recover it.

Contact us here for a free RAID consultation.

© 1996-2011 RAID Data Recovery Services Group | Contact Us | Sitemap