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RAID server Recovery

We specialise in the recovering data from all types of RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) arrays i.e. RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50. We can usually work with any manufacturer’s RAID system i.e. HP ProLiant or Dell PowerEdge. We treat RAID recoveries as a priority. For small systems, we aim to obtain the diagnosis on a failed RAID array within 3-5 working days. It will usually take a few days longer to transfer the data back to you.

For more complex RAID systems, e.g. a RAID-5 system containing 20Tb+ of data, the recovery process is likely to take longer. We may still be able to provide an indication of the recovery results and amount of data we can retrieve at an early stage, but completing the recovery and obtaining the final file list may take longer.

For RAID recovery, the cost varies in line with the number of drives involved in the RAID array, but is also dependent on the RAID type e.g. RAID-1, RAID-5, RAID-6 etc. where the configurations have increasing complexity. Even for a given system, there can be wide variability in the complexity of the recovery due to multiple failure modes and complicating factors, e.g. failures of more than one drive, the presence of out-of-date (“stale”) data, and the level of corruption of the system.

In the case of RAID recovery we will gather as much information as possible to provide a guideline range. During the recovery process we will keep you updated with progress and any issues found. Once recovery is complete we will provide the full details of data recovered and cost so that you can make a decision as to whether to proceed.

As with all our recoveries, these prices are only charged where the recovery is successful. If the data cannot be recovered we charge a flat fee of £30 per hard drive.

RAID controller

When shipping RAID devices to us, by all means include the RAID controller along with the drives. If you have any information regarding the RAID type, setup etc. this can be very helpful. It can also be useful to know what type of data is missing, as well as any important folders etc. If in any doubt please drop us an email with the details and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

RAID errors

Scroll down to see a list of RAID errors (beneath the contact form).

What to do next

Email us about your RAID server recovery requirements: info@cambridgedatarecovery.co.uk

Or call any time on 01223 900400 – lines open 24/7.

Cambridge Data Recovery
St John’s Innovation Centre
Cowley Road
Cambridge
CB4 0WS
UK

You can also contact us using the form below.

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Common RAID error messages

“RAID array failure” – General error indicating the array is no longer functioning correctly. Possible cause: multiple drive failures.

“RAID volume offline” – As above.

“RAID initialisation failed” – The array could not be started. Possible causes: multiple including drive failure, corruption.

“Drive removed” – A hard drive is no longer detected by the controller, either because connection has been lost or due to drive failure.

“Missing disk” – As above.

“Disk not detected” – As above.

“Not enough disks to start array” – Too many disks are missing or failed (e.g. RAID 0 with 1 failed drive or RAID 5 with 2 failed drives).

“Foreign configuration detected” – A hard drive from another RAID array was inserted and hence cannot be used.

“Stripe block size mismatch” – A drive has been detected where the RAID parameters are inconsistent with the rest of the RAID, e.g. inconsistent stripe size.

“Rebuild failed” / “Rebuild stopped” – The RAID rebuild process failed (this can occur as a result of a drive failure during rebuild).

“Unrecoverable media error” – A hard drive contains unreadable sectors.

“RAID consistency check failed” – Data corruption detected during a parity check.

“Inconsistent RAID state” – Metadata corruption or invalid drive detected.

“Bad stripe in RAID” – Corruption detected in a stripe.

“Degraded RAID array” – One or more disks have failed, but redundancy is still intact.

“Slow performance / high latency” – A hard drive is failing but not yet marked as bad.

Next steps

In general we do not advise attempting to rebuild the RAID if problems have occurred, especially after a rebuild failure or detection of corruption. The rebuild process can destroy data and potentially make the RAID unrecoverable. Also, it is possible to end up in a situation where a drive contains out of date data (stale) which is not in sync with the remainder and rebuilding based on invalid data can cause serious data loss.

Email us about your RAID server recovery requirements: info@cambridgedatarecovery.co.uk

Or call any time on 01223 900400 – lines open 24/7.

Or visit our Contact us page.