RAID System Repair by HDRG

The irony of RAID system repair is somewhat obvious: because the RAID system (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks) is redundant by nature, it would seem that data loss is not possible at all! But what this simple definition does not mention is the fact that RAID systems consist of hard disk drives – fast, power-intensive and hot running mechanical devices which inevitably will fail.

In the end, with hard drives coming in at less than $100 per TB currently (a price which is likely declining as this article is being written), it is your data which has the most value, and not the hardware itself.

The Key Causes

The key cause of a RAID system failure is typically a multi-hard disk failure. These can occur for many reasons, including power surges, overheating and excessive vibration. Fixing a multi-disk failure is typically not an option for the regular user.

It requires professional RAID system repair to ensure that data loss does not occur. What frequently causes these multi-disk failures is the fact that once a single drive failed, the admin fails to properly reinstall a new drive, and the entire system fails as a result. It is a simple issue, but one that takes down far more RAID systems than we’d like to say.

How To Recover Data from A Failed RAID Array

Recovering data from a RAID array is more difficult than running a simple software package. Some of our competitors promote these packages, understanding that while they do work some of the time, they actually can cause worse data loss than would have occurred without software. This, in turn, ensures that their RAID recovery fees are much larger than might have been the case in the first place.

In fact, whenever there is multiple hard disk drive failure in a RAID array, particularly if it is running such mission critical systems as MS Exchange or Oracle, we always recommend a professional shop analyze the problem first. An experienced RAID repair technician should be able to analyze and diagnose the problem and provide a solution within 1 hour of testing – this is something an “out of the box” software package cannot do. What’s more, the technician can do this without worsening the failure.

What To Avoid

When your RAID system has failed, whether that being a single or multiple drive failure, there are a number of things you should avoid doing; both to keep the RAID recovery costs contained and also to ensure no further data loss. Here are some important things to think about:

Do not run a software based volume repair on suspected bad HDDs
Do not replace a failed drive with another drive that had been a RAID drive
Ensure you have a backup (and that the backup is valid) before attempting any restoration
Restore any backups before attempting to restore failed systems
Any mechanical noises such as clicking or buzzing is a signal of RAID hard drive failure.Turn the drive off immediately. Call a professional. Do not attempt to repair the failed disk yourself.
Ensure you label all drives by number in regards to their position in the RAID array

If your RAID system is exhibiting signs of failure, seeking the help of a professional is always your best route to recovery.

Contact us here for a free RAID system repair consultation.

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