subject: DIY RAID Data Recovery: When To Consider It [print this page] DIY RAID Data Recovery: When To Consider It
RAID servers use low cost hard drive technologies to provide speed and backup properties, but are not completely safe. Although most companies do not have a plan in place for RAID data recovery, it is critical, because by their very nature, hard drives will inevitably fail. Professional help is always available, but not always necessary when recovering data from these servers, and knowing when it is necessary is hugely important to the bottom line.
One Drive Down? No Problem...
RAIDs are redundant. Meaning if you array is RAID 4 or above, you can lose a drive, and maintain normal operation.
In single drive loss, however, time is completely of the essence. Most controller cards will warn you of a single drive failure, placing you automatically in a degraded data access mode. Running your server in this mode is dangerous, however, and acting to replace your failed hard drive immediately is the best course of action.
Single Drive RAID Rebuilds
With RAID data recovery, knowledge is indeed power. And fortunately, with the wide array of technological information, forums and discussion boards on the web, your solution is definitely out there. Consider classic techie forums, of course, but if you can't find what you need, your best source is the manufacturer of your RAID.
Controlling your RAID 10 with an Adaptec card? Check their customer resource section for recent posts about RAID drive loss. Using an HP RAID server? Find the user manual, which is far more helpful than you might expect. Searching based on your error statement in Google is usually a huge help, as it can provide you with examples in forums and blogs that may help you on your way.
Two Strikes, You're Out
If you've lost two drives to mechanical failure and your RAID array has ceased to function: do yourself a favor and avoid the mistakes most IT administrators make. Don't bother looking for a magic piece of software that will recover and repair your RAID server. Fact is, it just doesn't exist.
Everyone wishes they were an expert, but when it comes to RAID recovery and repair, optimism is not a good quality. Let's face it: drives have been burned out here. Fixing them yourself implies you either have engineering expertise in the field of data storage, or are simply being self destructive. Two drive failures can kill, so ensure you don't try to make any rash moves.
Consulting a RAID data recovery specialist is always the best idea in cases of double hard disk drive failure. The fact is, most providers will offer you a free consultation, as well as a complete quote BEFORE they receive your broken RAID array. You'll be thankful you left your mission-critical data in the hands of a professional, and the time and money you will save will be worth their weight in gold.
Considering doing your RAID Recovery by yourself? Why not save yourself some effort and discover http://www.raiddatarecovery.net/ for RAID recovery tips and tricks. It will save you time and hassle.
