A RAID is a data storage system organized using several disks. Certain parts write data to them, thus dividing it into blocks and writing it to disks connected in parallel. The organization of the RAID array determines the number and size of blocks and the method used to write them. Also, RAID arrays are categorized based on the degree of fault tolerance.
Initially, developers conceived RAID arrays as data storage systems that provided an additional safety margin against data loss. However, these reliable systems are not entirely resistant to failures and errors.
The Most Common RAID Failures
Working with physical failures is more complex since they damage the sensitive parts of hard drives and affect the stored data on the device.
Data Corruption
RAID systems can't protect against data corruption caused by software bugs, viruses, or other factors. If you write corrupted data to the array, it will replicate across all drives.
Human Errors
Data loss or performance decline can occur in the RAID systems due to accidental deletion, incorrect drive formatting, or improper RAID configuration changes .
Rebuild Failures
When a drive fails, the RAID controller initiates a rebuilding process, using data from the remaining drives to restore the data on the failed drive onto a replacement drive.
Drive Failures
If a single drive in the RAID array malfunctions, it can result in reduced performance or complete data loss, depending on the RAID level and the system's capability to handle such failures.
RAID Data Recovery Case
If power outages or mechanical damage occur, the hard drive may fail, resulting in the loss of data access. Only a company specializing in hard drive recovery can help in such cases.
The spindle drive or axis risks breaking or bending with strong mechanical stress on the hard disk. Similar problems are typical for external hard drives. Power surges and power outages are fraught with damage to the electronic components of the spindle drive. As a result, the hard drive fails and requires repair.
Given the trend toward increasing data density, modern hard drives have begun to use hydrodynamic ball bearings instead of standard ball bearings. If such a bearing fails, the spindle motor stops rotating, making the hard disk unusable.
Recently, our team received a RAID 5 data recovery request. The customer complained that the array started working slower and then completely failed. He shipped his device to our laboratory for primary diagnostics and data retrieval solutions.
RAID 5 Data Recovery from The Magnetic Platters
Our company received hard drives, and engineers started evaluation right away. Two HDDs were not operating at all. Technicians unsealed each drive in an ISO Certified Class 10 Cleanroom to investigate physical failures.
One hard drive had a head crash and scratched the magnetic platter, leading to data loss. The head crash happens when the block of read/write heads falls on the surface of the platters. The particle of the magnetic layers contaminates the sensitive parts of the HDDs. The data on the scratched parts of the magnetic platters become irreversibly lost.
The array could function only with one failed hard disk drive. But as the media storage used in an array is bought from the same manufacturer simultaneously, the lifetimes are very close to each other.
The second failed drive had a spindle motor damaged. The spindle motor is the most critical component of a hard drive, responsible for rotating the drive platters on the axis. The spindle ensures the trouble-free operation of the hard drive for a long time.
Firstly, our engineers started the RAID 5 recovery process by eliminating any particles from the magnetic platters and the block of magnetic heads. They used an ultrasonic cleaner to eliminate even the smallest dust particle.
The specialists estimated that the data loss was due to the irreversibly damaged parts of the magnetic heads. After getting approval from the client, we continued conducting the RAID 5 data recovery process.
HDD Spindle Motor Recovery
Due to the hard disk failure, the RAID had increasing data density, and the second hard drive hydrodynamic ball bearing wore off. The spindle motor stopped rotating, making the data inaccessible. The data recovery process for failed spindle motors is relatively more straightforward.
Our engineers unsealed the hard drive, took magnetic platters from the failed hard drive, and placed them on a new, fully functioning one. The most complex step of the magnetic platters replacement is to align them, as the data reading/writing must be synchronous on each platter.
With years of experience and a vast range of donor parts, PITS Global Data Recovery Services could quickly rebuild the RAID configuration.
Our RAID data recovery services’ technicians restored the array and arranged a remote file verification for the customer to check the result. The client approved the RAID data recovery, and we shipped his device back to him.
PITS Global Data Recovery Services will help restore your data storage device and access essential files stored on it. We solve almost any data recovery problem from hard drives, external drives, RAIDs, servers, and other media.
The recovery process is performed by experienced recovery specialists in safe and sterile cleanroom conditions using advanced technologies. Contact our dedicated customer service line or fill out the request help form to start your recovery case today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can RAID 5 be recovered?
Yes, it is possible to recover RAID 5 in many cases, but the recovery process can be complex. It typically involves replacing the failed drive and initiating a rebuilding process. However, if multiple drives fail or there are issues during the rebuild, data recovery may become more challenging and require professional assistance.
Which RAID is best for data recovery?
RAID 1 (mirroring) is considered the best RAID level for data recovery. In RAID 1, data is mirrored across two drives, providing redundancy. If one drive fails, the data is still accessible from the other drive. This redundancy simplifies recovery in case of drive failure.
What is the fastest RAID for recovery?
RAID 0 (striping) can be the fastest for recovery regarding read and write speeds because it doesn’t involve redundancy. However, it offers no data protection, so having backups is essential. RAID 10 (striped mirroring) combines speed and redundancy, making it a good compromise for performance and recovery.
What is RAID controller failure?
RAID controller failure occurs when the hardware responsible for managing the RAID array malfunctions or stops working. This controller distributes data, performs parity calculations (in certain RAID levels), and monitors drives. A malfunctioning RAID controller can interrupt the array’s operation, which may result in the inability to access or loss of data.
How does RAID fail?
RAID can experience failure for different reasons, such as drive malfunctions, human mistakes (like accidental deletions or misconfigurations), issues with the controller, power surges, data corruption, and inadequate monitoring and maintenance. Factors such as the utilized RAID level, the hardware/software used, and the specific circumstances surrounding the failure determine how RAID fails. Establishing a reliable backup plan is imperative for minimizing the consequences of possible failures.