The primary purpose of servers is to store files shared remotely by users. In an organization, it might be documented; at home, it might be music, movies, photos, app distributions, and more.
The main goals pursued when installing a file server are saving disk space on users’ computers and improving the convenience of working with information. If the total amount of data is large enough, the savings on local hard drives will be significant. The documents will be held on single storage rather than on different hard drives when a file server appears.
Servers for high-load sites where fault tolerance is critical cannot correctly operate without RAID 5 or RAID 50, and the more disks are installed, the faster the array will be. If fault tolerance is not critical and there is enough disk space for an SSD drive, then an SSD is the best choice.
In case of low volume, we can use two or more ordinary disks in RAID 0. If there is a need to increase fault tolerance, then depending on the load on the disk subsystem, RAID 1 or RAID 5 can be used.
File Server Failure
Using a file server provides several other significant advantages. It becomes possible to create separate storage areas – for example, for different divisions, departments, and employees of the company.
You can set up individual access for user groups to other sites by accepting and implementing one or another access rights policy.
Although businesses take the necessary steps to protect valuable information, not all safeguards and backups can prevent unpredictable events.
A single drive in database servers is disrupted due to the same critical points as the operation of drives in personal computers and workstations. In addition, the increasing complexity of modern server storage systems creates additional situations in which data can be lost.
It is vital to comprehend the causes of these malfunctions to ensure the preservation of data accuracy and reduce system downtime. Below are some typical causes of failure in a file server.
Common File Server Failure Reasons:
1
Hardware Failures
a. Disk Drive Failures: Mechanical issues, overheating, and wear and tear can cause hard drives in a server to fail. As a result, data loss and service interruptions may occur.
b. Power Supply Issues: Improper server shutdown due to faulty power supplies can result in data corruption and unexpected shutdowns.
c. Memory Problems: Server crashes and performance problems can be caused by issues that may develop in memory modules.
2
Software Glitches
a. Operating System Errors: Crashes or unstable performance can occur due to software bugs or compatibility problems with the server’s operating system.
b. File System Corruption: Data can become inaccessible or lost due to corruption of a server’s file system.
c. Patch and Update Problems: Incorrectly applying updates or patches may cause new problems or disrupt the current functionality.
3
Network Problems
a. Network Outages: Users may be unable to access their files in case of a server disruption caused by connectivity issues or network failures.
b. Bandwidth Limitations: Slow server performance and limited file access are some of the consequences of insufficient network bandwidth.
4
Security Breaches
a. Unauthorized Access: Security breaches, such as hacking attempts or unauthorized access, can compromise data integrity and confidentiality.
b. Malware and Viruses: Malware or viruses can infect servers, resulting in unauthorized access, data loss, or corruption.
5
Human Errors
a. Accidental Deletion: Users may accidentally delete critical files or directories.
b. Misconfiguration: Incorrect server misconfigurations can disrupt server operations and data access.
As servers are used for mission-critical operations, clients need to get their data back quickly and securely.
PITS Global Data Recovery Services professional solutions include priority processing capabilities, on-site data recovery, 24/7 emergency service, as well as remote data recovery. Our goal is to recover customer data as soon as possible in the most appropriate way.
Server RAID 5 Recovery
Recently we received a file server for RAID 5 data recovery from a large company. The client had an error message: Error detected on device \Device\Harddisk1\DR1. They couldn’t upload documents to the server, and all the vital files were lost or became corrupted.
After consulting with our dedicated customer service, the client decided to proceed with the emergency recovery option. In this data recovery solution data retrieval process is done in 8-48 hours. The device was shipped to our laboratory, and the recovery procedure started.
Our engineers ran diagnostics and found out that the disks were not rotating. It could only mean that the spindle motor was not working.
They took the faulty hard disk and inspected it in a Certified ISO Class 10 Cleanroom.
The spindle motor is the most critical component of a hard drive, responsible for the rotation of the drive platters on the axis.
Responsible for the uniformity and stability of rotation, the spindle ensures the trouble-free operation of the hard drive for a long time. In the client’s case, the power surge damaged electronic components of the spindle motor.
Server Hard Drive Spindle Motor Recovery
Spindle motor failures are solved by installing magnetic platters to a new hard disk with a fully operational spindle motor. Our data recovery specialists used our large hard drive donor base and found the exact same brand and model hard disk as the customer’s drive.
They replaced the platter and started data transferring to a new hard drive. The operation was not easy, requiring special equipment for the subsequent centering of the plates since any micro-displacement along the axis can lead to the fact that the heads cannot be positioned correctly according to the servo markings. All the data was safely transferred, and the new drive was installed on the server.
The next step was to restore the data redundancy. The customer’s server was running on RAID 5.
Our engineers emulated the work of the RAID controller and successfully restored the system. As the RAID was reformed, all the data on the server was available. We showed our client all the restored data. He approved our work, so we shipped the device back to his company.
For some companies, duplication of servers with On-Line data copying is required. Our data recovery engineers will carefully study your particular situation and offer the best option for equipment maintenance.
Individual approach to each client, responsibility and work experience, and knowledge of modern computer technology are the distinguishing features of our specialists.
All of them undergo rigorous selection and testing for knowledge of computer technologies, so any client is guaranteed to receive professional service for computer systems.
Contact PITS Global Data Recovery Services by calling our customer service line to receive high-level recovery solutions for failed network data storage devices.
Frequently Asked Quetions
What are the common reasons for RAID 5 failure?
RAID 5 failures can occur due to various reasons, including disk failures, power surges, controller malfunctions, and accidental deletion or formatting of data. It’s important to note that RAID 5 is not invulnerable to failures, and it’s crucial to have appropriate backup measures in place.
Is it possible to recover data from a failed RAID 5 array without professional help?
While it is technically possible to attempt RAID 5 recovery without professional help, it is generally not recommended. RAID 5 recovery can be a complex and delicate process, and improper actions can further damage the data or make recovery more challenging. It’s best to consult experienced professionals who specialize in data recovery to maximize the chances of successful recovery.
How long does RAID 5 recovery take?
The time required for RAID 5 recovery depends on various factors, such as the size of the array, the number and size of the disks, the speed of the recovery hardware or software, and the complexity of the failure. RAID 5 recovery can take several hours or even days, especially for large arrays with significant amounts of data.
How can I prevent RAID 5 failures and data loss?
To prevent RAID 5 failures and data loss, it is important to implement proper data backup strategies. Regularly backing up the data on the RAID array to an external storage device or cloud-based solution ensures that data is protected even in the event of a complete RAID failure. Monitoring the health of the disks and promptly replacing any failing disks can also help prevent data loss.