RAID 5 data recovery can be tricky, especially if you don't have the right tools and experience. In this article, we'll walk you through the basics of RAID 5 data recovery and some tips to help make the process easier. We'll also discuss some of the most common causes of data loss in RAID 5 arrays and how to prevent them. So, if you're dealing with a RAID 5 data loss situation, read on for helpful information that can get your data back safely.
In this article
Part 1. Why Can You Recover Data from RAID 5 Drives?
In order to understand how RAID 5 data recovery works, it's essential first to know how a RAID 5 array is structured. A RAID 5 array is made up of at least 3 disks, which are divided into 'stripes'.
Each stripe contains a set of data, and each disk in the array has its own copy of that data. The data is spread across the disks in a way that if one disk fails, the data can still be accessed from the other disks in the array.
When it comes to data recovery, the process is relatively simple. If one of the disks in the RAID 5 array fails, the data can be copied from the other disks and rebuilt on a new disk. This process is known as 'parity reconstruction'.
Parity reconstruction is not a complex process but can be time-consuming, especially if the RAID 5 array is large. In addition, if there are multiple disks in the array failed, the process can become much more complex. In these cases, it's best to seek professional RAID data recovery software.
Part 2. Can You Recover Data from RAID 5 with 2 Disk Failure?
Yes. In some cases, it may be possible to recover data from a RAID 5 array with two disk failures. However, this is typically only possible if the failures are not too severe and if the data is stored in a way that allows for easy reconstruction.
Hard drives failed in RAID 5 |
Can data be recovered? |
| 2 of 3 hard disks | No |
| 2 of 5~16 hard disks | It depends: 1. The more hard disks available, the more likely you can restore your data. 2. The more properly you handle after failure occurs (For example, turn off the RAID controller, or stop creating any new files/folders on the disks including the failed one.) the higher chance of RAID 5 data recovery success. |
In most situations, using a specialist RAID recovery software such as Wondershare Recoverit aids in the recovery of deleted or inaccessible data from a RAID 5 with 2 or more disks failure.
Part 3. Causes for RAID 5 Drive Data Loss and Recovery Methods
There are a number of different reasons why data loss can occur in a RAID 5 array. The most common causes include:
- Disk failures: As mentioned above, disk failures are one of the most common causes of data loss in RAID 5 arrays. If a disk fails, the data stored on that disk will be lost.
- Corruption: Data corruption can occur for various reasons, including power surges, software glitches, and hardware malfunctions. When data is corrupted, it can become inaccessible or even lost entirely.
- Missing Partition: If a partition is deleted or lost, the data stored on that partition will be inaccessible.
- Human error: Human error, such as accidental deletion or formatting of data and mistakes made when configuring or repairing the RAID 5 array, is another common cause of data loss.
Causes of RAID 5 data loss |
Methods to recover data |
| Disk Failure | Parity reconstruction; RAID 5 data recovery software |
| Corruption/Missing Partition/Human Errors | RAID 5 data recovery software |
Read More: What is RAID?
Part 4. How to Recover Data from RAID 5 Drives Using Data Recovery Software
If you have ever been in a situation where you have lost data from a RAID 5 drive, you know how frustrating and daunting the process can be. Here we have the best RAID 5 data recovery software - Wondershare Recoverit. Whether you lost your data due to disk failure or human error, Recoverit can help.
Wondershare Recoverit - Recover Your Precious Videos
5,481,435 people have downloaded it.
Recover data from multiple RAID levels, including RAID 5, RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 6, RAID 10, etc.
Recover files from RAID 5 with one single or multiple disks failure.
Recover files lost due to accidental deletion, hard drive formatting, system corruption, or any other human errors.
Recover lost or formatted RAID logical volumes.
Recoverit RAID 5 data recovery software is easy to use and comes with a wide range of features that make data recovery simple and efficient. In addition, the software is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems.
Let's take a look at how to use Wondershare Recoverit to recover files from a RAID 5 drive.
Step1Select The Drive
First, you have to open the installed Recoverit and then select the partial damages partition (RAID 5 hard drive) with a single click.
Step2Perform Scanning
After selecting the drive, Recoverit will automatically start the scanning of missing files. You can also select a specific file type from "File Type" menu.
Step3Preview and Recover
You can review real-time images and files in the Recoverit viewer while scanning. After finding the desired files, you can click the “Recover” button to restore and save the data.
For Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10/11
For macOS X 10.10 - macOS 13
Part 5. RAID 5 Data Recovery by Rebuilding Failed RAID 5
If one of the drives in your RAID 5 array fails, you will need to rebuild the array using a spare drive. This process can be done using the RAID controller software or the operating system.
How to Rebuild RAID 5 with a Single Disk Failed
- Open the RAID controller software and identify the failed drive.
- Remove the failed drive from the array and replace it with a new or spare drive.
- The RAID controller will begin to rebuild the array using the data from the other drives in the RAID 5 set.
- You can use software to format, unlocate and create the new drives in the RIAD.
- Once the rebuild is complete, the RAID 5 array will be operational again.
- Copy Data Back into the new partition. Here's your single disk is rebuilt.
How to Rebuild RAID 5 with Multiple Disks Failed
The process of multiple disks failure is similar to the single disk rebuilding. You just have to repeat the process for each disk.
- Open the RAID software and select all failed drives.
- Now, remove the failed drives from the array and replace them with the new spare drives for the recovery.
- Start the controller and wait for it to build a new array.
- Once it is complete, it is ready to operate. Copy the backup data from new/backup partition to your RAID partition.
Note: If you are using a software RAID 5, the process will be similar, but the steps may vary slightly. Refer to your RAID controller documentation for specific instructions.
Part 6. Tips to Avoid RAID 5 Data Loss:
- Use quality drives: Using quality drives is the best way to avoid RAID 5 drive failure. Cheap or lower-quality drives are more likely to fail, which can cause data loss.
- Redundancy: One of the benefits of using a RAID 5 array is redundancy. If one drive fails, the data is still accessible from the other drives.
- Backup: Even with redundancy, it is crucial to backup your data. This way, if multiple drives fail, you will still have a copy of your data.
- Monitor: It is also important to monitor your RAID 5 array for any signs of drive failure. If you notice any strange behavior, such as increased error rates or performance degradation, it is vital to replace the drives before they fail.
Conclusion
RAID 5 data recovery is possible using data recovery software or rebuilding the RAID 5 array. However, it is essential to use quality drives and to monitor the RAID 5 array for any signs of drive failure. Additionally, it is always a good idea to back up your data to avoid data loss in the event of a drive failure.