RAID Disk Recovery:
Recover Data from RAID Drives

In this page, we will explore what is raid disk, why RAID data gets lost and how to recover lost data from raid disks.
And also we will discover the most reliable tool to recover RAID data - Recoverit and how to use it.

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recover important data from RAID drives.

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What is RAID?

Before RAID disk data recovery, let's explore what is RAID, importance of RAID and types of RAID arrays. This can help the RAID data recovery afterwards.

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What is RAID Disk?

RAID stands for Redundant Array of Independent Disks. It is a storage method that links multiple hard drives into one system. This setup boosts performance and keeps data safe by allowing the drives to work as a team. RAID systems are commonly used in both businesses and homes to protect important data and enhance system performance.Common types include RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10 etc.

RAID Common Types

RAID 0 (Stripping)
  • Purpose: Increase Performance
  • How it works: Data is split into blocks and written across all drives in the RAID array
  • Pros: High read and write speed
  • Cons: No redundancy, if one drive fails, all data is lost, needs at least 2 drives to form the array
RAID 1 (Mirroring)
  • Purpose: Provides redundancy
  • How it works: Data is duplicated on two or more drives
  • Pros: High data protection, data is accessible if one drive fails
  • Cons: Storage capacity is halved because all data is duplicated, needs at least 2 drives.
RAID 5 (Stripping with parity)
  • Purpose: Balance performance, efficiency and redundancy
  • How it works: Data and parity information is stripping across three or more drives
  • Pros: Efficient usage of storage, can tolerate one drive failure without data loss
  • Cons: Write performance can be slower due to double parity calculation, needs at least three drives
RAID 6 (Stripping with double parity)
  • Purpose: Provides higher redundancy
  • How it works: Similar to RAID 5
  • Pros: Similar to RAID 5, but with an extra layer of parity and can tolerate with consecutive or simultaneous two drives failure
  • Cons: Write performance can be slower due to double parity calculation, needs at least four drives
RAID 10 (Mirroring and stripping)
  • Purpose: Performance and redundancy
  • How it works: Combines RAID 0 (Stripping) and RAID 1 (Mirroring) by stripping data across mirrored pairs of drives
  • Pros: Data protection
  • Cons: Storage only at 50%. Can withstand a single failure on either primary or mirror disk, configuration is weak against failures on multiple drives
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Array Types

Generally speaking, there are three types of array: hardware array, software array and hybrid array. In hardware RAID array (expensive & reliable), a dedicated physical RAID controller card is used to manage multiple storage drives. In software array (cheap & lower reliability), the host computer's systems and CPU are used to manage RAID drives and configurations. The hybrid array consists of both SSDs and HDDs along with a storage controller to offer a balance of performance, capacity and cost-effectiveness.

Importance of RAID

Data Protection
  • Protect data from loss due to hardware failure
  • In RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6 etc., data remains accesible when one or more drives fail
  • Critical for business and individuals who cannot afford data loss. Essential for important files and documents
Improved Performance
  • Certain RAID levels (like RAID 6 etc.) can improve read and write speeds by distributing data across multiple drives
  • It is beneficial for applications needs fast speed and fast data access, such as video editing, gaming and large scale data processing
  • RAID is widely used in video editing, gaming and large scale data processing where performance is critical
Cost-effective
  • With RAID, multiple less expensive drives can achieve the same or better performance of one single expensive drive
  • This cost-effectiveness makes RAID an attractive option for both personal and industrial storage solutions
  • High data protection, data is accessible even if one drive fails
Increased Storage Capacity
  • With RAID, large amount of storage space can be provided by combining multiple drives:
  • Data is striping on two or more drives
  • Some RAID levels can offer different level of drive capacity when still providing redundancy

What Causes RAID Disk Data Loss?

RAID disk data gets lost due to several different reasons. Recoverit can help you recover lost data from RAID in almost all loss scenarios.

Hardware Failure
Controller Problems
RAID Rebuild Errors
Software Errors
Human Operation
Environment Factors
Hardware Failure
Controller Problems
RAID Rebuild Errors
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Hardware Failure

Hardware failure may cause RAID data loss, inluding hard disk crashes, power surges, or faulty components etc.

Controller Problems

RAID controller manages data distribution across the array. When a controller mulfunctions, it can result in array corruption or data inaccesibility

RAID Rebuild Errors

When rebuilding RAID arrays, errors in the process may cause data loss or corruption.

Software Errors

File system errors, software/firmware updates, bugs and errors, and incorrect array configuration can lead to RAID data loss.

Human Operation

Human improper operations, such as accidental deletion, misconfiguration, wrong rebuild and reformatting etc. will cause data severe loss.

Environment Factors

Physical disasters (floods, fires etc.), bad environments (moisture, heat etc.), malware, and ageing drives may also lead to data loss.

Software Errors
Human Operation
Environment Factors

Initial Preparations Before RAID Disk Recovery

Before RAID disk data recovery, these are some initial preparations to follow

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Diagnose the problem


1. Diagnose what caused the RAID failure and RAID data loss
2. Physical problems:hard drive or controller card failure etc.
3. Software problems: file system or software controller malfunction etc.

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Backup current configs


1. Backup the current RAID configurations, including RAID levels, number of drives, order of drives, block size, RAID types etc.

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Disconnect power and drives


1. Stop using the RAID to avoid overwritten.
2. Power down the RAID and disconnect the drives.

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Create disk image


1. Create disk image of the target RAID drives to a new place.
2. Make sector-by-sector copies of each drive.
3. Do not force on line or rebuild arrays before creating disk image.

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Use a reliable tool


1. Use a reliable RAID recovery tool, such as Recoverit.
2. Launch Recoverit to scan disk image or target RAID.

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How to Recover Data from RAID Drives?

These are some effective methods to recover RAID disk data. Some methods below are not guaranteed due to different data loss causes. However, as the most reliable
recovery tool, Recoverit can always help when other RAID disk recovery methods failed.

Method 1. Use Recoverit recovery software right
Method 2. Rebuild the RAID Arrays
Method 3. Replace the Mulfunction Drive
Method 4. Check for Misconfig Controller
Method 5. Check for Windows Backup
Method 6. Recover Data via Disk Image
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How-to Steps:

As the most relaible RAID recovery tool, Recoverit can always help you recover lost data from any RAID disks

Advantages
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99.5% success recovery rate

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Supports to recover 2000+ file formats such as MP4, MOV, LRV, JPG, and etc.

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Repairs damaged or corrupted videos, photos and document files.

Disadvantages
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Needs to install software.

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Deep scan sometimes is a little long.

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How-to Steps:

This method works when array logic errors occur. Once you have cloned your RAID drive data or meta data as a disk image, you can now start to retrieve lost data from RAID via rebuilding RAID array.

Advantages
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Quick and free

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Efficient

Disadvantages
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Only applicable for logical problems

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Only for users who have certain knowledge of array rebuilding

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How-to Steps:

This method is applicable when one of RAID drives is malfunctioning, suitable for data recovery of RAID with redundancy (except for RAID 0).

Advantages
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Suitable for RAID with redundancy (RAID 1, 5, 6, 10 etc.)

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Convenient and efficient when hot-swapping allowed

Disadvantages
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Needs certain knowledge about drive replacement

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Risk of further data loss when no backup

check raid controller
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replace controller
How-to Steps:

A misconfigured RAID controller can cause problems, including RAID data loss, system instability, performance errors etc. Oberve sympton errors and system logs, such as "configuration lost", log error messages of the RAID controller. These errors may indicate a configured controller.

Advantages
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No need to install new software

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Quick and efficient

Disadvantages
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Only applicable for controller misconfiguration errors

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Cannot recover already lost data, but only make RAID function again

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choose system image recovery
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How-to Steps:

If you have Windows backups, this method can help with RAID disk data recovery. Windows creates system images that include RAID array data. This works best if you made recent backups.

Advantages
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No need to install software

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Quick and free

Disadvantages
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Only works when you have a windows backup

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It requires a specific Windowws setup

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choose system image recovery
restore system
How-to Steps:

If you have stored your RAID disk image or RAID meta data, you can follow these steps to recover lost RAID data.

Advantages
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Quick and efficient

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No need to be expertise

Disadvantages
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You need to have the disk image or meta data of the RAID array

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Tips for Increasing RAID Recovery Success:

1. Use a reliable RAID recovery software: A reliable RAID recovery tool can save you a lot of trouble.

2. Avoid to overwrite the RAID drives: Please do not overwrite the RAID drives or attempy to rebuild the RAID on the original drives before creating disk images of RAID drives.

3. Create a disk image before RAID Rebuilding: To prevent future data loss in the RAID disk recovery process, please create a disk imgae of all RAID disks before recovery process.

Recoverit: Most Compatible Tool to Recover RAID Drive

Recover hardware RAID arrays

Recover Data from Hardware RAID Arrays

Supports to recover data from hardware RAID array storage drives, like Synology, QNAP, IBM, HPE etc.

Recover Software RAID Arrays

Recover Data from Software RAID Arrays

Supports to recover data from software RAID array storage drives, like StorMagic SvSan, Xninor xiRAID etc.

Recover data from hybrid RAID arrays

Recover Data from Hybrid RAID Arrays

Supports to recover data from hybrid RAID disks, like Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR), RAID 10, TerraMaster TRAID etc.

Most Reliable RAID Recovery for Each RAID Device

Enterprise Servers

RAID is widely used in enterprise servers and data centers to ensure reliable availability and data protection for business-critical applications and services. Recoverit supports effortlessly to recover lost data from almost all RAID enterprise servers.

Desktop Computers

RAID is also used in workstations, personal PCs, or other desktop computers, especially for projects like content creation, video editing, or music audio making where high storage capacity and speed are needed. Sometimes, power surge, hardware errors or system corruption may cause the RAID data loss.

Computing Environments

RAID can be used in computing centers to enhance data reliability, performance and availability. When data loss occurs in RAID, Recoverit is always ready to help.

NAS Devices

Network Attached Storage (NAS) often uses RAID as its core technology to provide both data protection and data storage. Data loss on NAS can occur due to several reasons, including human errors, hardware failures, power issues and natural disasters etc. No worry. With Recoverit, you can easily recover all lost data from NAS devices.

Other RAID Devices

Recoverit alsos supports to recover lost data from other RAID devices, including scientific computing and gaming RAID servers, hybrid system of HHD & SSD to combine speed of SSD with cost-effectiveness of traditional hard drives, and external RAID storage devices etc.

Why Recoverit is the Best RAID Drive Recovery Software?

Recover All Format Files from RAID
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Recover All Formats of PDF Files
Recoverit can recover all format files from RAID, including videos, audios, PDF, emails, photos etc. As well as meta data, raw data, tables, structure/unstructured data etc.
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Leading 99.5% Success Rate
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Backed by extensive testing and data, Recoverit delivers a leading 99.5% recover success rate - making it one of the most reliable RAID disk recovery software.
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Full Platform Compatibility
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Leading 99.2% Success Rate
Recoverit works seamlessly across Windows, Mac, Linux and NAS. No matter where your lost files are, you can instanly start the recovery process without worrying about compatibility.
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100% Provate & Secure
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Recoverit uses strong encryption to safeguard your data during RAID drive recovery process. Your data will not be stored. Your data remains 100% private and secure.
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Quick Scan
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Quick scan and deep scan modes are both supported for your RAID drive recovery. Besides, you can recover files during scanning.
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Unlimited Batch Recovering
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Unlimited Batch Processing
Recoverit supports to recover unlimited files in bluk or batch - no matter the size or quantity. Perfect for professionals and organizations managing large document volumes.
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How to Prevent RAID Drive Data Loss?

Regular Backups:

Regularly backup your RAID drive data to a separate physical storage device or cloud service.

Reliable Hardware:

Equip your RAID with high-quality, enterprise-grade hard drives. Hard drive quality is crucial.

Select Correct RAID Level:

Select a RAID configuration with appropriate fault tolerance. For example, RAID 1 and RAID 10 provides higher redundancy than RAID 0 (no redundancy) .

Security Measures:

Install reputable anti-virus software to prevent malware attacks and prevent data loss.

Professional Tips to Protect RAID Data

Use reliable powers and power surge protectors to avoid unexpected power interruptions.

Regularly check and monitor the health status of your RAID array.

Before attempting RAID array rebuid, create an image of the drives to ensure your drive data is protected in case rebuid process fails.

Choose the right environment and keep your RAID systems cool to avoid overheating.

Replace failing drives immediately if drives fail or flagged as degraded.

Keep software and hardware ipdated. Install the latest updates for your RAID controller firmware and hardware updates.

Understand the redundancy of RAID array types, such as, RAID 0 offers 0 redundancy, RAID 6 can tolerate with 2 drives failure, RAID 5 can tolerate with 1 drive failure.

Document your configurations. Maintain accurate records of your RAID layouts, drive order and any changes.

Ensure your cables are securely plugged to keep the ports in good condition.

FAQs about RAID Disk Recovery

Q1: Can I recover data from a completely failed RAID 0 array?

RAID 0 provides no redundancy, making RAID data recovery challenging when drives fail. However, professional services can sometimes recover RAID data using specialized techniques. Success depends on the extent of damage and whether all drives failed simultaneously. Hetman RAID recovery tools might help with minor corruption issues.
RAID array data recovery time varies greatly depending on the method and problem severity. Simple software solutions might take hours. RAID drive recovery from hardware failures can take days or weeks. Professional RAID disk recovery services usually provide time estimates after initial assessment. Complex recover data from RAID drives cases take longer than simple ones.
Basic RAID file recovery attempts are generally safe if you follow proper procedures. Avoid rebuilding damaged arrays or opening drive cases. Use read-only RAID recovery data tools when possible. For valuable data or complex RAID drive data recovery situations, professional services are safer. Hetman RAID recovery and similar tools reduce risks for home users.
The time to rebuild RAID array depends on several factors including drive size, RAID level, and system performance. Simple RAID 1 arrays may rebuild in a few hours, while large RAID 5 arrays can take 12-24 hours or more. The process to rebuild RAID 5 typically takes longer than rebuild RAID 1 because of parity calculations. Always allow sufficient time and avoid interrupting the rebuild process.
Yes, you can usually use the computer during RAID rebuilds, but performance will be slower. The rebuild process consumes system resources and drive bandwidth. Light tasks are generally acceptable, but avoid heavy operations that stress the drives. When you rebuild RAID array without losing data, limiting system usage reduces the risk of errors and speeds up completion.
Power failure during RAID rebuild can corrupt the array and cause complete data loss. This is why using an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is crucial when you rebuild RAID without losing data. If power fails without UPS protection, the rebuild must restart from the beginning. In worst cases, you may need professional data recovery services to rebuild RAID array without losing data.
Yes, you can often recover data even when both RAID 1 drives fail. The success depends on the type of failure and how much damage occurred. Logical failures like corruption or accidental formatting often allow full recovery using specialized software. Physical failures require professional RAID recovery services with cleanroom facilities. Even severely damaged drives sometimes yield recoverable data.

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Recoverit can help you recover all lost data from RAID hard drives.
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RAID Disk Recovery

With Recoverit, you can easily recover lost/deleted videos, photos and other
files from RAID drives. Corrupted video repair, photo repair and office file repair are also supported.

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