RAID stands for “Redundant Array of Independent Disk”. In simple words, it’s a system used for storing data in multiple locations of hard disks (HDDs) or solid-state drives (SDDs). It holds and protects the data when the hard drives fail. RAID includes different levels, but all have different goals instead of providing redundancy.

One hard drive is enough for common computer users to handle and store their data. However, large businesses require multiple hard drives. This is where RAID systems are known as an excellent option. When numerous drives are placed together, it becomes easy to optimize the performance and reliability for fast and better performance. It notifies about data redundancy and allows input/output operations to overlap in a balanced way, which further improves data access performance. HDDs relatively face high failure rates due to physical limitations and the mechanical nature of many high-speed moving parts. However, RAID is meant to alleviate these issues, depending on the RAID type you’re using.

However, a wrong move could lead to a state where accessing data becomes impossible or end up losing data permanently. With the help of RAID hard drive recovery, you can resolve such issues.

But, what things do you have to do and don’t do if a RAID failure occurs!

Let’s find out!

Table of Content

Common RAID Failures Scenarios
Dos and Don’ts While Dealing With RAID Failure
Things to Do:

  • Create Additional Backups
  • Consider Professional Help
  • Immediately Quit Using RAID

Things Not to Do:

  • Don’t Use RAID System
  • Don’t Replace Circuit Boards
  • Don’t Replace RAID Control

Summary Up!

Common RAID Failures Scenarios

When it comes to RAID devices, business people assume that using multiple disks of redundancy and storage are all they require for protecting their files. However, most people turn to data recovery professionals when their system stops responding and ends up with data loss. This is because they didn’t create any backup system in place. There is no doubt to say that RAIDs are solutions to several storage problems, including capacity limits, performance, fault tolerance, etc. However, it can still fail due to several reasons.

  • Failed Rebuild of RAID Volume
  • Controller Malfunction
  • Frequent Read/ Write Errors
  • Malware corruption
  • Multiple Disk Failure
  • RAID Partition Loss
  • Failed Rebuild of RAID Volume
  • Fire or water damage
  • Data corruption
  • Power Surge
  • RAID Server Crash
  • Wrong Replacement Drive

Hence, RAID may experience several failures at once. And this is where it becomes essential to follow the data recovery processes.

Dos and Don’ts While Dealing With RAID Failure

Things to Do:

Create Additional Backups

The essential thing to consider for avoiding any RAID problem is to keep the backup offsite. Generally, the RAID failures knock on the door when various issues arise in the second hard drive. That’s why it’s essential to have a proper backup plan or backup storage devices for keeping your files in a safe place. Hence, you won’t end up losing your data if any RAID failure scenario occurs. Hence, it becomes easy to retrieve data conveniently from external hard drives, magnetic tapes or cloud storage.

Consider Professional Help

Data loss scenarios occur due to various hard drive failures. Therefore, considering taking the assistance of data recovery professionals instead of applying DIY RAID data recovery will protect you from losing data permanently. Always remember that a single mistake during DIY recovery can cause the whole system to collapse. It increases the extent of damages if you haven’t experience and expertise. So, before trying DIY methods, it’s worthwhile to create an image for the server or take professional help.

Immediately Quit Using RAID

When RAID crashes occur, you may confront several issues. However, once you successfully recognise the issues, immediately quit using the drive. It’s the most crucial stage for preventing damages to your RAID drive and data stored on it. Using the damaged RAID devices continuously may lead to overwriting the data. Once overwritten, it becomes quite hard to recover your data.

Things Not to Do:

Don’t Use RAID System

RAID failures lead to several other issues. Once you realise or notice the failures, you should stop using the RAID system immediately or avoid making changes in the system. It’s a significant move that will protect your data and avoid severe impacts on your system. Using RAID systems continuously can worsen the problem and will overwrite knowledge. Therefore, avoid making the situation more terrifying. Additionally, don’t try to restore the data through free data recovery software. Otherwise, it might worsen the situation instead of assisting you.

Don’t Replace Circuit Boards

As discussed above, RAID devices are the multiplication of several hard drives. And since the hard drives include the circuit boards, which can easily get corrupted, the RAID failures will definitely happen. While checking the RAID system if you find that the circuit boards are damaged, don’t try to replace them with new ones. Always remember that each hard drive has its unique circuit boards. Plus, these circuit boards aren’t compatible with the drive. Therefore, it’ll be quite unsafe to replace it and it can permanently destroy all your data.

Don’t Replace RAID Control

One of the major reasons for the RAID failures could be RAID control failure. Generally, the main function of the RAID control is to regulate and manage all hard drives. And if RAID control failure occurs, it directly attacks the main system. Numerous people think about replacing the defective RAID control with a new one. However, the problem is it can’t solve anything in reality and can lead the situation to greater danger. Hence, it’s recommended to avoid replacing RAID control.

Summary Up!

RAID offers various benefits in terms of data security, read/write performance, and many others. However, these devices are also prone to several failures. Therefore, it’s recommended to follow the above-mentioned Do’s and Don’ts while dealing with a RAID failure for preventing any further damages. And if you’re still not able to reach the desired result, you can opt for the best RAID data recovery services.

Additionally, data recovery specialists are well aware of different strategies and techniques to restore data back. Even they have the appropriate tools and software to perform the recovery actions. So, instead of applying DIY techniques, relying on professionals means saving both cost and money.