A small design agency in London used a Netgear ReadyNAS system configured with a 4-disk RAID 5 array to store client projects, design assets, and archived data. One day, the ReadyNAS system failed to boot, and two of the drives were not recognized, rendering the entire RAID array inaccessible.
Faced with the potential loss of years of work, the agency contacted Advanced Data Recovery, London’s best data recovery company, to retrieve the lost data.
The Problem
The Netgear ReadyNAS failure stemmed from:
- Multiple Drive Failures:
- Two drives in the RAID 5 array were no longer recognized by the system.
- One drive had a physical failure (read/write head issue), while the other had logical corruption with unreadable sectors.
- RAID 5 Dependency:
- RAID 5 can tolerate only a single drive failure. With two failed drives, the array became inaccessible.
- Critical Data Loss:
- The RAID stored all client project files, and no external backup existed, making recovery crucial.
The Data Recovery Process by Advanced Data Recovery
Step 1: Initial Assessment
The recovery team performed a comprehensive evaluation:
- Disk Imaging: Each of the four drives was cloned to create bit-by-bit images. This process ensures the original drives remain untouched during recovery.
- Physical Inspection: One of the failed drives showed a mechanical issue with the read/write heads, while the other had sector-level corruption.
- RAID Configuration Analysis: The RAID parameters (e.g., stripe size, parity layout, and disk order) were analyzed to prepare for reconstruction.
Step 2: Disk Repair and Stabilization
To maximize recovery potential:
- Mechanical Repair: The failed drive with physical issues was repaired in an ISO Class 5 cleanroom. The read/write heads were replaced with donor parts, allowing data extraction.
- Bad Sector Management: The other failed drive was imaged using advanced recovery tools capable of bypassing unreadable sectors and extracting as much data as possible.
Step 3: RAID Reconstruction
- Virtual Array Reconstruction: Using the cloned images of all four drives, the RAID 5 array was virtually rebuilt in a controlled environment. Missing and corrupted parity data were reconstructed using advanced RAID algorithms.
- File System Recovery: The XFS file system used by the Netgear ReadyNAS was partially corrupted. Repairs were performed to restore directory structures and metadata.
Step 4: Data Extraction
- Critical Data First: The recovery team prioritized client projects and design files as specified by the agency.
- Complete Data Recovery: The remaining data was extracted systematically, ensuring nothing critical was overlooked.
Step 5: Validation and Delivery
- Data Validation: All recovered files were tested for integrity and usability.
- Secure Delivery: The recovered data was transferred to a new NAS device provided by the agency and securely returned to them.
Challenges Faced
- Multiple Drive Failures: Simultaneous failures of two drives in a RAID 5 array made reconstruction complex.
- Logical and Physical Damage: Combining mechanical repairs and logical recovery required expertise and precision.
- Time Sensitivity: The agency needed the data urgently to continue their operations without client disruptions.
Outcome
Advanced Data Recovery successfully:
- Recovered 98% of the data, including all critical client projects and design files.
- Delivered the recovered data within 5 days, allowing the agency to resume operations with minimal disruption.
- Provided recommendations for improving their backup strategy and proactive RAID monitoring.
Lessons Learned
- RAID is Not a Backup: While RAID 5 offers redundancy, it cannot replace a robust backup strategy for critical data.
- Monitor RAID Health: Regular monitoring and replacing aging drives can prevent simultaneous failures.
- Seek Professional Help: Attempting DIY repairs or reinitialization of a failed RAID can worsen data loss. Professional recovery is essential for success.
Why Choose Advanced Data Recovery (London)?
- RAID Expertise: Decades of experience recovering data from complex RAID failures, including RAID 5.
- Cleanroom Facilities: Cleanroom for safe handling and repair of physically damaged drives.
- Advanced Tools: Proprietary software for virtual RAID reconstruction and logical recovery.
- Customer-Centric Service: Fast, reliable, and tailored solutions to meet the client’s needs.
This case highlights Advanced Data Recovery’s capability to handle even the most challenging RAID failures, ensuring clients regain access to their critical data quickly and securely.