HP RAID 5 Server Data Recovery – Multiple Disk Failures

A mid-sized accounting firm in London experienced a catastrophic failure of their HP RAID 5 server, which housed client financial data, tax records, and employee files. The system encountered multiple disk failures, rendering the RAID 5 array inaccessible. With critical deadlines approaching, the firm turned to Advanced Data Recovery, London’s leading data recovery company, for urgent help.

The Problem

The RAID 5 array failure was caused by:

  1. Simultaneous Disk Failures:
    • Two out of four drives failed, which RAID 5 cannot tolerate since it can recover from only a single disk failure.
    • One drive had physical damage, while the other exhibited logical corruption and bad sectors.
  2. Data Inaccessibility:
    • The RAID array became completely inaccessible, with no ability to access files or rebuild the array.
  3. No Backup:
    • The server was the sole repository of client and company data, making recovery a critical priority.

The Data Recovery Process by Advanced Data Recovery

Step 1: Initial Assessment

The recovery team performed a detailed evaluation:

  • Physical Inspection: The failed drives were tested individually. One drive showed a mechanical failure (damaged read/write heads), and the second exhibited logical corruption with extensive bad sectors.
  • RAID Configuration Analysis: The RAID parameters (e.g., stripe size, parity rotation, and disk order) were extracted from metadata on the healthy drives and the RAID controller.

Step 2: Drive Repair and Stabilization

The failed drives were repaired in an ISO Class 5 cleanroom to prepare them for data extraction:

  • Mechanical Repairs: The drive with physical damage underwent read/write head replacement using donor parts from a matching HP drive model.
  • Disk Imaging: Each drive, including the degraded and repaired ones, was imaged sector-by-sector using specialized recovery tools to secure the data before further analysis.

Step 3: RAID Reconstruction

Once all drives were imaged:

  • Virtual RAID Reconstruction: A virtual RAID 5 array was rebuilt using the disk images. Missing parity and corrupted sectors were reconstructed using RAID algorithms and parity data.
  • File System Analysis: The NTFS file system showed minor corruption due to the array failure. Repairs were performed to restore directory structures and metadata.

Step 4: Data Recovery

  • Selective Data Extraction: Priority was given to client financial records, tax documents, and employee files, as identified by the client.
  • Complete Data Recovery: All accessible files were extracted, and fragmented or partially damaged files were reconstructed using proprietary tools.

Step 5: Validation and Delivery

  • Integrity Check: The recovered data was thoroughly tested to ensure accuracy and usability.
  • Secure Delivery: The recovered data was transferred to a new external RAID system, which was set up and configured by Advanced Data Recovery for the client.

Challenges Faced

  1. Multiple Disk Failures: Rebuilding the RAID 5 array from two failed drives required advanced reconstruction techniques and proprietary tools.
  2. Physical Damage: The mechanical failure of one drive demanded precise repairs in a cleanroom environment.
  3. Urgency: The accounting firm needed the data urgently to meet critical client deadlines.

Outcome

Advanced Data Recovery successfully:

  • Recovered 99% of the data, including all critical client records and company files.
  • Delivered the recovered data within 5 days, allowing the firm to resume operations with minimal disruption.
  • Provided recommendations for implementing a robust backup strategy and monitoring system health.

Lessons Learned

  1. RAID is Not a Backup: While RAID 5 provides redundancy, it is not a substitute for a separate backup strategy.
  2. Proactive Maintenance: Regularly monitor and replace aging drives to prevent simultaneous failures.
  3. Seek Professional Help: DIY recovery attempts on failed RAID arrays can worsen data loss. Professional expertise ensures the best outcomes.

Why Choose Advanced Data Recovery (London)?

  • RAID Recovery Experts: Decades of experience recovering data from complex RAID configurations, including RAID 5.
  • Cleanroom Facilities: Cleanrooms for safe handling of physically damaged drives.
  • Advanced Tools: Proprietary software for virtual RAID reconstruction and logical data recovery.
  • Fast Turnaround: Emergency services tailored to minimize downtime for critical operations.

This case demonstrates Advanced Data Recovery’s expertise in handling complex RAID 5 failures, ensuring businesses can recover critical data quickly and securely, even in the most challenging situations.

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