Raid data recovery is retrieving and restoring data from a RAID storage architecture or infrastructure.
It extracts data from one or more RAID disks and storage components and restores it using a combination of automatic and manual data recovery procedures. Both hardware-based RAID and software-based RAID support RAID data recovery.
Difference between Standard Data Recovery and Raid Data Recovery
Since the RAID storage design employs a distinct and complex way of storing and extracting data, RAID data recovery differs from Standard data recovery procedures. Data can be recovered from any RAID level, including RAID 0, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 10.
Following are the technical mistakes that typically bring on the need for recovery
- Defective hard disk
- Defective controllers
- Data overwriting Software/Application
- Corruption Reformatting
RAID recovery typically necessitates recreating all RAID storage arrays to their original or last known exemplary configuration and settings. In addition, to effectively retrieve data, the person or software must be aware of the RAID’s hardware, software, and firmware setup. Therefore, a crucial step in the RAID recovery procedure is determining the appropriate array.
What to do to Start the RAID Recovery Procedure
You must fill out a ticket with basic information about your case before submitting it to a data recovery company. A recovery service professional will give you the instructions for starting the RAID recovery procedure in response to this first information.
You will be advised to stop using your defective device completely to avoid further harm. This is a crucial first step in all data recovery scenarios to prevent this irreparably.
You will then be required to respond to your data loss scenario questions. Data recovery engineers employ these inquiries to evaluate the loss, comprehend the complexity of the recovery, and provide you with an approximate cost and timeline for recovering your data.
Steps of Raid Data Recovery Process
Following is the explanation of the process of data recovery step by step
Step 1: Create Copies of all Drives
This method is always used in data recovery situations. All drives should be duplicated so that the recovery engineer has a perfect copy of every piece of information on your RAID.
Step 2: Conduct Diagnostics Across all Drives
A data recovery engineer will diagnose each disk in the RAID to find any damaged drives. To guarantee a detailed image of the damage is displayed and no detail is missed, this method examines even functional drives. The recovery engineer will also take care of any repairs required to enable a more fruitful recovery.
Step 3: Examine each RAID Drive’s Metadata
The data recovery engineer will examine the metadata after all mistakes have been found and fixed as appropriate. The size, type, and arrangement of each hard drive in a RAID are all described in metadata. The most recent data written to the drive is also shown through metadata. Knowing which drive contains the most recent data is crucial during recovery. A recovery engineer will also use the metadata to identify and eliminate any stale drive.
Step 4: Create a Physical RAID Again
A recovery engineer will restore the physical disk configuration and rebuild the data tree to identify the logical units of the array. The engineer can view the data structures and files that are still accessible following the failure using this process. How much of the data may be recovered is partly determined by reproducing the physical configuration of your RAID.
Step 5: Utilise the Filesystem to Find Data
A RAID filesystem is made to locate your files by mapping the logical structure of the array. Data recovery depends on finding the failing RAID’s filesystem. Essential details about the location of data that might have been harmed or destroyed as a result of the RAID failure are contained in the filesystem.
Step 6: Obtain and Test Sample Files
A recovery engineer will extract a file and test it to determine if it is functional once the RAID has been restored and the filesystem has been checked.
Step 7: Extract Every Possible Piece of data From the RAID Array
The last stage of RAID recovery is when the recovery engineer transfers all of the data to a working drive and gives it to you.
The RAID recovery procedure is described in these steps. The recovery technique differs from case to case due to the complexity of RAID systems. The degree and type of the failure, the size of your RAID, and the number of hard drives all affect how the recovery process will vary.
