Frequently Asked Questions About RAID 5 Data Recovery

RAID 5 is a popular server configuration option due to its excellent redundancy and fast file access speeds, but it does not provide perfect protection. Secure Data Recovery Services' RAID experts have treated thousands of RAID systems, and we are uniquely qualified to recover data from RAID 5 arrays while maintaining perfect security.

With advanced recovery tools and experienced engineers, we offer the best resources for RAID 5 data recovery.

RAID 5 data recovery is a fairly complex process, and this page contains answers to some of the most common questions that we receive regarding our procedures and technology. Click a question to see its answer. For more information, call our customer service team at 1-800-388-1266.

• Q: What factors can affect the cost of my RAID 5 data recovery case?

  RAID 5 systems can fail in a variety of ways, and your failure scenario will directly influence your recovery quote. However, dozens of other factors play a role. The size of your array, the brand of your controller card and the size of your requested files can all affect pricing.

  Secure Data Recovery Services offers free standard diagnostics for all RAID 5 systems in order to provide a fast, accurate resource for our clients. Our teams can analyze your RAID 5 and deliver a no-risk price quote and turnaround estimate.

• Q: Should I attempt to rebuild my RAID 5 array after a major failure event?

  No. Do not attempt to rebuild your RAID if you notice any unusual symptoms or after any failed rebuild attempt. If you attempt a rebuild, you could accidentally contribute to data corruption or physical media issues. We regularly receive cases that have incurred serious damage due to a failed rebuild or repair attempt, and we strongly recommend shutting your RAID down to prevent unintentional damage.

  Whether or not you have already attempted a rebuild, you should contact our customer service team as soon as possible to discuss your options.

• Q: How can a RAID 5 lose data?

  RAID 5 offers excellent speed and ample fault tolerance, but it is not a perfect storage solution. Multiple hard drive failures can cause losses by pushing the array past its point of redundancy. File corruption, failed rebuilds, virus damage and user error can also lead to data loss.

  To prevent sudden failure events from affecting your data, you should back up your RAID 5 regularly.

• Q: What are some of the common symptoms associated with RAID 5 failures?

  Symptoms vary from case to case. File corruption errors and operating system boot issues are fairly common, and some RAID arrays generate LED error codes when experiencing hardware failures.

  While some symptoms may indicate physical or logical damage, there is some degree of overlap, and you should exercise extreme caution when handling a failed RAID 5 array.

• Q: How can I find a qualified RAID 5 data recovery company?

  RAID 5 arrays use block-level striped data with a distributed parity, and data recovery engineers should have an advanced knowledge of RAID architecture. They also need access to a number of specialized tools in order to treat hard drive failures and RAID controller issues.

  Secure Data Recovery Services operates the industry's first certified Class 10 ISO 4 Cleanroom, which allows for safe media repairs. We also have dedicated utilities designed for striped data, and each member of our RAID staff has years of experience with RAID 5 data. We offer exceptional success rates and can safely treat any RAID regardless of size, operating system or level.

• Q: Will my server data stay secure during the data recovery process?

  Yes. Many of our RAID 5 clients ask about our security credentials, and we are proud of our position as the industry's most secure provider.

  Secure Data Recovery Services holds certifications for HIPAA, FERPA, SSAE 16 Type II and a number of other standards. We can also organize custom security in many cases. Contact our customer service team for more information.