RAID or NAS (Network-Attached Storage) failure

Recovering data from a RAID or NAS (Network-Attached Storage) failure can be complex and risky if done improperly, especially with hardware or multi-disk failures. Here’s a structured approach based on the failure type:

RAID/NAS Data Recovery Steps

Identify the Type of Failure

  • Logical Failure: Data is inaccessible due to corruption, accidental deletion, or formatting.
  • Physical Failure: One or more drives are damaged (e.g., clicking, not spinning).
  • Controller/Software Failure: RAID controller or NAS OS failed, but drives are intact.

Do Not Rebuild the RAID

If the RAID has failed and you’re unsure of the configuration or status:

  • Avoid initializing, rebuilding, or reconfiguring the array — this can overwrite recoverable data.
  • Take the system offline immediately.

Document RAID Configuration

If available, note:

  • RAID level (RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, etc.)
  • Disk order
  • Strip size
  • File system (NTFS, EXT4, BTRFS, etc.)
  • NAS device brand/model (e.g., Synology, QNAP)

This info is critical for recovery tools or services.

Use RAID Recovery Software (For Logical Failures)

If drives are healthy, try mounting them with recovery software:

  • R-Studio (advanced, supports RAID reconstruction)
  • UFS Explorer RAID Recovery
  • ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery (helps identify RAID parameters)

Process:

  1. Connect the drives to a PC (using SATA ports or a RAID-capable enclosure).
  2. Let the tool detect the RAID layout.
  3. Preview and recover files to a separate drive.

For NAS with RAID (e.g., Synology, QNAP)

  • Remove drives and connect them directly to a PC.
  • Use Linux or a tool like UFS Explorer to mount the RAID volume.
  • If BTRFS or EXT4 is used, tools like mdadm (Linux) can reconstruct the RAID manually.

Call a Professional for Hardware Failures

If you suspect:

  • Physical disk failure (bad sectors, won't spin, noises)
  • Multiple disk failure in RAID 5 or 6
  • Corrupted RAID metadata

Use a professional data recovery service with RAID expertise. Attempting recovery yourself may worsen the damage.

Prevent Future Failures

  • Regularly back up NAS/RAID data to external or cloud storage.
  • Monitor drive health with SMART tools.
  • Avoid mixing old and new drives in RAID arrays.