Data Recovery · LanCologne

Why shouldn’t a damaged RAID array simply be reinitialised?

If a RAID controller or NAS displays the message „Array faulty – initialise?“, this is the most dangerous prompt in the entire process. Initialisation writes new metadata and, on many controllers, also writes zeros or parity data over the existing user data.

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Technical background

A distinction should be made between fast initialisation (metadata only), full initialisation (overwrites data), rebuild (reconstructs a missing disk from parity) and forcing a failed disk back online. If an obsolete drive is brought online, the controller will continue to operate using incorrect data.

What you should – and shouldn’t – do now

  • No initialisation, no new configuration, no „Import Foreign Config“ without verification.
  • Make a note of the disc positions and order.
  • Back up the controller logs (times of the failures).
  • Do not mount the discs individually on other computers.

Here’s how we do it

  • Raw images of all plates before each operation.
  • Determining the order of failure and the most recent plate combination.
  • Virtual reconstruction based on the image – the original controller is not used.

Borders

  • Once initialisation is complete, overwritten areas cannot be recovered.
  • If calculations were carried out using an out-of-date disk, the data may be inconsistent.

Possible results

Recovered volumes and documentation detailing which combination of disks was used.

How we carry out data recovery

Every data storage device is first diagnosed in our own laboratory in Cologne; the diagnosis is free of charge. You will then receive a written quote and can decide whether to accept it. If you decline, you can collect the data storage device from the laboratory by appointment – there are no postage costs involved – or we will post it back to you; in which case postage and packaging costs may apply. Data is recovered from copies, not from the original – using professional data recovery hardware such as the PC-3000. If a drive needs to be opened, this is carried out on a HEPA H14-filtered clean bench. We do not offer a guarantee of success prior to diagnosis, as this is simply not possible in a professional context. Your storage device and your data will remain confidential and will not be passed on to third parties.

1Enquiries and submission by post or in person at the laboratory by prior appointment
2Free diagnosis of the cause of the damage
3Written quotation – we will only proceed once you have approved it; if you decline, you may collect the item from the laboratory or we will return it to you (postage and packaging costs may apply)
4Recovery, data verification and confidential handover

Request a diagnosis   Find out more about the process, costs and confidentiality →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ‘Initialise’ and ‘Rebuild’?+
A rebuild reconstructs a single disk from the redundant data. An initialisation recreates the array.
I’ve already done „Quick Init“ – is there anything else I can do?+
Often, yes, because only metadata is written in this process. Please do not take any further action.
Should I bring the failed drive back online?+
Only after checking whether it contains up-to-date data. Otherwise, inconsistencies will arise.

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