Data Recovery · LanCologne

How can a company recover data from a failed JBOD array (Spanning)?

In a JBOD configuration (spanning), several hard disks are connected in series to form a single large volume – without redundancy. If a drive fails, the data it contained is no longer available. Files that are stored entirely on the remaining drives can often still be recovered; files that span the boundaries of multiple drives can only be partially recovered.

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Technical background

Unlike with RAID 0, the data is not organised in stripes but in a linear fashion. Depending on the file system and how the disk is allocated, a large proportion of the files may be stored entirely on an intact disk. The file system’s management structures are critical: if they are located on the failed disk, the reconstruction process becomes more complex.

What you should – and shouldn’t – do now

  • Do not set up a new volume, and do not remove any discs to format them individually.
  • Document the order of the slabs in the composite structure.
  • Keep the faulty disc – it is often still partially readable.

Here’s how we do it

  • Back up all discs, including those that are faulty, provided they are readable.
  • Determining the order and boundaries of the individual sections.
  • Virtual reconstruction and analysis of the file system; identification of incomplete files.

Borders

  • Sections of an unreadable disc are permanently missing.
  • Large files and databases that extend beyond the disk boundary may be incomplete.

Possible results

A list of files that have been fully recovered and those that have been partially affected.

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

Is JBOD more secure than RAID 0?+
One thing to note – if a drive fails, not all files in a JBOD configuration are necessarily affected. However, it does not provide redundancy.
Could the faulty disc still be of any use?+
Yes. Often, even damaged discs can be partially read after a repair, which reduces the gaps.
How can I tell whether I had JBOD or RAID 0?+
In the NAS or controller configuration; if necessary, it can be determined from the data distribution across the disks.

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