A client experienced a RAID 5 failure on their IBM server after attempting to replace a failed hard drive. On the advice of IBM Technical Support, the client:
- Removed the failed hard drive from the RAID array.
- Installed a new replacement disk into the system.
- Expected the RAID array to rebuild automatically.
However, instead of initiating the rebuild process, the server failed to recognise the RAID array or the newly installed replacement disk. After further troubleshooting with IBM’s technical support, the system recognized the RAID array but still reported that a disk was missing, preventing the rebuild process from starting.
Since IBM was unable to resolve the issue, the client sought professional data recovery services to recover the critical data stored on the RAID 5 array.
Our Expertise in RAID 5 Server Recovery
With 25 years of experience, our team specializes in:
✔ Recovering RAID 5 arrays after failed rebuilds
✔ Reconstructing missing RAID configurations and parity data
✔ Using advanced forensic techniques to rebuild RAID file fragments
Diagnosis & Recovery Process
Upon receiving the IBM RAID 5 server, our engineers conducted an in-depth forensic analysis. The key findings included:
- RAID Configuration Corruption – The system was unable to initiate a rebuild due to inconsistencies in RAID metadata.
- Replacement Disk Not Integrated – The new hard drive was detected but not recognized as a part of the RAID array.
- One Missing Disk Error – Despite all physical disks being present, the server flagged a missing drive, preventing RAID functionality.
To successfully recover the client’s data, we implemented a multi-step RAID 5 recovery strategy:
Step 1: RAID Disk Imaging & Data Preservation
- Created sector-by-sector forensic images of all RAID drives to prevent further corruption.
- Ensured no additional writes occurred on the server to avoid data loss.
Step 2: Manual RAID Reconstruction & Parity Repair
- Bypassed the RAID controller and manually analysed RAID metadata.
- Identified RAID striping patterns to reconstruct the missing parity data.
- Rebuilt the RAID array in a virtual environment, restoring logical access to the data.
Step 3: File System Recovery & RAID Data Extraction
- Extracted and reassembled RAID file fragments that had become corrupted.
- Verified file integrity to ensure that all business-critical data was fully functional.
Step 4: Data Integrity Check & Secure Transfer
- Conducted a final validation process to confirm the successful recovery of files.
- Transferred all recovered data to a new, stable storage device for the client.
The Result
We successfully recovered 99.5% of the client’s critical business data, including:
✅ Databases
✅ Application files
✅ User documents and operational records
The client was able to restore full system functionality by migrating their recovered data to a new RAID 5 array, ensuring business continuity without further risk.
Why Choose Us for IBM RAID 5 Data Recovery?
✅ 25 Years of Expertise – Specialists in RAID 5, server, and forensic data recovery.
✅ Advanced RAID Techniques – Rebuilding failed RAID configurations and missing parity data.
✅ Forensic Data Recovery – Extracting lost files even from corrupted or partially rebuilt arrays.
✅ Business Continuity Focus – Minimizing downtime and ensuring operational stability.
If your IBM RAID 5 server has failed due to a rebuild error, missing disk, or corruption, contact our expert data recovery team today for professional assistance!