Case file, 2013 · Two RAID 5 arrays, six 2 TB drives each
Two RAID 5 video arrays, and a repair tool that made it harder
A Calgary business brought in two RAID 5 arrays of six drives each, holding its video archive. Most video files skipped when they were played.
12drives imaged, one copy each
2arrays rebuilt from the copies
17 daysfrom intake to pickup
What made it difficult
- Three drives logged UltraDMA CRC errors, a sign of communication problems between drive and controller.
- Before the arrays reached us, a disk repair utility had been run on one of them and had overwritten its catalog, the index of every file and folder on the volume.
- Parity data on one member of each array was corrupt.
- The second array didn't follow the first one's layout. A drive had failed and been replaced earlier, which the client confirmed.
What we did
- Tested all twelve drives and made a full 1:1 image of each one.
- Worked out each array's layout from the data on the disks: RAID 5, right asynchronous, 128 KB blocks for the first.
- Rebuilt both arrays from the copies and repaired the file systems. The original drives weren't written to.
- Asked the client which videos weren't playing, then sent them a list of the recovered files to check before delivery.
The result
Both arrays were recovered. The first array's data was delivered on an external drive array; the second was copied to the client's own target after they had validated the recovered files.
Lab notes: RAID 5 · right asynchronous · 128 KB block · 12 × 2 TB SATA · Mac catalog repair
Similar problem?
Free evaluation
Tell us what happened
Send the details or call (587) 387-2346. We'll tell you what to do with the device until you get here.
Drop-off: Southcentre Executive Tower, #610 - 11012 Macleod Trail SE, Calgary. Monday to Thursday 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Friday 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Matthew Kinderwater
Director of IT, iCube Development (Calgary) Ltd.
Oversees every recovery.Save contact card