RAID 6 Data Recovery
Introduction RAID 6 Array
Standard RAID levels include a basic set of RAID configurations that use mirroring, striping, or parity to distribute data across storage.
RAID 6 is one of the options for redundant arrays that is resistant to data loss. RAID 6 performance is poor (since each parity was calculated separately), and the parity data is written across two drives rather than one. This could mean that it takes at least 4 disks to create such a raid, and it can withstand 2 disks being disconnected at the same time.
However, since a RAID 6 array includes a significant number of drives, rebuild times can be significant.
At the same time, the array does not provide any protection against data loss due to catastrophic failures, virus infection of files, multiple disk failures, etc.
Reed-Solomon Parity
Reed-Solomon parity is used to store data and correct errors on RAID 6 and this is the main reason for the reliability of RAID 6. If a piece of information is damaged on one or two disks, the array controller will automatically recalculate and recover the data. DiskInternals is familiar with this mechanism and DiskInternals RAID Recovery software immediately recognizes Reed-Solomon parity and performs the recovery process, saving the recovered data in the location of your choice.
Note: RAID 10 vs RAID 6Symptoms & Reasons for RAID 6 Array Failure
As stated above, RAID 6 does not provide any protection against data loss due to crashes, virus infection of files, multiple disk failures, etc.
Here are the main common symptoms of a situation in which you need to rebuild a RAID:
- There are no RAID partitions
- Your RAID controller is not responding
- You have a server crash
- Power problems, voltage drops
- Damage or expired disk drive
- Accidental disappearance of files on your disk.
The most common RAID 6 failure is due to disk read errors or URE errors. That is, every two hundred million sectors, the disk will not be able to read any of them, which means that RAID 6 data recovery will stop because the controller sees this error.
However, you can still recover your data with DiskInternals RAID Recovery software.
Step by Step RAID 6 Data Recovery
- 1. If one of the drives in the array is damaged, start by creating a binary image of that particular drive.
- 2. Download and install DiskInternals RAID Recovery to recover RAID 6.
- 3. Select your array type and level.
- 4. Wait while the program automatically detects the parameters of your disk or the list of available files. Please check the previews of your files to make sure you get what you need and in the right quality. It would be nice if you had a 2+ MB image among your data to check the integrity of the data.
- 5. Purchase a Windows RAID Recovery Software license and continue with the data export process.
- 6. Congratulations, your RAID 6 is now rebuilt and secure!
How to Recover a RAID Single- or Dual-Disk Failure
To recover a RAID 6 disk when one or two disks fail, you will need corresponding or more space on the other disk or on an FTP server to store the recovered data. The recovery procedure will be performed automatically by DiskInternals RAID Recovery.
How to Recover a RAID with Three or More Disks Failure
Unfortunately, RAID 6 cannot be recovered if three or more disks fail. The only way to get your data back is to restore data from a previous backup, if one exists.
Closer look at DiskInternals RAID Recovery
Recover data from RAID arrays with software that IT and forensic professionals have trusted for over 15 years.
The success rate of RAID repair utility is over 90% based on DiskInternals' experience in this area.
There is a guaranteed 100% free preview of your files before you buy - don't waste your money until you are sure that your data can be recovered.
The program will scan your disks in order and show if recovery is possible. If the result is positive, you can continue: after completing the scan and viewing the results, you can start data recovery from RAID 6 or any other raid level.
As a result, your files will be saved, and you can move them anywhere: it can be a local drive, a network drive or an FTP connection. Keep in mind that you will need the same number of independent disks as the damaged array.
If you have any problems recovering from a RAID 6 failure, please contact Customer Service and resolve any issues at your convenience.