Safe Methods for Data Recovery from RAID 1 Disks

Step 1: Clone the Drives

Begin by disconnecting the RAID drives from the NAS or server exactly. Your goal is to clone one of the drives:

1. Disconnect both RAID drives from the NAS or server effortlessly.
2. Connect one of the RAID drives to a computer via a SATA-to-USB adapter.
3. Download and install a reliable cloning software. A curated list of top cloning tools is readily available.
4. Utilize the software to clone the RAID drive to a new empty drive, ensuring that the original data remains untouched.
5. Link the cloned drive to a Windows computer.
6. Inspect the cloned drive using Disk Management for any partitions, and assign drive letters when necessary.
7. Utilize Windows File Explorer to verify the accessibility of your files.
8. If files are accessible, create a new RAID 1 configuration with the existing data or with an additional disk pair.

Pro Tip: Cloning prevents any risks to the original data; always work off from the cloned drives for safety.

Step 2: Use a Linux Live CD

Accessing file systems unsupported by Windows is a breeze with a Linux Live CD:

1. Create a bootable Linux Live CD (such as Ubuntu or Linux Mint) on a USB drive.
2. Start the computer from the USB drive to boot into a live Linux environment.
3. Connect one of the RAID drives to the computer.
4. Open the Terminal and install necessary tools: sudo apt update and sudo apt install gparted gpart
5. Mount the RAID drive:
   • Identify your drive using the lsblk command.
   • Create a mount point with sudo mkdir /mnt/raid
   • Mount it using sudo mount /dev/sdX1 /mnt/raid (replace sdX1 with your correct device identifier).
6. Utilize File Manager to navigate and copy files from the mounted RAID drive to an alternate storage solution.

Pro Tip: Linux can read file systems like EXT4 and Btrfs natively, providing an edge when recovering data initially set up using a Linux-based NAS.

Step 3: Try Data Recovery Software

For more complicated software-level issues, you might need specialized data recovery software:

These tools are meticulously crafted to manage RAID configurations and can bypass common access roadblocks. A selection of the best data recovery applications is available, among which Stellar Data Recovery stands out due to its user-friendly features and robust performance.

Step 4: Use Disk2VHD for Virtual Backup

Virtual backups can create a safe working environment for your data recovery:

1. Download Disk2VHD from Microsoft’s website.
2. Connect the RAID drive to your computer system.
3. Start Disk2VHD and generate a virtual hard drive (VHD) file from the RAID drive.
4. After the VHD file is created, you can mount it by double-clicking on the VHD file on any compatible Windows 10 or Windows Server system.
5. Access and recover files directly from the mounted virtual hard drive.

Pro Tip: Using a VHD gives you the safety to work on a full backup without directly impacting your RAID drives.

Step 5: Seek Professional Data Recovery Services

If the situation is critical and previous steps don’t lead to success, consider expert recovery services:

1. Pack the RAID drives securely in anti-static bags and use robust packaging to prevent physical damage during shipping.
2. Consult with a professional data recovery service to arrange for a free assessment.

Pro Tip: Professional services possess advanced infrastructure and experience aimed at tackling challenging RAID failures efficiently.

What is RAID 1 and how does it work?

Can I recover data if both drives fail in RAID 1?