Data Recovery
NAS or RAID failure recovery, on site
Our NAS says the volume has crashed and the shared files are gone.
Our NAS says the volume has crashed and the shared files are gone.
A NAS spreads data across several drives, and when one fails the others usually keep the data available. The trouble starts when a second drive fails, or when a rebuild after the first failure stresses the remaining drives. We record the model, the RAID type and which drive sits in which bay, then check the health of each drive before attempting anything. Logs on the NAS are saved first.
What the technician does
- Record the NAS setup and drive order before touching anything
- Check each drive's health and the state of the array
- Recover data to new storage and rebuild only once it is safe
Don't pull drives out or swap them around - the order matters to the array.
About NAS or RAID failure recovery
If the array can be mounted read-only, we copy the shared files to new storage first, before attempting any rebuild. Only once the data is safe do we replace failed drives and rebuild. If too many drives have failed or one has physical damage, the remaining route is a specialist lab, and we explain that clearly. Once rebuilt, we set up an offsite copy and drive health alerts.
What usually causes it
- A second drive failed before the first was replaced
- A power cut interrupted a rebuild or update
- Drive health warnings were ignored
- A firmware update failed partway through
Before we arrive
- The affected drive or computer, switched off
- A list of the most important files or folders
- A new drive to receive the recovered data, if you have one
- When the files were last seen and what happened since
What a visit looks like
When you book NAS or RAID failure recovery, you tell us what's going on and we reply with a time that suits you and a price. Nothing starts until you're happy with both.
On the day, the technician arrives, looks at the problem in person and confirms the plan with you before starting. If something turns out different from what was expected - a part is needed, or the cause is somewhere else - we stop and agree the change with you first.
When the work is done we test it with you, show you what was changed, and leave the area tidy. For business jobs we note what we did, so there is a record for whoever looks after your IT next.
Pricing
Each NAS or RAID failure recovery job is priced before work starts. The price depends on what's involved - the size of the site, the equipment, and whether parts are needed - so the quickest way to a number is to tell us about the job on the booking form.
There is no contract and no monthly fee. You book the job you need and pay for that job.
NAS or RAID failure recovery: questions
Is RAID a backup?
No. RAID protects against one drive failing, but not against deletion, ransomware, theft or the whole NAS failing. Your files should also be copied somewhere separate.
Can we keep using the NAS while you look?
No. Using a degraded or crashed array risks further damage. Switch it off or leave it as it is until it has been assessed. Leave the drives where they are.
Do you do NAS or RAID failure recovery on site?
Yes. We come to businesses and homes across Auckland and Hamilton and do the work where the equipment is.
How much does NAS or RAID failure recovery cost?
It depends on what's involved. Tell us about the job on the form and we'll confirm the price before any work starts.