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Recovering RAID-0 Arrays
The RAID-0 level arrays allow combining several disks into a single large volume. Information stored on RAID-0 arrays is distributed (striped) among the disks that comprise the array, meaning that each file written onto the RAID-0 volume is cut in pieces, and every piece is stored on a separate physical disk. By striping data written to RAID-0 volumes, one gets much higher read and write speeds in addition to the larger volume size due to massively parallel read/write operations. The drawback of this type of arrays is dramatically reduced reliability. Each subsequent disk added to the array progressively increases the probability of a failure. Should just one of the underlying hard disks fail, and the entire volume becomes unreadable.
Two-disk arrays are the most common with home and SOHO users. A typical two-disk array is shown on the figure. Each file is cut into several pieces (A1-A8 in this example), and each piece is stored on the other disk. So if any one of the two disks becomes unavailable, the entire file is lost.
RAID-0 arrays do not employ any kind of data redundancy or write protection, making them extremely susceptible to failures and loss of data. If one of the drives comprising the array is completely gone, the only files that still can be recovered are those that are smaller than the size of a single stripe. However, more often than not, the disks are not gone forever, and most data can still be recovered with an appropriate RAID-0 data recovery tool.
I have a RAID-0 array, and it started behaving in a weird way. What do I do?
If you notice significant changes in operation or performance of your previously good RAID-0 array, backup all of your data immediately. If you cannot access some of the files already, backup whatever you still can, and get a RAID-0 data recovery tool to rescue the rest.
Using RAID Recovery to Salvage Files from a RAID-0 Array
Before you use RAID Recovery, make sure you have a non-RAID disk to boot from. Disable the RAID configuration in BIOS (if you're using a dedicated RAID controller, it's a good idea to unplug all of the drives from that controller and connect them directly into the motherboard). RAID Recovery works best with the drives comprising the array appear as individual drive letters.
After disassembling the RAID array, start RAID Recovery and run he RAID Wizard. In the Wizard, choose RAID-0 data recovery by selecting the Standard Mode and RAID buttons (see figure).
To repair a RAID-o array, choose RAID-0 data recovery in the Raid Type box. If you know the stripe size and disk count, specify them; otherwise, leave them "Unknown" to let Raid Recovery detect them automatically. Click Next.
The following screen asks for the drives that were part of the array. Select all drives that were part of your RAID-0 array, and click Next.
The RAID Constructor will display several RAID configurations. Select one that matches your file and folder structure closely. Sometimes you can try different stripe sizes for better results.
By the time the RAID Wizard is finished, you'll have a new volume accessible. This new volume contains file and folder structure of your original RAID array. To perform RAID-0 data recovery, click to open the Disk Wizard.
RAID-0 arrays are not known for long-term storage reliability, and should only be used in speed-critical applications where data safety is not an issue.
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