Recover lost RAID5 config/data

[dabomb]

I was upgrading the OS [c:] on a DELL Poweredge 840 server from Win2k3 server to Win2k8 R2 server using the Dell SMTD DVD to prep the install. This has always worked in the past without destroying the data partitions. (I have now found out this only works properly if the OS is on a RAID 1/0/10 and the data on a RAID 5)

In this case the OS & Data were both on RAID 5 & the Dell tool reformatted (quickly) or maybe reset the partition table so that it looks like one big drive. I noticed this once I got to the install screen for Windows 2008 R2 and shut down the system.



Are there any utilities that can be run from a bootable CD/DVD that can undo the format on the RAID 5 set or else let me browse & recover the data on the various partitions?


(Yes I know always backup first. This was not a production server and I am interested in gaining the knowledge of how recover data from an event like this.)

 

[Godmachine]

This is "Networking and Security" not the "Data Storage Systems" topic...

Might wanna ask a mod to move your thread.

 

[nitrobass24]

Getdataback

 

[RocketTech]

Active Undelete7 Enterprise edition fits the bill. I've used it for RAID 0 and RAID 1, it does support RAID 5. Free demo is limited to 64KB recovery, can create a bootable recovery disk (WinPE environment).

 

[dabomb]

This is "Networking and Security" not the "Data Storage Systems" topic...

Might wanna ask a mod to move your thread.

Ooops. If any mod sees this please move my thread to "Data Storage Systems."


Thanks for the suggestions so far I will try them tomorrow.

 

[marley1]

Moved for you. Interested in that one product listeed.

 

[mwroobel]

You didn't say whether this was a Windows Software RAID or dell hardware RAID. Check out the following 2 packages.

http://www.runtime.org/raid.htm

http://www.runtime.org/raid-recovery-windows.htm

These are from the same people as GetDataBack. You can download it and it will let you know what it can recover before you have to buy it.

 

[athlon1.2]

Is the array intact? (check the size of the volume)

 

[dabomb]

You didn't say whether this was a Windows Software RAID or dell hardware RAID. Check out the following 2 packages.

http://www.runtime.org/raid.htm

http://www.runtime.org/raid-recovery-windows.htm

These are from the same people as GetDataBack. You can download it and it will let you know what it can recover before you have to buy it.

It's a Dell Hardware RAID. The array is intact in the sense of the Dell utility retained the existing config it just did a format to it clearing all the partitions. The size of the RAID5 array is showing 1.4 TB which is what it should be.

 

[mwroobel]

It's a Dell Hardware RAID. The array is intact in the sense of the Dell utility retained the existing config it just did a format to it clearing all the partitions. The size of the RAID5 array is showing 1.4 TB which is what it should be.

Run RAID Recovery http://www.runtime.org/raid-recovery-windows.htm and see what it says.