A business client using an HP ProLiant server with a 2-disk RAID 1 array encountered a critical boot failure, preventing access to essential business data.
During startup, the system displayed an error message indicating:
- The server cannot boot
- A logical drive error had placed the system in interim recovery mode
- Server battery failure, despite being connected to a power source
The client attempted to halt the recovery process, hoping to regain access, but the server remained unresponsive. With significant amounts of business data stored on the drives, the client urgently sought data recovery assistance from Manchester Data Recovery, a specialist company with over 25 years of experience in recovering lost and inaccessible data from RAID servers.
Challenges
- RAID 1 Failure – The server’s mirrored RAID array was compromised, preventing boot-up.
- Logical Drive Corruption – The error indicated logical drive issues, which may have been caused by unexpected power loss or disk degradation.
- Server Hardware Malfunctions – The battery error message suggested potential hardware failure, making troubleshooting more complex.
- Urgent Data Recovery Needed – The client required immediate retrieval of business-critical data before replacing or repairing the server.
Solution by Manchester Data Recovery
Upon receiving the HP ProLiant server and RAID 1 drives, Manchester Data Recovery’s expert engineers implemented a step-by-step forensic recovery process:
✅ Drive Cloning & Sector-Level Imaging – To preserve the data, engineers cloned both RAID 1 drives using advanced sector-by-sector imaging tools.
✅ RAID Metadata Analysis & Reconstruction – Since RAID 1 mirrors data across two drives, engineers bypassed the failed RAID controller and rebuilt the array in a controlled lab environment.
✅ Logical Drive Repair & File System Recovery – Using forensic recovery tools, engineers restored the corrupted logical drive and extracted essential data.
✅ Battery & Hardware Failure Diagnosis – Engineers confirmed that the battery error was unrelated to the data loss, meaning recovery could proceed without hardware repairs.
✅ Secure Data Transfer – All recovered business files were transferred to a new, stable external storage device, ensuring immediate access for the client.
Results & Client Impact
- 100% of business-critical data successfully recovered
- RAID 1 array virtually reconstructed for full file restoration
- Client regained access to essential records, avoiding operational downtime
- Server hardware failure diagnosed separately, allowing informed decisions on repairs
The client was extremely relieved, as Manchester Data Recovery successfully retrieved all essential files, enabling them to resume business operations without data loss.
Conclusion
This case highlights the vulnerabilities of RAID 1 setups, where logical drive corruption, controller failures, or unexpected shutdowns can render a system unbootable. While RAID 1 provides data redundancy, it does not protect against file system corruption or hardware malfunctions.
For businesses facing RAID server failures, boot issues, or logical drive corruption, Manchester Data Recovery provides advanced forensic recovery solutions to retrieve valuable data quickly and securely.
👉 Experiencing RAID Failure? Contact Manchester Data Recovery Today!