How does RAID data recovery work?
RAID recovery is the technical process of restoring lost data from a degraded RAID system, an inaccessible NAS or a failed server. At SOS Raid Recovery, Swiss specialist since 2006, this process runs in 4 steps: free diagnosis in 3 hours, secure dispatch of your media, RAID array analysis and secure reconstruction of your data set. More than 10,000 cases successfully resolved.
How do we recover data from a RAID?
Whether your Synology, QNAP, Buffalo NAS or your Dell or HP server has failed, we identify two main categories of RAID failure, each requiring a specific approach to reconstruct the array and restore your data.
Logical RAID failure
If your RAID system has experienced one of the following incidents, the problem is likely a logical failure:
- RAID degraded after the loss of one or more drives
- Failed reconfiguration or rebuild
- File system corruption (ext4, BTRFS, ZFS, XFS)
- Accidental deletion of volumes or partitions
- Failed NAS firmware update
We clone all member drives of the RAID array to temporary drives. We reconstruct the RAID configuration (drive order, stripe size, parity) and analyse the file system to extract your data.
Physical failure of a RAID drive
If one or more drives in your RAID array have experienced one of the following incidents, the problem is likely a physical failure:
- Drive not detected by the RAID controller
- Unusual noises (clicking, grinding) on a member drive
- Power surge or outage damaging multiple drives
- NAS or server no longer boots
- Water damage or fire
We open the faulty drives under certified ISO 5 laminar flow (standard ISO 14644-1, max. 3,520 particles ≥ 0.5 µm per m³). Damaged components (read heads, motor, electronics) are replaced using specialist equipment (PC-3000 by ACE Laboratory). Once the drives are functional, we reconstruct the RAID array and extract your data.
Comparison: logical vs. physical RAID failure
| Criterion | Logical failure | Physical failure |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Degraded RAID, failed rebuild, software corruption | Failed drive, power surge, impact, mechanical wear |
| Environment | Standard lab | ISO 5 laminar flow (ISO 14644-1, class 100) |
| Method | Drive cloning + software RAID reconstruction | Physical drive repair + RAID reconstruction |
| Average time | 2 to 5 days | 5 to 10 days |
| Equipment | RAID reconstruction tools, specialist software | PC-3000, laminar flow, spare parts, RAID tools |
RAID types we recover
Whatever RAID configuration you use, our lab in Ins has the expertise and tools to reconstruct the array and restore your data. Each RAID configuration requires a specific recovery approach.
Our method for restoring your RAID data
We do everything possible to simplify and speed up the recovery of your RAID data, even when multiple drives have failed. Our process is built on four key phases, each playing an essential role in reconstructing your array and restoring your files, while guaranteeing the confidentiality and security of your information.
Declare Failure
15 minutesReport the failure by phone, via our website or directly at our lab. Specify the RAID type (0, 1, 5, 6, 10…), the number of drives and the brand of your NAS or server. Our team advises you free of charge and identifies the nature of the problem. With more than 10,000 cases handled since 2006, our specialists establish a first diagnosis from the very first contact.
Sending your RAID system
Min 3 h.You can send us your drives or your complete NAS/server in one of the following ways:
Device Analysis
1 hourUpon receiving your RAID system, a SOS Raid Recovery specialist performs an in-depth analysis of each member drive and the RAID configuration (order, stripe size, parity, file system). A detailed report and quote are provided within 3 hours.
If you accept the quote, we proceed with array reconstruction and data extraction. No recovery, no fees. In case of failure, only the attempt fee is charged. Your data stays in Switzerland in accordance with the revised Data Protection Act (DPA).
Repair and data extraction
Min 1 dayWe carry out a full clone of each RAID array member drive using professional equipment (PC-3000 among others). If a drive is physically damaged, it is repaired under ISO 5 laminar flow before cloning.
Once the copies are made, we reconstruct the RAID configuration, analyse the file system and extract your data onto a new secure medium. More than 11,300 media have been processed using this method since our lab was founded.
Why Trust Us?
What Our Clients Say
very helpful and patient. Precise and satisfying serviceB. Stefano — 12.08.2020
Worked very well, except for the review questionnaire itselfR. Marius — 11.11.2019
I am very happy with the excellent service. The process is also quite fast.K. Umit — 02.06.2018
Excellent service. Fast recovery of data.Will use again without hesitation.Anonymous — 13.04.2017
Quick and efficient! Slightly on the expensive side but definitely worth it!Anonymous — 18.11.2016
Excellent, very professional, extremely effective: the Data Recovery Team is world-class.Anonymous — 16.11.2016
Frequently asked questions
Our specialists answer the most common questions.
How long does data recovery take?
The diagnosis takes an average of 1 to 3 hours upon receipt of the media. Complete recovery varies from 1 to 3 days for a simple software failure, to 3 to 10 days for a complex physical failure or a multi-disk RAID system. A 24/7 emergency service is available upon request.
How much does data recovery cost?
Prices vary depending on the type of media and the severity of the failure. Diagnosis is free and without obligation. If the recovery fails, only an attempt fee is charged — 80% of the cost is only due if your data is actually recovered.
Is it possible to recover data after a ransomware attack?
Yes, in many cases. Our team analyzes the type of ransomware and explores several approaches: recovering unencrypted files, exploiting known vulnerabilities in the encryption, restoring previous versions of the files. Each case is unique — a free diagnosis allows us to assess the chances of success.
Is it possible to recover data from a physically damaged hard drive?
Yes, data recovery from physically damaged hard drives is our specialty. SOS Data Recovery has an ISO Class 5 certified laminar flow environment according to ISO 14644-1 (max. 3,520 particles ≥ 0.5 µm per m³) allowing us to open and repair media in dust-free conditions. Defective components are replaced using specialized equipment (PC-3000 from ACE Laboratory) before performing a complete bit-by-bit copy of the media.
Is the diagnostic analysis really free?
Yes, the diagnostic analysis is systematically free and delivered within 3 hours of receiving your media. It determines the exact nature of the failure (software or physical), the chances of recovery, and the precise cost of the intervention. No commitment is required at this stage.
What certifications does SOS Data Recovery have?
SOS Data Recovery (Tesweb SA) is CyberSafe certified and a CyberSafe partner by the cyber-safe.ch association (complete security audit), authorized for the processing of confidential federal data, Swiss Label certified, and operates an ISO 5 certified laminar flow according to the ISO 14644-1 standard. The company has been active since 2006 and has processed over 11,300 media. Our customers give us a rating of 4.5/5 on Verified Reviews (249+ reviews).
What is the difference between a logical and a physical failure?
A logical failure affects the file system or the data itself (accidental deletion, formatting, corruption, virus). The storage device functions normally, but the files are inaccessible. A physical failure affects the hardware components (read/write heads, motor, memory chips, connector). The storage device does not start, makes abnormal noises, or is no longer detected. A physical failure requires intervention in an ISO 5 cleanroom environment.
What types of media can you handle?
All digital storage media: HDDs, SSDs (SATA, NVMe, M.2), USB flash drives, memory cards (SD, microSD, CF), smartphones, tablets, RAID and NAS servers, magnetic tapes (LTO, DLT, DAT, AIT) and optical media (CD, DVD, Blu-ray). More than 11,300 media of all types have been processed since 2006.
Where is your lab located and how do I send my media?
Our lab is located in Ins (Anet), in the canton of Bern, Switzerland. You can send your media by registered mail, drop it off at one of our 50+ partner collection points in Switzerland, or hand it over to us directly on site. We provide secure packaging on request.
Will my data remain confidential during the process?
SOS Data Recovery is CyberSafe certified and a CyberSafe partner (a label awarded by the cyber-safe.ch association after a comprehensive audit) and authorized to process confidential data for federal institutions. The entire process complies with the new Federal Data Protection Act (nLPD, RS 235.1). Our premises are secured by surveillance cameras, access badges, and alarms. Unused media are stored in a safe.
The diagnosis takes an average of 1 to 3 hours upon receipt of the media. Complete recovery varies from 1 to 3 days for a simple software failure, to 3 to 10 days for a complex physical failure or a multi-disk RAID system. A 24/7 emergency service is available upon request.
Prices vary depending on the type of media and the severity of the failure. Diagnosis is free and without obligation. If the recovery fails, only an attempt fee is charged — 80% of the cost is only due if your data is actually recovered.
Yes, in many cases. Our team analyzes the type of ransomware and explores several approaches: recovering unencrypted files, exploiting known vulnerabilities in the encryption, restoring previous versions of the files. Each case is unique — a free diagnosis allows us to assess the chances of success.
Yes, data recovery from physically damaged hard drives is our specialty. SOS Data Recovery has an ISO Class 5 certified laminar flow environment according to ISO 14644-1 (max. 3,520 particles ≥ 0.5 µm per m³) allowing us to open and repair media in dust-free conditions. Defective components are replaced using specialized equipment (PC-3000 from ACE Laboratory) before performing a complete bit-by-bit copy of the media.
Yes, the diagnostic analysis is systematically free and delivered within 3 hours of receiving your media. It determines the exact nature of the failure (software or physical), the chances of recovery, and the precise cost of the intervention. No commitment is required at this stage.
SOS Data Recovery (Tesweb SA) is CyberSafe certified and a CyberSafe partner by the cyber-safe.ch association (complete security audit), authorized for the processing of confidential federal data, Swiss Label certified, and operates an ISO 5 certified laminar flow according to the ISO 14644-1 standard. The company has been active since 2006 and has processed over 11,300 media. Our customers give us a rating of 4.5/5 on Verified Reviews (249+ reviews).
A logical failure affects the file system or the data itself (accidental deletion, formatting, corruption, virus). The storage device functions normally, but the files are inaccessible. A physical failure affects the hardware components (read/write heads, motor, memory chips, connector). The storage device does not start, makes abnormal noises, or is no longer detected. A physical failure requires intervention in an ISO 5 cleanroom environment.
All digital storage media: HDDs, SSDs (SATA, NVMe, M.2), USB flash drives, memory cards (SD, microSD, CF), smartphones, tablets, RAID and NAS servers, magnetic tapes (LTO, DLT, DAT, AIT) and optical media (CD, DVD, Blu-ray). More than 11,300 media of all types have been processed since 2006.
Our lab is located in Ins (Anet), in the canton of Bern, Switzerland. You can send your media by registered mail, drop it off at one of our 50+ partner collection points in Switzerland, or hand it over to us directly on site. We provide secure packaging on request.
SOS Data Recovery is CyberSafe certified and a CyberSafe partner (a label awarded by the cyber-safe.ch association after a comprehensive audit) and authorized to process confidential data for federal institutions. The entire process complies with the new Federal Data Protection Act (nLPD, RS 235.1). Our premises are secured by surveillance cameras, access badges, and alarms. Unused media are stored in a safe.
Your data can be recovered. Act now.
Every hour counts. The more a drive is used after data loss, the harder recovery becomes. Contact us immediately.