NETGEAR ReadyNAS Duo Data Recovery – Two Red Lights Indicating Bad Sectors and Failed Rebuild

A small architecture firm in Edinburgh encountered a critical failure with their NETGEAR ReadyNAS Duo, which was configured in a RAID 1 (mirrored) array. The system displayed two red lights, indicating that both drives had bad sectors. The firm replaced the two drives and attempted a rebuild, but it failed, leaving the data inaccessible. The ReadyNAS housed essential design projects, client files, and operational data. They contacted Edinburgh Data Recovery, Edinburgh’s best data recovery company, with over 25 years of experience, to recover their critical data.

The Problem

The NETGEAR ReadyNAS Duo failure involved:

1. Bad Sectors on Both Drives:
   • Both drives had developed extensive bad sectors, leading to RAID degradation.
2. Failed Rebuild Attempt:
   • Replacing the drives and attempting a rebuild further corrupted the RAID metadata and overwrote portions of the RAID structure.
3. No Backup:
   • The NAS was the primary storage solution, and no external backups were available.

The Data Recovery Process by Edinburgh Data Recovery

Step 1: Initial Assessment

The team conducted a thorough evaluation:

• Drive Diagnostics:
  • Both original drives were analysed individually. One drive had significant bad sectors, while the other exhibited head degradation.
• RAID Configuration Analysis:
  • The RAID 1 (mirrored) configuration parameters, including block size and drive order, were extracted.
• Failed Rebuild Impact:
  • The rebuild attempt caused additional damage to the RAID structure, complicating the recovery process.

Step 2: Disk Imaging

To preserve the original drives:

• Sector-by-Sector Clone:
  • Both drives were imaged using advanced tools that bypassed bad sectors to recover as much data as possible.
• Error Handling:
  • Specialized recovery software managed unreadable sectors to maximize data extraction.

Step 3: Virtual RAID Reconstruction

Once the drives were imaged:

• RAID 1 Virtual Reassembly:
  • A virtual RAID 1 array was reconstructed using the healthy portions of data from both drives.
• File System Recovery:
  • The ext4 file system used by the NETGEAR ReadyNAS was repaired to restore directory structures and file metadata.

Step 4: Data Recovery

• Critical File Recovery:
  • Priority was given to the firm’s design projects, CAD files, and client documentation.
• Complete Data Extraction:
  • All accessible files were systematically recovered, including partially damaged files that were reconstructed using proprietary tools.

Step 5: Validation and Delivery

• File Integrity Check:
  • Recovered files were verified for completeness and usability, ensuring no corruption or missing data.
• Secure Delivery:
  • The recovered data was transferred to a new external storage solution and securely delivered to the client.

Challenges Faced

1. Multiple Drive Failures:
   • Both drives having bad sectors required advanced imaging and recovery techniques to reconstruct the data.
2. Failed Rebuild Damage:
   • The rebuild attempt overwrote portions of the RAID metadata, complicating the recovery process.
3. Urgent Recovery Need:
   • The client needed their data urgently to meet client project deadlines.

Outcome

Edinburgh Data Recovery successfully:

• Recovered 96% of the data, including all critical design projects and client files.
• Delivered the recovered files within 5 days, allowing the firm to resume operations with minimal disruption.
• Provided recommendations for implementing a robust backup and monitoring system to prevent future data loss.

Lessons Learned

1. Backup is Essential:
   • Even with RAID, maintaining external backups is crucial to avoid data loss during multiple drive failures.
2. Avoid DIY Rebuild Attempts:
   • Rebuilding a failed RAID without professional guidance can cause further damage to the data.
3. Act Quickly:
   • Seek professional help immediately after drive failure to maximise recovery success.

Why Choose Edinburgh Data Recovery?

• 25 Years of Experience:
  • Expertise in recovering data from complex RAID failures, including RAID 1 and mirrored systems.
• Advanced Tools:
  • Proprietary technology for disk imaging, RAID reconstruction, and file system repair.
• Fast Turnaround:
  • Emergency recovery services tailored to time-sensitive needs.
• Customer-Centric Approach:
  • Personalised solutions with strict data security protocols.

This case highlights Edinburgh Data Recovery’s ability to recover data from severely degraded RAID systems, ensuring clients regain access to their critical files quickly and securely.