RAID 5 tolerates one failed disk. When a second disk fails, or a rebuild fails or is forced onto a stale disk, the array goes offline — but it's usually recoverable by reconstructing the parity and disk order in our lab. Do NOT force a rebuild, re-add the removed disk, or re-initialise. Power the array down, label the disk order, and call an engineer.
What to do right now (safe steps)
Stop it before an automatic rebuild runs onto a degraded disk and overwrites parity.
Disk order is critical for reconstruction. Note which drive came from which slot before removing anything.
Don't rebuild, re-add the failed disk, initialise, or run repair — these overwrite recoverable data.
Book a priority diagnosis. Call us or start online.
RAID 5 states: healthy → degraded → offline
All disks online. Data and parity distributed across the array.
Still running on parity — but with no redundancy left. Back up now and replace the disk carefully.
The array drops. Highly recoverable in the lab — if not forcibly rebuilt.
Why RAID 5 arrays fail
What NOT to do with a failed RAID 5
Is a failed RAID 5 recoverable?
Usually yes — even RAID 5 with two failed disks is highly recoverable, provided it hasn't been forcibly rebuilt. We image every member disk (repairing failed drives in the cleanroom), determine the RAID parameters — stripe size, disk order, parity rotation — and virtually reconstruct the array without the original controller, then extract your data. See the full service: RAID data recovery.
How much does RAID 5 recovery cost?
Simple arrays can start from around $400; indicatively $1,000–$2,200 (SGD) for logical reconstruction, or $1,800–$3,500 when member disks need cleanroom repair. Emergency service is available. Your free diagnosis confirms the exact fixed price. Full detail on our cost guide.
How to get your array to us — including after hours
Power the array down first. Do not rebuild, reinitialise or re-order the disks — and label them in bay order before you remove anything.
- Walk in — 6 Harper Road, Leong Huat Building #05-02, beside Tai Seng MRT. Monday to Friday, 9.30am–6.30pm.
- After-hours drop-off locker — available 24/7 and monitored by CCTV. WhatsApp us on +65 8127 7508 before you come over and we'll walk you through it.
- Bringing a populated NAS or server? Message us first and we'll advise on safe transport and what to label before you unrack anything.
How long it takes: diagnosis is typically same-day to 24 hours. Standard recoveries often complete within 3–7 business days depending on complexity; emergency and priority service is available for urgent business cases.
Free diagnosis whichever route you choose, and a fixed written quote before any work begins. If you decide not to go ahead, you collect your device and owe nothing.