Yes — down servers and failed server RAID are usually recoverable, including VMware/Hyper-V virtual machines and SQL/Exchange databases. We reconstruct the array and extract the data in our lab, often without the original controller. The critical first move: do NOT force a rebuild, re-initialise, or run repair tools. We offer 24/7 emergency service, NDAs and PDPA-aware handling for businesses.
Server down means the business is down. Act correctly, fast.
When a production server fails — a RAID that won't come online, a corrupt VMware datastore, a SQL database that won't mount — every hour of downtime carries a real cost. The instinct to "just rebuild it" is exactly what turns a recoverable outage into permanent data loss.
CBL recovers enterprise servers across the full stack: hardware and software RAID, VMware ESXi and Hyper-V virtualisation, and SQL Server, Exchange and other databases. We work from disk images, reconstruct the array and virtual disks, and repair the databases — with priority and emergency turnaround, NDAs and proper invoicing for government, bank and enterprise clients.
Do not force a RAID rebuild, re-initialise the array, or run CHKDSK/fsck/repair. If a disk failed, power the server down and label the disk order. One wrong rebuild can overwrite recoverable data. Call an engineer first.
What NOT to do with a failed server
Why servers fail
Full-stack server recovery — capability matrix
| Layer | We recover | Typical outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Arrays | RAID 0/1/5/6/10, Dell PERC, HP Smart Array, LSI/Broadcom, SAN/LUN, mdadm, LVM, ZFS, Storage Spaces | High |
| Virtualisation | VMware ESXi/VMFS, VMDK, Hyper-V VHD/VHDX, deleted & corrupt VMs | High |
| Databases | SQL Server (MDF/LDF), Exchange (EDB), MySQL/PostgreSQL, transaction-log repair | Case-by-case |
| Operating systems | Windows Server (NTFS/ReFS), Linux (ext4/XFS), NAS-based servers | High |
Related: RAID recovery · RAID 5 failure · NAS recovery · ransomware recovery.
Our server recovery process
Free diagnosis (priority)
We assess each member disk, the array, virtual disks and databases, and confirm recoverability — with priority scheduling for downtime-critical systems.
Image every disk
We clone each drive individually, repairing any physically failed disk in the cleanroom, so the originals are never risked.
Reconstruct array & virtual disks
We rebuild the RAID (no original controller needed), then extract and mount VMFS/VMDK or VHDX virtual disks.
Repair databases & extract
We repair and extract SQL/Exchange databases and file data, then provide a verification list.
Secure return
Verified data returned confidentially under NDA.
See the full lab process: how professional data recovery works →
Emergency service, NDA & compliance
24/7 Emergency
Priority turnaround for downtime-critical production servers.
NDA & PDPA-Aware
Confidential handling with NDAs for government, bank and enterprise clients.
Proper Invoicing
GST invoicing and documentation for corporate procurement.
How much does server recovery cost?
Server recovery is complex, multi-disk enterprise work; cost reflects the number of disks, stack complexity and turnaround.
| Case type | Examples | Indicative range (SGD) |
|---|---|---|
| Logical server / array | Config lost, controller failure, VM/DB corruption, no physical damage | $1,200 – $2,500 |
| Server + failed disk(s) | One or more disks need cleanroom repair | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| Complex / emergency | Large arrays, multiple VMs/DBs, 24/7 priority | $3,500+ |
Exact fixed price before work begins. Full detail: data recovery cost guide →
Server recovery case studies
Representative examples from typical laboratory cases. Anonymised.
RAID 5 SQL host, failed rebuild
A case-management server lost a second disk mid-rebuild. We imaged all members, reconstructed the parity, extracted the SQL database and delivered verified case files under NDA.
✓ Full recoveryVMware ESXi datastore corrupt
A VMFS datastore became inaccessible after a storage fault. We rebuilt the datastore from images and recovered the production virtual machines.
✓ VMs recoveredHyper-V host, controller failure
A RAID controller died on a Hyper-V host. We reconstructed the array without the original controller and extracted the VHDX virtual disks.
✓ 99% recoveredFree diagnosis & a fixed written quote
Free Diagnosis
We assess your server and confirm recoverability — no cost, no obligation.
Fixed Written Quote
A firm price before any work — you approve before we start.
Emergency Service
24/7 priority handling for production systems.
Server recovery FAQ
Can you recover a crashed server?+
Should I rebuild the RAID myself?+
Can you recover VMware and Hyper-V virtual machines?+
Can you recover a SQL Server or Exchange database?+
Do we need to send the server's RAID card as well?+
Do you offer 24/7 emergency server recovery?+
Do you sign NDAs and meet compliance (PDPA)?+
How much does server recovery cost?+
What if the server data cannot be recovered — are we still invoiced?+
The bottom line
A failed server is recoverable far more often than the pressure of downtime suggests — but only if the first response is right. Power it down, don't rebuild, label the disks, and call CBL. With full-stack capability, 24/7 emergency service, NDAs, we get your business back online.