FAQ

RAID 5 is a redundant storage configuration that tolerates the failure of only one disk at a time. When at least two disks fail simultaneously, the integrity of the array is compromised and the RAID is no longer functional: the data is no longer accessible by normal means.

RAID 6 is a redundant storage configuration that tolerates a maximum of 2 simultaneous disk failures thanks to its double parity. When at least 3 disks are defective at the same time, this tolerance is exceeded: the RAID 6 volume is no longer functional and the data is no longer accessible by the usual means.

• RAID 6 fault tolerance: 2 defective disks maximum
• Your situation: ≥ 3 defective disks — critical threshold exceeded
• Immediate consequence: automatic reconstruction impossible, risk of total data loss

RAID 6 is a RAID level that uses dual parity, allowing a set of at least 4 hard drives to continue functioning even if one or two drives fail simultaneously. In this case, your RAID enters degraded mode: the data remains accessible and intact, but the tolerance for additional failures is reduced or non-existent until the failed drives are replaced.

A failed RAID controller is a hardware failure that prevents the operating system from detecting and accessing the entire RAID volume, making all data inaccessible until the failed component is replaced or bypassed by a specialist. According to Ontrack's data recovery statistics (2024), controller failures account for approximately 20% of cases of loss of access to RAID systems.

RAID degraded mode is a critical state in which a RAID controller reports that one or more disks in the group are no longer functioning correctly, reducing data redundancy without necessarily interrupting service. According to Backblaze statistics (2024), 5.1% of hard drives fail each year, making degraded mode one of the most frequent RAID alerts in a server environment.

The system generally remains operational in degraded mode, but any additional disk failure can lead to total data loss. Rapid intervention is imperative.

A RAID not detected by the computer is a critical situation that occurs when the RAID controller is defective or its configuration has been lost, making the entire RAID volume inaccessible to the operating system.

The main causes of an undetected RAID include:

• Defective RAID controller: The card or chip managing the RAID no longer responds, preventing any communication with the disks
• RAID configuration loss: The metadata describing the RAID structure (type, disk order, block size) has been erased or corrupted
• Power or connection problem: A faulty cable or unstable power supply can make the RAID invisible at startup

A solid-state drive (SSD) with a LED that is off or blinking indicates a hardware failure affecting the power supply or a critical internal component. The most frequent causes are: a power failure (defective cable, out-of-service SATA port), a damaged SSD controller, or a faulty NAND memory chip. According to industry data, approximately 60% of LED failures on SSDs are related to an internal component rather than the power supply.

An inactive LED indicates that the SSD is not receiving enough power or that its internal controller is no longer responding. Abnormal blinking may indicate firmware corruption or a defective memory chip.

An SSD not recognized by the BIOS is a hardware or software problem preventing the boot system from detecting the SSD drive, usually caused by a failure of the connectors, firmware, controller, or memory chips.

To diagnose the problem, access your computer's BIOS by pressing F2, F9, F12, or DEL at startup (the key varies depending on the manufacturer: Dell uses F2, HP uses F9, ASUS uses DEL). The BIOS will immediately indicate whether the SSD is detected or not.

Symptoms

A scratched CD/DVD is an optical disc whose reading surface is damaged by scratches, compromising the drive's ability to read the data correctly. It is essential not to cause further scratches: stop using your CD/DVD immediately and gently remove it from the drive.

Authorities (ANSSI, OFCS, Europol, FBI) unanimously recommend not paying the ransom, for several reasons:

• No guarantee — between 20 and 40% of victims who paid did not receive a functional decryption key
• Risk of double extortion — attackers may exfiltrate data before encryption and threaten to publish it even after payment
• Funding of crime — payment encourages further attacks and may expose the company to legal penalties in certain jurisdictions
• Existing alternatives — in 30 to 50% of incidents, full or partial recovery is possible without payment

Before making any decision, consult a data recovery specialist and report the attack to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) in Switzerland or to ANSSI in France.

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A broken SATA connector on an SSD is a physical failure that prevents power and data transfer between the drive and the motherboard. Do not attempt to force the damaged connector and never open your SSD to attempt a DIY repair: the internal components of an SSD (controller, NAND chips, capacitors) are extremely sensitive to uncontrolled handling and static electricity. An unprofessional intervention can make data recovery definitively impossible.

The LED on a USB drive is a built-in indicator light that signals the activity and power of the storage device. When the LED on your USB drive no longer lights up or flashes abnormally, this indicates an internal malfunction. This problem usually stems from an internal power failure or, in most cases, a damaged internal electronic component (controller, flash memory, or circuit board).

A broken USB connector is a physical failure that prevents the USB drive from establishing a stable connection with a computer, exposing the stored data to the risk of permanent inaccessibility if inappropriate intervention damages the internal memory chips.

Do not attempt to force the damaged connector or open your USB drive to resolder the connector yourself: according to data recovery specialists, more than 60% of DIY repair attempts on USB connectors worsen the damage to internal components, making data recovery more complex and costly.

A USB drive damaged by fire or flood is a storage device that has suffered physical or electronic damage caused by heat, flames, or moisture. These disasters can cause three types of critical failures: melting of internal components (connector, circuit board), the presence of residual moisture inside the case, and failure of the control electronics, making the data inaccessible without specialized intervention.

A USB drive broken into pieces is a physically fragmented storage device whose internal components, including the NAND flash memory chip, may remain functional despite the external damage. If your USB drive is broken, handle the pieces as little as possible: any attempt to glue or solder the fragments, or to extract the internal components yourself, risks permanently damaging the memory chip and making data recovery impossible.