RAID card dead, can I save my data?

[imported_TopCat]

I've just come to realize that my RAID card has perished (PC won't POST with it attached). I had the drives configured in a RAID 1 array and I have a spare controller card (exact same model). I know that all of the array information was stored on the card itself, so is there a way for me to maintain the current array when I attach the new card? I wouldn't want to rebuild all of the accounts on the server and such, even though it is fairly new.

 

[rivan]

What's the brand/model of your card?

 

[imported_TopCat]

It's a 3ware Escalade RAID controller.

 

[rivan]

Happen to know what series? 3Ware has docs for 5xxx, 6xxx, 7xxx and 8xxx, all under the Escalade name.

 

[imported_TopCat]

Oh, whoops. It's a series 7000 PATA controller.

 

[rivan]

I don't see anything in the 7xxx/8xxx manual about replacing the controller, but 3Ware's controllers seem well built enough that they might be able to recover.

I'd say do one of two things... one of which is safer than the other.

First - and safer - call their support line at (800) 945-7273 - see if you can get some help from them... the manual says the cards have 3 year warranties.

Second, and only if you're really feeling lucky or have exhausted all the rest of the support options, throw the new card in there, connect it to the drives and see what it does. There's a chance it can recognize and recover your array.