Lost a RAID partition? Here is how this tool approaches the recovery
You resize a disk, click the wrong option, and a whole RAID partition disappears. Everything stored on it is now inaccessible, and you have no backup. RAID Recovery Tool is built for that situation. It scans the affected drive and rebuilds your files from their file signatures.
Quick facts
- Platforms: Windows (Windows 7 and Windows 8 are named on the vendor's page), plus a Mac edition
- Drive types: SATA, IDE, SCSI and others
- Trial: a free demo version is offered, and the full version is a paid upgrade
- Support: the vendor advertises round-the-clock free support
Key features
Get files back from deleted, formatted or damaged RAID partitions
The tool targets corrupt, formatted, non-bootable or logically failed RAID partitions. It scans the whole drive and identifies files by their signatures.
Works across RAID levels
The vendor says it handles RAID 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, so you aren't limited to one array type.
Find a specific file after recovery
A find option lets you search the recovered files, which helps when a scan returns a large number of items.
Save disk space by compressing recovered files
You can compress the retrieved files so they take less room on the destination drive.
Recover from other storage devices too
Besides RAID drives, the vendor lists memory sticks, flash drives, iPods, USB hard disks, FireWire drives and external hard disks.
How recovery works
- Install the program and run it.
- Select the lost or deleted RAID partition from the list of logical drives.
- Look through the list of retrieved files.
Who it's for
It suits you if a RAID partition was deleted, formatted or corrupted and you have no usable backup. It is a software-only approach for logical failures. The vendor's own description does not cover physical drive faults.
Pros and cons
- Pro: a free demo lets you try it before you pay
- Pro: covers several RAID levels and drive interfaces
- Pro: a search option and file compression are built in
- Con: it is aimed at logical failures, so a physically failing drive is outside its scope
- Con: the vendor's Windows 7 and Windows 8 references suggest the product may be older, so check compatibility with your system first
FAQs
Can it recover files from a formatted RAID drive?
Yes. The vendor lists formatted, corrupt, damaged and inaccessible RAID partitions among the cases it handles.
Which drive types does it support?
The vendor names SATA, IDE and SCSI drives.
Is there a Mac version?
Yes. The vendor offers separate downloads for Mac users.
Can I try it before buying?
Yes. A free demo version is available, and you can buy the full version if the demo finds your files.
System requirements
The vendor's page doesn't list requirements. It mentions Windows 7 and Windows 8 and says other Windows versions are supported.