Partition in RAID 1 array became unallocated

[georgep01]

Hello All,

I am hoping for help to recover data from a partition on a RAID1 array which has inexplicably become unallocated, according to Disk Manager.

My system is a custom built PC
Motherboard Asus P8Z77-M PRO
Processor: GenuineIntel Intel64 Family 6 Model 58 Stepping 9 3.401 GHz
BIOS: American Megatrends Inc., 1504

OS name: Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate
OS version: 6.1.7601 Service Pack 1 7601

Storage & RAID controller – Intel Rapid Storage Technology
Kit installed: 11.0.0.1032
User interface version: 11.0.0.1032
Language: English
Intel RAID controller: IntelDesktop/Workstation/Server Express Chipset SATA RAID Controller
Number of SATA ports: 4
RAID option ROM version: 11.0.0.1339
Driver version: 11.0.0.1032
ISDI version: 11.0.0.1032

C: disk is a OCZ 256G Vertex 4 Series SSD
D: Liteon BD ROM Drive
E:& F: Partitions on 1.8 TB RAID1 array .(F: is now lost)
This functioned normally for about 4 months.

Below is information from the System Report Intel RST

Name: RAID1.8TB
Status: Normal
Type: RAID 1
Size: 1.8 TB
Data stripe size: 64 KB
Write-back cache: Enabled
System volume: No
Initialized: Yes
Verification errors found: 0
Blocks with media errors: 0
Physical sector size: 512 Bytes
Logical sector size: 512 Bytes
Parent array: Array_0000
Number of disks: 2
Array disk: MN3220FA05XEEE
Array disk: MN3220FA05XE7E
Disk on port 0
Port location: Internal
Status: Normal

Disk on port 4
Port location: Internal
Status: Normal
Type: Hard disk
Usage: Array disk
Size: 1.8 TB
Serial number: MN3220FA05XEEE
Model: Hitachi HDS723020BLA642
Firmware: MN6OA800
System disk: No
Password protected: No
Disk data cache: Enabled
Native command queuing: Yes
SATA transfer rate: 3 Gb/s
Physical sector size: 512 Bytes
Logical sector size: 512 Bytes

Disk on port 5
Port location: Internal
Status: Normal
Type: Hard disk
Usage: Array disk
Size: 1.8 TB
Serial number: MN3220FA05XE7E
Model: Hitachi HDS723020BLA642
Firmware: MN6OA800
System disk: No
Password protected: No
Disk data cache: Enabled
Native command queuing: Yes
SATA transfer rate: 3 Gb/s
Physical sector size: 512 Bytes
Logical sector size: 512 Bytes

According to Intel Intel Rapid Storage Technology Utility everything is functioning normally, but I cannot access the second 931.45 GB partition which was disk F: The E: partitions appears normal but I am nervous it may also be lost.

I am hoping that the data (mainly photos) is still there and that can be recovered.

I have some bitsy knowledge from years of trying to learn about problems arising with my computers. From some forum posting I read about Test Disk and wondered if it may help but it seems complicated for an amateur I would much appreciate any help and instructions.

Thank you.

 

[noidea_77]

This document describes the verify & recovery procedure for an intel raid: http://mbforum.gigabyte.de/forumdownload//Software/OEM_Technical%20Guide%20RST_rev1_0%2010%200%20Release.pdf

 

[georgep01]

Thank you - A lot to read -the document is a a whole education on a complex area.
I have to study particularly the RAID Volume Data Verification and Repair Feature p26 & ff.
First I will copy the partition that is still working to an external disk. I will report back if there are any results.
again , many thanks.

 

[georgep01]

Unfortunately it di not work. Verify took some 4hrs+ (left it run overnight) to complete (2TB disks, 1TB in each partition) reported Verification Errors found :0, Blocks with media errors:0.
But the second partiton is still Unallocated and not seen by Explorer.
I wonder what might happen if I click on "Simple Volume" (only option available) and allocated F: to it. It might break the RAID perhaps? But would it be readable.