New LS Quad with RAID error

[sdavis]

   

I found my new LinkStation Quad (LS-Q4/R5, Firmware 1.04) powered down (set to do so if error) and restarted to get blinking LED lights.

 

I just got this a couple days ago, set up on my network to back up my Macs with Time Machine (which worked fine though the first few attempts failed due to a "network error" after backing up 10 gigs or so) using RAID5 (XFS file format).  The LED was blinking red FOUR TIMES (1 long, 3 short), which the manual indicates a RAID error.

 

OK, so went to NAS Navigator2, which indicated an error -- "E13", then a bunch of Japanese, thank you very much -- and another code "I255".  Opened up the webpage to the Buffalo unit, logged in, and it confirmed that there was an error in RAID Array 1 (the only one I have set up) and the only offered solution was to rebuild it, which it is doing now (933 minutes to go!).

 

Here are my questions:

1-what are the causes of RAID errors?

2-how do I prevent them?

3-is the unit defective/Should I return it?

4-did I lose my backed up data?

 

It's the last one that troubles me most.  What is the use of having a RAID5 if the RAID can get foobar'd so easily? Do I have to back up my backup??

 

Thanks.

-Steve 

 

[Colin137]

1. RAID errors can be caused by random corruption or soft read failures on the drive, abrupt power loss, power line irregularities, or hard drive failure.

 

2. Use a UPS to protect against abrupt power loss, and keep a backup to protect your data. RAID simply gives redundancy to a large volume, it is not a substitute for a good backup regimen. Having a backup means that the data that you're protecting is located on more than one device.

 

3. If you had a drive failure, the drive itself is most likely defective, however it is unlikely that the unit itself is defective. If you are not comfortable with the device and you're still within the retailer's exchange period, feel free to exchange the device.

 

4. The data is most likely still intact. Wait for the disk check to complete and check.

Message Edited by Colin137 on 01-30-2009 04:29 PM