USB Snapped off No Backup of Config File. Can I rebuild my array without data loss?

[discountfork]

For context:

I am a media production specialist at a business and I built an unraid server suited to specific for media storage needs etc. I am an enthusiast and run Unraid at home and suggested it as a LAN storage solution with RAID redundancy properties without the downtime of a RAID rebuild. It runs so beautifully at my house for essentially the same purpose and the following scenario never crossed my mind. 

 

The Problem:

I am not allowed in the server room as I am not IT, but my server was kept in there. We moved server rooms and during the moving process, the usb got broken off completely. I have no backup of the config file. I did but it was deleted during a windows reset.

 

My first instinct was to solder on a new USB A connector and plug it back in - no dice. The indicator on USB light does not light up, no boot device detected in BIOS. My soldering job was decent, I'm not a pro but good enough to solder to some small contacts without confusing pinout or shorting to ground with too much solder etc. 

 

To the point. ALL the company media data is on this UNRAID server. All our logos, promo content, the list goes on. Basically I need to be able to rebuild the array without losing data or the company will be losing about 2000 labor hours of graphic design/media production labor, including footage that cannot be re-shot.

 

How can I successfully rebuild the array with no config file? I searched the forums for answers to no avail. If this question has been asked and solved please point me to it.

Edited September 20 by discountfork
needed to complete a sentence

[trurl]

https://docs.unraid.net/unraid-os/manual/changing-the-flash-device/#what-to-do-if-you-have-no-backup-and-do-not-know-your-disk-assignments

[Kilrah]

6 hours ago, discountfork said:

To the point. ALL the company media data is on this UNRAID server. All our logos, promo content, the list goes on. Basically I need to be able to rebuild the array without losing data or the company will be losing about 2000 labor hours of graphic design/media production labor, including footage that cannot be re-shot.

And once you're done make sure to set up an actual backup... RAID is NOT a backup, just a solution for availability - especially for a company it's unimaginable not to have a 2nd completely separate full backup that's frequently updated, and ideally a 3rd offline one offsite.

[discountfork]

I agree with you whole heartedly! If it were up to me things would be COMPLETELY different but I don't get to decide anything. At the end of the day I will be bummed because I had some cool stuff on there but it's the owner who ultimately pays. I told them exactly what you told me and that was brushed off until now that we have this massive failure. 

[discountfork]

On 9/20/2023 at 1:12 AM, trurl said:

https://docs.unraid.net/unraid-os/manual/changing-the-flash-device/#what-to-do-if-you-have-no-backup-and-do-not-know-your-disk-assignments

Thanks for this. I got everything sorted out and the server is back up and running. This mini disaster also sparked the company to buy a backup solution. 

[Frank1940]

I would suggest that you look into a USB Motherboard Header like this:

 

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B936Y2TR/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?ie=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0B936Y2TRp13NParams&s=electronics&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWxfdGhlbWF0aWM&th=1

 

(This is not a recommendation for this particular unit but the item shows what I mean by the term.)  

 

This would put the USB drive inside of the server where it is better protected from several different potential problems-- including some one deciding that they need a USB drive for some other purpose!