SAN Recovery

Plugins for SAN recovery

are specialized add-ons designed to facilitate data recovery operations on popular SAN systems. Seamlessly integrating with UFS Explorer Technician, the plugins automate the reconstruction of complex configurations used by various SAN platforms and provide direct access to the contained virtual volumes. As a result, technical experts can quickly examine the contents and begin data retrieval without having to dive into the specifics of the underlying storage structure.

Straightforward recovery from complex SAN infrastructures

Each plugin is tailored to the architecture of the respective storage platform, enabling recovery specialists to handle SAN data loss more efficiently, without spending time on manual analysis of complex proprietary layouts.

virtual pools and volumes
Auto-assembly of virtual pools and volumes

SAN storage arrays typically rely on multiple layers of virtualization, storage pools and proprietary RAID implementations. Data recovery from such systems usually requires tedious reconstruction of the internal configuration before any file system analysis can begin. These SAN recovery plugins detect and interpret service information stored on the drives, automatically rebuilding supported storage configurations. Consequently, SAN virtual volumes become available in the software interface for further access and data extraction.

Adapted to vendor-specific SAN layouts

Each plugin is developed with the architecture of a particular SAN platform in mind. This includes support for the proprietary metadata structures, storage pool organization methods and virtualization mechanisms used by the respective vendor. By taking these characteristics into account, the plugins can recognize the storage layout and reproduce it correctly, enabling access to the data stored within virtual volumes. This approach eliminates the need for additional adjustments and reduces the time and effort required for SAN recovery.

Smooth integration into UFS Explorer Technician

These modules allow technical experts to combine automated SAN reconstruction with the advanced data recovery capabilities already available in the software. Once the storage configuration is assembled by means of a plugin, the available volumes can be searched, scanned and recovered using the full range of tools provided by the application. The chosen plugin becomes accessible through the list of plugins in UFS Explorer Technician following a quick activation process and can be managed via an embedded plugin manager.

Additional modules for different SAN solutions

The line of SAN recovery plugins includes components designed for various SAN storage platforms commonly used in corporate environments and data centers.

For Dell EqualLogic
Recovery Explorer
Available for:
Windows, Linux
from €1999.95
Automatic detection of SAN parameters

This plugin recognizes Dell EqualLogic SAN metadata and interprets it to reconstruct both the current and previously applied storage array configurations.

Manual provision of SAN configuration data

If severe corruption prevents automatic reconstruction, specialists can define the underlying RAID sets manually and import superblock or metadata copy files.

Easy preview of available volumes

Before starting data recovery, users can examine the content of detected volumes and evaluate their condition using a built-in file system preview tool.

Direct access to volumes and snapshots

Once the required EqualLogic SAN configuration is selected, the plugin grants immediate access to the restored volumes and snapshots, allowing users to complete the recovery procedure.

For HP StorageWorks EVA
Recovery Explorer
Available for:
Windows, Linux
from €1199.95
Automatic recognition of Vraid metadata

The plugin reads metadata describing the Vraid layout and employs it to reconstruct the available configuration versions, including disk groups, redundancy and other settings.

Support for built-in Vraid redundancy

When certain Vraid components are not operational, the software applies redundancy mechanisms inherent to the corresponding Vraid scheme (for Vraid1, Vraid5 and Vraid6).

Prompt file system preview

The plugin provides a dedicated tool that allows users to inspect the file system content of detected volumes before initiating the recovery process.

Immediate access to virtual volumes

The reconstructed HP EVA SAN virtual volumes can be opened within the interface of UFS Explorer Technician and processed like any ordinary storage device.

For HPE MSA
Recovery Explorer
Available for:
Windows, Linux
from €1499.95
Automatic detection of SAN pool metadata

The plugin identifies metadata associated with HPE MSA storage pools and gathers all parameters required to reconstruct the SAN configuration.

Support for disk group redundancy

When some drives within a disk group are not available, the software applies the redundancy mechanisms inherent to the corresponding RAID scheme.

Easy inspection of volume contents

Before initiating data recovery, users can quickly explore the file system structure and evaluate the condition of detected volumes using a built-in preview tool.

Direct access to virtual volumes

Reconstructed HPE MSA volumes are mounted in the interface of UFS Explorer Technician and become available for further recovery operations.

For HPE 3PAR StoreServ
Recovery Explorer
Available for:
Windows, Linux
from €3999.95
Automatic recognition of SAN metadata

The plugin interprets service information stored on the SAN member drives and uses it to reconstruct the necessary HPE 3PAR storage pool configuration.

Support for chunklet redundancy

When certain physical disk chunklets are missing from the assembly, the software applies redundancy mechanisms of the deployed RAID scheme (for redundant CPGs only).

Convenient preview of available volumes

Before recovery, users can easily inspect the file system content of reconstructed virtual volumes with the help of an embedded preview tool.

Immediate access to virtual volumes

Once the required volume is restored, it can be opened directly in UFS Explorer Technician for further analysis and data extraction.

For Infiniti SAN
Recovery Explorer
Available for:
Windows, Linux
from €1499.95
Automatic detection of Infinity SAN metadata

The plugin interprets metadata of Engenio-based storage systems (such as Dell PowerVault MD3, IBM DS3 and NetApp E-Series) and uses it to reconstruct the respective SAN configuration.

Support for RAID redundancy

If redundancy is available at the disk group level, the software applies the inherent RAID mechanisms when failed drives cannot participate in the SAN reconstruction.

Quick file system browsing before recovery

An embedded preview tool allows users to examine the directory structure and content of detected volumes before initiating the recovery process.

Straightforward access to reconstructed volumes

Once the necessary configuration is restored, the available SAN volumes can be opened for data recovery operations directly in the interface UFS Explorer Technician.

For IBM Storwize
Recovery Explorer
Available for:
Windows, Linux
from €1999.95
Automatic identification of SAN pool metadata

The plugin detects metadata describing the storage pools on IBM Storwize systems and uses it to properly reconstruct their layout.

Support for basic RAID and DRAID

When some drives are unavailable within a redundant configuration, the software automatically applies the redundancy mechanisms inherent to the corresponding RAID scheme.

Fast inspection of available content

Before starting recovery, users can review the file system structure and content of detected volumes using the built-in preview functionality.

Prompt access to logical volumes

After successful IBM Storwize SAN reconstruction, the virtual volumes become available for subsequent processing in UFS Explorer Technician.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a SAN recovery plugin as a standalone application?
SAN recovery plugins are not designed as standalone applications. They extend the functionality of UFS Explorer Technician, and using them requires running this software. A plugin appears in the plugins list after installation and a software restart, and is available only within this program. SAN recovery plugins are also not compatible with other editions of UFS Explorer.
How do I choose the right plugin?
A plugin should be selected based on the specific SAN platform you need to recover data from. Each plugin targets a particular SAN architecture (e.g., Dell EqualLogic, HPE MSA, HPE 3PAR, IBM Storwize, etc.), so you should check the SAN system vendor and model involved in your recovery scenario. Detailed descriptions of each plugin’s supported storage models are provided on the corresponding product pages in the Software Store.
Where can I find the technical characteristics of each plugin?
All technical characteristics, including supported SAN models, RAID configurations, volume types and other details, are provided on each plugin’s product page in the Software Store.
Can I test a plugin before purchasing a license?
Yes, you can evaluate the functionality of a plugin using a limited Demo license. In the trial mode, the software allows you to preview the content of SAN volumes but does not permit opening them for further data recovery. Each plugin is bundled with its own Demo license, which can be activated according to this instruction. Please be aware that, like UFS Explorer Technician, SAN recovery plugins operate under Sentinel licensing, so activation requires the Sentinel Runtime Environment, as explained in the Sentinel-based Trial License Activation Guide.
How should I install the chosen plugin?
Download the plugin from the corresponding product page in the Software Store and install it on your system by following the prompts provided by the installer. Restart UFS Explorer Technician, and the plugin should be recognized automatically by the software. However, please note that, to start using the plugin, you also need to activate its Demo license according to this instruction. If no active license is available, the plugin will not be loaded from the plugins list, and an error message will be displayed when you start the software.
How do I purchase and activate a license for the chosen plugin?
A license can be ordered via the plugin’s product page in the Software Store. Like UFS Explorer Technician, SAN recovery plugins are subject to Sentinel licensing. Different types of Sentinel-based licenses have distinct activation procedures, which are described in the Sentinel License Management Guide.