Vaio Z (VPC-Z1190X) RAID 0 Array Failure

Hey all,

Recently my laptop has been giving me messages (at bootup as well as in Windows) that says one of my SSD drives (in RAID 0) have failed. I can still start up the computer normally and do most things, except sometimes Windows Explorer will become unresponsive, and then the computer reminds me again that I have a failed drive.

I do not know how to figure out what files are on the failed drive. Unfortunately my laptop is no longer under warranty, so I want to avoid having it serviced - I'd rather fix it myself if possible. I've used Windows backup regularly and I've moved as many files as I can, but I don't know if I will not be able to boot the computer at some point.

Is there a thread I can be redirected to for more information, or are there any other things I can try? I figured I'd open up the laptop first to see if the SSD connectors have come loose.

Thanks,

 

A failure might just indicate a data corruption, so if you're lucky your hardware isn't actually faulty.

The first thing I'd do is rescue all data you still need, then unlink the raid array, do a secure erase, redo the raid and reinstall a clean Windows. If the problem then persists you do have a faulty SSD, and there isn't much you can do about that aside replacing it. A faulty connector would give much more persistent errors.

 

If I do have a faulty SSD, I was under the impression that the ones used in the Z119 were proprietary - so I guess I won't be able to just replace it with an after-market part? Thanks for the suggestions.

 

You can replace them with 1.8" SSDs and remove their casing.

That's what many have done.

 

Yeah that's correct but as a Z11 user you will also need a new SSD ribbon cable (Z11 SSDs use proprietary ZIF sockets and Z12-Z13 use standard mSATA sockets).

@OP why don't you post the error message that Intel RST or the Option ROM shows you?

 

Forgot to mention that one.. Yes. The Z11 has a different cable and you need to get a cable to replace it.

 

The RST gives me the message:

Array_0000

Volume0: Failed
Details: your volume appears inaccessible. Try fixing any problems reported on the array disks. If this fails, review the Troubleshooting section under Help for more information.

Disk on port 2: Failed.

 

You don't have a hardware error. It's corrupted RAID marking. Perhaps you BSODed or hard-powered off the laptop.

You can possibly fix it:

1st Step: Create full backup of your data if possible. See my sig link for a comprehensive guide (ghost license required) or use a drive imaging tool. This step is essential as you may be not able to go back to the semi-working state anymore after completing the following steps.

2nd Step: Enable RAID option show in BIOS setup. Boot and press Ctrl+I when prompted.

3rd Step: In the RAID option ROM delete the RAID array. Then recreate a new one with the same name and 128KB strip size with both drives fully utilized. Reboot.

Final Step: Follow these instructions if you get some OS not found error.

Good luck.

 

Thanks! I really appreciate the assistance. Does this also work on Windows 7? I see that the guide you've posted is for XP. Also, I guess since I don't have a ghost license, I was wondering if the standard recovery disk for the system would be sufficient.

 

So the posted fix worked well, but the issue is persisting and happening once every 2-3 months or so. What might be causing this corruption in RAID marking? I do not have any recollections of BSODs and I do not hard-power off the laptop. I'm suspecting that this is an issue to do with the graphics drivers that mediate switching between integrated and dedicated graphics. Anyone else have this issue?

 

Well, I haven't had any issues, but what makes you suspect the graphics card? Also, are you using stock or hacked drivers and bios?

 

I suspect the graphics card because the only BSODs or sudden shutdowns I've experienced with this machine have all been related to a graphics driver crash - especially on the auto hybrid switching mode. From time to time the screen blinks and then I'm notified that the display driver crashed but recovered. I am using stock drivers and bios and they should be up to date.

 

This is a known Intel RAID controller issue which has no solution yet.
I see the same issue on my VPCZ114GX. It failed on 64GB portion within 128GB drive.
Let try install newest Intel RST RAID driver (11.6.0.1030).

 

Actually, installing the newest RAID driver did at least allow me to properly backup the data, so that was quite helpful. I was able to restore to a backed up image to fix it for now. Now to fix the issue with my fan...