A Windows 2000 dynamic RAID-5 (converted from a stripe set with parity) shows degraded performance and Disk Management reports the third disk status as “Missing.” What is the first action you should take to recover the RAID-5 volume?

Introduction / Context:
Dynamic RAID-5 volumes in Windows 2000 tolerate a single disk failure. However, a disk can appear as “Missing” due to temporary cabling, power, or controller issues—not necessarily a failed disk. Reactivating a “Missing” dynamic disk can restore it to “Online” if the underlying cause was transient, allowing the RAID-5 set to resynchronize without replacement.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Dynamic RAID-5 volume across four disks; the third disk shows “Missing.”
• Performance suddenly slower than the previous day, consistent with degraded RAID.
• No explicit evidence yet of physical disk failure.
• Goal: recover volume with minimal disruption and data integrity preserved.

Concept / Approach:
Windows marks a dynamic disk as “Missing” when it was present but cannot be contacted (power/cable/temporary removal). If the device is still healthy and connectivity is restored, Reactivating the disk in Disk Management brings it online, updating the dynamic disk database. Only if the disk truly fails should replacement and parity rebuild proceed. Attempting “Repair” without first ensuring availability may fail or mislead the admin into unnecessary replacement.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Physically verify the third disk’s power and data connections; check controller/ports.2) In Disk Management, right-click the “Missing” disk → Reactivate Disk.3) If it returns “Online,” allow RAID-5 to resync; monitor event logs and performance.4) If reactivation fails and SMART/diagnostics indicate failure, replace the disk and perform a rebuild.

Verification / Alternative check:
After reactivation, the volume status should transition from “Degraded” to healthy as parity resynchronizes. Event Viewer will log successful reactivation and reconstruction progress.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Replace immediately: Premature if the disk is only disconnected; try reactivation first.
• Repair before reactivation: The OS cannot repair a disk that is not online.
• Create extended partition for auto repair: Not a supported recovery path for dynamic RAID-5.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming “Missing” means failed; replacing a good disk unnecessarily; mixing basic/dynamic operations during recovery.

Final Answer:
Verify power/connection for the third disk and use Disk Management to reactivate the disk