Abstract: A method to rebuild an NVS image is disclosed. The method provides information to a first cluster of an information storage and retrieval system, and writes that information to a non-volatile storage device disposed in a second cluster. Upon losing utility power to all or part of the information storage and retrieval system, the method provides back-up power to a processor and a data cache, and determines if the information written to the second non-volatile storage device is accessible. If the information written to the second non-volatile storage device is accessible, then the method copies the image of that second non-volatile storage device to an external storage device. If the information written to said second non-volatile storage device is not accessible, then the method creates a virtual NVS image using the information disposed in a local data cache, and copies that virtual NVS image to an external storage device.