An apparatus and method are disclosed for rebuilding a data storage array having plural communication paths. A first error detecting component detects an error at a data storage device of a data storage array. The data storage device has a plurality of ports and is operable to provide data for a preemptive rebuild. A port control component disables all but a single port of the data storage device. A preemptive rebuild component copies data from the data storage device to a spare data storage device using the single operational port. An alternative path maintenance component maintains an alternative communication path for use by other members of the data storage array and bypasses the data storage device. A second error detecting component detects an error at the data storage device during operation of the preemptive rebuild component. A device disabling component disables the data storage device after detecting a second error.