How to Restore a Faulty RAID Array on Your NAS Actidata actiNAS XL 1U-4

Has your NAS Actidata actiNAS XL 1U-4 suddenly lost its network drive and you’re unsure what to do next? Did the RAID array collapse, making your files inaccessible? Is the device throwing errors during startup? Perhaps you accidentally rebuilt the RAID array or several hard drives failed at the same time?

How to Restore a Faulty RAID Array on Your NAS Actidata actiNAS XL 1U-4

Actidata actiNAS XL 1U-4 NAS Data Recovery in 2025

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from an actiNAS XL 1U-4. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

How to Restore a Faulty RAID Array on Your NAS Actidata actiNAS XL 1U-4

RAID Recovery™ 2.8
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
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Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID

Conventional hard drives store user data by writing it sequentially across the disk surface, which means an entire file is typically located on a single drive. In contrast, when data is written to a RAID array, each file is split into multiple fragments. These fragments are then distributed and written in sequence across all the drives in the array. Depending on the configuration, fragment sizes can range from 2 KB to 2 MB, so every file is physically stored across several disks at once.

This approach significantly increases read and write performance — after all, writing two halves of a 1 GB file to two drives simultaneously is much faster than writing the full 1 GB to a single disk. However, this same mechanism makes file recovery far more complex.

Different RAID levels use different methods to distribute and protect data. On top of that, manufacturers like Actidata often add their own proprietary structures and variations. As a result, data can be written to disks in many different formats, and each requires a specific approach during recovery.

Can improper shutdown or unclean system reboots lead to data loss on NAS Actidata actiNAS XL 1U-4 devices?

Improper shutdown or unclean system reboots can potentially lead to data loss on any storage device, including NAS (Network Attached Storage) devices like the Actidata actiNAS XL 1U-4.

When a system is shut down improperly or rebooted unexpectedly, it can interrupt ongoing read or write operations, causing data corruption or incomplete data writes. This can lead to files becoming inaccessible or even completely lost.

To minimize the risk of data loss, it is important to follow proper shutdown procedures and ensure that all active processes or file transfers are completed before shutting down or rebooting the NAS device. Additionally, regularly backing up important data to an external storage device or cloud service is recommended as an extra precautionary measure.

How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC

Although the NAS actiNAS XL 1U-4 can be accessed over the network, you still need to remove its hard disks and connect them directly to a Windows PC. Only then can the recovery software properly scan and analyze the drives. Follow these steps:

  1. Power off the NAS and disconnect it from the power source.

    WARNING! Before removing any drives, carefully read the device manual. Improper actions may damage both the NAS enclosure and the hard disks in the RAID array.

  2. Remove the hard disks one by one, gently sliding each drive out of its slot. Remember that hard disks are highly sensitive: any impact or drop can cause serious physical damage.

  3. Label each hard disk according to its position inside the NAS. The order of the drives is crucial for correct RAID reconstruction.

  4. Connect the drives to your computer. In this video, we explain which ports you can use to connect hard disks and what to do if your PC does not have enough free connectors.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Actidata actiNAS XL 1U-4. Each hard disk in the array contains technical metadata describing how files were written. When launched, Hetman RAID Recovery analyzes this metadata, automatically reconstructs the damaged array, and provides access to its contents. After that, you can browse the recovered disk and save your files. The program can also restore files that were accidentally deleted from the network drive.

Go to view
How to recover data from a Actidata

How to recover data from a Actidata

actiNAS XL 1U-4 has 3 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • RAID 0;
  • RAID 1;
  • RAID 5;
  • JBOD;

NAS supports:

  • exFAT, VFAT, FAT 12 / 16 / 32;
  • NTFS / ReFS;
  • APFS / HFS+;
  • Ext2 / 3 / 4 / ReiserFS / XFS / UFS / ZFS / Btrfs;
  • VMFS / HikvisionFS;

How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images

This utility allows you to create a complete copy of a disk and work with the disk image instead of the physical drive. This approach helps protect your data from:

  • Overwriting during the recovery process;
  • Additional data loss caused by bad sectors;
  • User errors.

To create a disk image, follow these steps:

  1. Ensure you have enough free space to store the image. Its size will typically match the size of the original disk.

  2. In the main window, select the target disk and choose Tools - Save Disk. You can also select multiple disks if needed.

  3. When the Image Creation Wizard opens, select whether you want to save the entire disk or only a specific region. Adjust the settings and click Next.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Image Creation Wizard
  4. Choose the directory where the image will be saved. You may select any available disk connected to your PC or upload the image via FTP.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Choose a disk or save the image via FTP

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The Actidata actiNAS XL 1U-4 network-attached storage keeps OS Linux operating system files on a separate RAID 1 (mirrored) array. Usually, all NAS systems create several volumes on every hard disk, and the first of them takes up to 2 Gb of space. This is where operating system files are stored. Other volumes are united into a RAID array where user’s data is written.

RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison

Product Operating system RAID controller support Supported file systems Virtual RAID controller support Data recovery from damaged RAID File preview
Hetman RAID Recovery Windows, Linux, MacOS Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, exFAT, NTFS, ReFS, APFS, HFS+, Ext4, Ext3, Ext2, ReiserFS, Btrfs, VMFS, Hikvision, XFS, UFS, ZFS Yes Yes Yes
DiskInternals RAID Recovery Windows Yes, over 10 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
R-Studio Windows, Mac, Linux Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
UFS Explorer RAID Recovery Windows, Mac, Linux Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
EaseUS Data Recovery Windows Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery Windows Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes

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Comments (3)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 9.08.2022 12:31 #
    If you want to ask a question about data recovery, from NAS actiNAS XL 1U-4, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Barry Hazelden
    Barry Hazelden 25.08.2023 09:57 #
    Are there any limitations on the size of data that can be recovered from a NAS Actidata actiNAS XL 1U-4 device?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 25.08.2023 10:59 #

      The Actidata actiNAS XL 1U-4 is a network-attached storage (NAS) device designed for data storage and retrieval. While there may not be an explicit limitation on the size of data that can be recovered from the device, there are certain factors that can affect the recovery process:

      1. Storage Capacity: The actiNAS XL 1U-4 comes with various storage configurations, typically ranging from a few terabytes to multiple petabytes. The amount of data stored on the device can influence the recovery process, as larger storage capacities may require more time and resources for recovery.
      2. File System: The actiNAS XL 1U-4 supports various file systems, including NTFS, FAT32, and EXT4. The file system used on the device can impact the recovery process, as different file systems may have different recovery methods and tools available.
      3. Data Corruption: If the data stored on the actiNAS XL 1U-4 is corrupted or damaged, the recovery process may become more challenging. The extent of data corruption can affect the success and completeness of the recovery.
      4. Recovery Tools: The choice of recovery tools and software can also influence the size of data that can be recovered. Some recovery tools may have limitations on the maximum file size they can handle or the types of file systems they can recover from.

      It is recommended to consult the Actidata actiNAS XL 1U-4 documentation or reach out to Actidata support for specific information on data recovery capabilities and any potential limitations.

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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • How does the NAS Actidata actiNAS XL 1U-4 perform as a storage solution for video game data in terms of speed and reliability?

    The NAS Actidata actiNAS XL 1U-4 is designed to provide reliable storage for various applications, including video game data. In terms of speed, it offers high-performance capabilities with support for multiple drives in a RAID configuration. This allows for faster data access and transfer rates, ensuring smooth gameplay and reduced loading times.

    The actiNAS XL 1U-4 also utilizes advanced technologies such as link aggregation and load balancing to optimize network bandwidth and improve overall data transfer speeds. This is particularly beneficial for multiplayer gaming or scenarios where large files need to be accessed simultaneously.

    In terms of reliability, the actiNAS XL 1U-4 offers redundant power supplies and cooling systems, minimizing the risk of hardware failures and ensuring continuous operation. It also supports various RAID levels, including RAID 5 and RAID 6, which provide data redundancy and protection against drive failures.

    Additionally, the actiNAS XL 1U-4 includes features like snapshot backups, remote replication, and data encryption, which enhance data security and protection against accidental loss or unauthorized access.

    Overall, the actiNAS XL 1U-4 is a robust storage solution that offers both speed and reliability for video game data storage, ensuring a seamless gaming experience and safeguarding valuable game files.

  • What are the key features and specifications of the NAS Actidata actiNAS XL 1U-4 that make it suitable for storing and managing large amounts of video game data?

    The NAS Actidata actiNAS XL 1U-4 is specifically designed to store and manage large amounts of data, making it suitable for storing and managing video game data. Here are the key features and specifications that make it ideal for this purpose:

    1. Storage capacity: The actiNAS XL 1U-4 offers high storage capacity, typically ranging from several terabytes to multiple petabytes. This allows for the storage of large video game files, including game installations, updates, patches, and user-generated content.
    2. RAID support: It supports various RAID configurations, such as RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60. RAID provides data redundancy and improves performance, ensuring that video game data is protected against drive failures and allowing for faster access to the stored content.
    3. High-performance hardware: The actiNAS XL 1U-4 is equipped with powerful hardware components, including multi-core processors, ample RAM, and high-speed network interfaces. These features enable fast data transfer rates, ensuring smooth gameplay experiences and quick access to game data.
    4. Scalability: The NAS is designed to be highly scalable, allowing for easy expansion as the storage requirements grow. Additional hard drives or expansion units can be added to increase the storage capacity without interrupting the existing data or gameplay.
    5. Data protection and backup: The actiNAS XL 1U-4 provides advanced data protection features like snapshot technology, which allows for point-in-time recovery of data. It also supports various backup methods, including local backups, remote backups, and cloud backups, ensuring that video game data is securely stored and can be restored if needed.
    6. High-speed connectivity: It offers multiple high-speed network interfaces, such as Gigabit Ethernet or even 10 Gigabit Ethernet, enabling fast data transfer between the NAS and connected devices. This is crucial for handling large video game files and ensuring minimal latency during gameplay.
    7. Advanced management features: The NAS comes with a user-friendly management interface that allows for easy configuration, monitoring, and management of the stored data. It supports various protocols and services, such as NFS, SMB/CIFS, FTP, and iSCSI, making it compatible with different gaming platforms and devices.

    Overall, the NAS Actidata actiNAS XL 1U-4 combines high storage capacity, performance, scalability, data protection, and advanced management features, making it well-suited for storing and managing large amounts of video game data.

  • How does the NAS Actidata actiNAS XL 1U-4 compare to other storage options in terms of cost-effectiveness and scalability for storing video game data?

    The NAS Actidata actiNAS XL 1U-4 is a network-attached storage solution that offers cost-effectiveness and scalability for storing video game data. Here's how it compares to other storage options:

    1. Cost-effectiveness: The actiNAS XL 1U-4 is designed to provide cost-effective storage solutions. It offers a high storage capacity at a relatively lower cost compared to other storage options like dedicated servers or cloud storage. It eliminates the need for expensive hardware and allows for efficient utilization of storage resources.
    2. Scalability: The actiNAS XL 1U-4 is highly scalable, allowing you to expand your storage capacity as your video game data grows. It supports multiple drive bays, allowing for easy addition of additional hard drives or expansion units. This scalability feature ensures that you can accommodate the increasing storage demands of video game data without significant upfront investments.
    3. Performance: The actiNAS XL 1U-4 is designed to deliver high-performance storage for video game data. It supports RAID configurations, which enhance data redundancy and improve read/write speeds. This ensures smooth gameplay experiences and reduces the risk of data loss.
    4. Data management: The actiNAS XL 1U-4 offers advanced data management features such as data deduplication, snapshotting, and remote replication. These features optimize storage efficiency, reduce storage requirements, and enhance data protection. Efficient data management is crucial for storing and accessing large amounts of video game data.
    5. Ease of use: The actiNAS XL 1U-4 is user-friendly and easy to set up. It comes with a user-friendly interface and management tools that simplify storage administration. This makes it suitable for both small and large-scale video game storage environments.

    Overall, the NAS Actidata actiNAS XL 1U-4 offers a cost-effective and scalable solution for storing video game data. Its performance, data management capabilities, and ease of use make it a reliable choice for storing and managing large volumes of game data.