Preventing Data Loss on NAS Asustor AS5202T and Recovering Deleted Files: Step-by-Step Guide

Schedule regular backups to avoid data loss on ⭐ NAS and recover deleted files from backup copies.

Preventing Data Loss on NAS Asustor AS5202T and Recovering Deleted Files: Step-by-Step Guide

Asustor AS5202T NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from AS5202T.

Preventing Data Loss on NAS Asustor AS5202T and Recovering Deleted Files: Step-by-Step Guide

RAID Recovery™ 2.6
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
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Why can’t ordinary software tools restore files from RAID?

Conventional hard disks keep user’s data by writing it to their surface in a consecutive way, and this is how an entire file is stored on a single hard disk. However, when data is written to a RAID system, a file is divided into several parts. Then these parts are written consecutively to all hard disks within such array. The size of such parts may range from 2 KB to 2 MB, so each file is stored on several hard disks at the same time.

Such approach helps to speed up read and write operations, and it is evident that saving two parts of a file having the size of 1 GB to two hard disks simultaneously is much faster than saving the same 1 GB of data to one hard disk. However, this peculiarity makes file recovery more complicated.

Various RAID levels store information in different ways. Additionally, manufacturers like Asustor also introduce some modifications to this process, and that is why data can be written to hard disk in a wide variety of ways.

Can improper shutdown or unclean system reboots lead to data loss on NAS Asustor AS5202T devices?

Improper shutdown or unclean system reboots can potentially lead to data loss on any storage device, including NAS devices like the Asustor AS5202T. When a system is not shut down properly or experiences a sudden power loss, it can cause data corruption or damage to the file system.

Most modern NAS devices, including the Asustor AS5202T, have mechanisms in place to help protect against data loss due to improper shutdowns. They often use journaling file systems or other techniques to ensure data integrity. However, there is still a risk of data loss if the system is not given enough time to properly shut down or if there are hardware issues.

To minimize the risk of data loss, it is important to follow proper shutdown procedures and ensure that the NAS device has enough time to complete any pending operations before shutting down or rebooting. It is also recommended to use a reliable uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to provide backup power in case of unexpected power outages.

Regularly backing up your data to an external storage device or cloud storage is also a good practice to protect against data loss in case of any unforeseen issues with the NAS device.

How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?

Although NAS AS5202T can be accessed over the network, you still need to take the hard disks out of the storage device and connect them to a Windows computer. Only in this case will the software be able to scan them properly. Here is what you should do:

  1. Turn off the storage and disconnect it from the power supply.

    WARNING! Before you start taking hard disks out of your NAS device, read the manual carefully. Incorrect actions may damage your network-attached storage and/or the hard disks within the RAID system.

  2. Take the hard disks out of the NAS one by one, carefully removing them from their slots. Remember that the disks are extremely vulnerable: hitting or dropping them may result in serious physical damage.

  3. Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.

  4. Remove the hard disks and connect them to the computer. In this video, we have explored what ports are used to connect hard disks, and what to do if there are not enough ports or connectors.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Asustor AS5202T. The hard disks that make up the RAID contain technical information about the algorithm used to save files. When launched, Hetman RAID Recovery reads this information and puts the damaged array together. Then you can open the disk and save your files. Also, you can recover the files accidentally deleted from the network drive.

Go to view
How to recover data from a Asustor

How to recover data from a Asustor

AS5202T has 2 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • RAID 0;
  • RAID 1;
  • JBOD;

NAS supports:

  • Ext2;
  • Ext3;
  • Ext4;

Safe recovery from disk images

This utility lets you save an entire copy of the disk to file and then work with this image instead of the actual disk. Such feature helps to protect data on the disk from:

  • Overwriting during the recovery process;
  • Loss resulting from bad sectors;
  • User mistakes.

To create an image, do the following:

  1. Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.

  2. Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu ToolsSave Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.

  3. When the image creation wizard starts, you can choose to save the entire disk or select only a part of it. Specify the parameters and click Next.

    Hetman Raid Recovery: Image Creation Wizard
  4. At this stage, you need to choose a directory where to save the image. Choose any disk connected to this PC, or save the image by FTP.

    Hetman Raid Recovery: hoose any disk connected to this PC, or save the image by FTP

Where are user’s files stored?

The Asustor AS5202T 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.

Comparison of software for RAID recovery

Product Operating system License type RAID controller support Supported file systems Virtual RAID controller support Data recovery from damaged RAID File preview
Hetman RAID Recovery Windows Paid Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
DiskInternals RAID Recovery Windows Paid Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
R-Studio Windows, Mac, Linux Paid Yes, over 200 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
UFS Explorer RAID Recovery Windows, Mac, Linux Paid Yes, over 1,000 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
EaseUS Data Recovery Windows Paid Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery Windows Free 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 AS5202T, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Jonny Wrigley
    Jonny Wrigley 12.09.2023 00:50 #
    Can data recovery from a NAS Asustor AS5202T device be performed if there are issues with the network connectivity?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 12.09.2023 01:59 #

      Yes, data recovery from a NAS Asustor AS5202T device can be performed even if there are issues with the network connectivity. The AS5202T device supports multiple data recovery methods, including connecting the NAS directly to a computer using a USB cable or removing the hard drives from the NAS and connecting them to a computer using a SATA-to-USB adapter. These methods allow you to access and recover data from the NAS even if there are network connectivity issues.

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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 Asustor AS5202T function as central storage, and what features does it offer for efficient data management and access?

    The NAS Asustor AS5202T functions as central storage by providing a centralized location for storing and managing data. It offers several features for efficient data management and access, including:

    1. High-performance Hardware: The AS5202T is equipped with a powerful Intel quad-core processor and 2GB of DDR4 RAM (expandable up to 8GB), allowing for fast data processing and multitasking.
    2. RAID Support: It supports various RAID configurations (RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10) to ensure data redundancy and protection against drive failures. This feature helps in maintaining data integrity and availability.
    3. Flexible Storage Expansion: The AS5202T supports up to 28TB of storage capacity (using two 14TB drives), and it also has two additional USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and two eSATA ports for connecting external drives to expand storage further.
    4. File Sharing and Collaboration: It provides multiple file sharing protocols like SMB, FTP, and NFS, allowing users to easily access and share files across different devices and platforms. It also supports Windows AD and LDAP directory services for efficient user and group management.
    5. Snapshot Center: This feature allows users to take snapshots of their data, capturing the state of files and folders at a specific point in time. Snapshots can be used for data recovery, version control, or simply as a backup.
    6. Data Protection and Backup: The AS5202T offers various backup solutions, including ASUSTOR Backup Plan (ABP), which allows users to schedule regular backups to external drives, NAS devices, or cloud storage services. It also supports Time Machine backup for Mac users.
    7. Remote Access and Sync: Asustor's mobile apps (AiData, AiMaster, AiDownload) enable users to access and manage their NAS remotely from anywhere. It also supports cloud storage synchronization with services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive.
    8. App Central: The AS5202T runs on Asustor's ADM (Asustor Data Master) operating system, which provides a wide range of applications through the App Central marketplace. These apps include multimedia servers, surveillance solutions, virtual machines, and more, enhancing the NAS's functionality.

    Overall, the NAS Asustor AS5202T offers a comprehensive set of features for efficient data management and access, making it an ideal choice for individuals or small businesses requiring centralized storage and data protection.

  • What are the benefits of using the Asustor AS5202T as central storage for a home or small business network, in terms of data security, scalability, and remote access capabilities?

    The Asustor AS5202T offers several benefits as central storage for a home or small business network in terms of data security, scalability, and remote access capabilities. Here are some of the key advantages:

    1. Data Security:
    • RAID Support: The AS5202T supports various RAID configurations (RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10) to ensure data redundancy and protection against drive failures.
    • Snapshot Technology: It provides the ability to take snapshots of your data, allowing you to restore files or folders to a previous state in case of accidental deletion or modification.
    • AES 256-bit Encryption: The NAS supports hardware-accelerated AES 256-bit encryption, ensuring data confidentiality and protection against unauthorized access.
    • Antivirus Integration: It includes antivirus software that can scan and protect your files from malware and viruses.
    1. Scalability:
    • Multiple Drive Bays: The AS5202T has two drive bays, allowing you to start with a smaller storage capacity and easily expand it by adding more hard drives as your needs grow.
    • Compatibility with Various Drive Types: It supports both 3.5" and 2.5" SATA drives, giving you flexibility in choosing the storage capacity and performance level that suits your requirements.
    • Expansion Unit Support: In addition to the built-in drive bays, the AS5202T can also be expanded using expansion units, allowing you to scale up your storage capacity significantly.
    1. Remote Access Capabilities:
    • Cloud Services Integration: It supports various cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and Microsoft OneDrive, enabling easy synchronization and access to your files from anywhere.
    • Mobile Apps: Asustor provides mobile apps for iOS and Android devices, allowing you to access and manage your files remotely.
    • VPN Server: The NAS can act as a VPN server, enabling secure remote access to your network and data from outside locations.

    Overall, the Asustor AS5202T offers robust data security features, scalability options, and convenient remote access capabilities, making it an excellent choice for central storage in a home or small business network.

  • Can you provide a step-by-step guide on setting up and configuring the Asustor AS5202T as central storage, including best practices for data organization and backup strategies?

    Certainly! Here's a step-by-step guide on setting up and configuring the Asustor AS5202T as central storage, along with some best practices for data organization and backup strategies:

    Step 1: Hardware Setup

    • Unbox the Asustor AS5202T and connect it to your network using an Ethernet cable.
    • Connect the power cable and turn on the device.
    • Connect any external hard drives or USB devices that you want to use for additional storage.

    Step 2: Initial Configuration

    • Open a web browser on a computer connected to the same network as the AS5202T.
    • Enter the default IP address of the AS5202T (usually http://192.168.1.50) into the browser's address bar.
    • Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the administrator account and password.
    • Configure the network settings, including IP address, DNS, and gateway.

    Step 3: Creating Shared Folders

    • Log in to the AS5202T's web interface using the administrator account.
    • Navigate to the "Shared Folders" section and click on "Create" to add a new shared folder.
    • Provide a name for the shared folder and specify its location on the AS5202T's storage.
    • Configure access permissions for users or groups who will have access to the shared folder.

    Step 4: Data Organization Best Practices

    • Create separate shared folders for different types of data (e.g., Documents, Photos, Videos, etc.).
    • Use meaningful and consistent naming conventions for files and folders to make them easily searchable.
    • Create subfolders within each shared folder to further organize the data based on categories or projects.
    • Apply appropriate access permissions to ensure only authorized users can access specific data.

    Step 5: Backup Strategies

    • Enable the built-in backup applications on the AS5202T, such as Backup Plan or Backup & Sync.
    • Set up scheduled backups to external hard drives or other network devices to create redundant copies of your data.
    • Consider implementing a remote backup solution like cloud storage or offsite backups for added protection.
    • Regularly test the backup and restore process to ensure the integrity and availability of your data.
    • Implement a versioning system or incremental backup strategy to easily recover previous versions of files if needed.

    Step 6: Additional Configuration

    • Explore and configure other features and settings of the AS5202T, such as user accounts, access controls, and notifications.
    • Install and configure any additional applications or services that may be useful for your specific needs, such as media servers or file synchronization tools.

    Remember to regularly update the AS5202T's firmware and backup your configuration settings to ensure smooth operation and data protection.

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