How to Extract Data from a RAID Disk When NAS Asustor DRIVESTOR 4 Fails to Power On

When the ⭐ NAS fails to start, extract data from RAID disks by connecting them to a PC, configuring RAID settings, and using recovery software for file retrieval.

How to Extract Data from a RAID Disk When NAS Asustor DRIVESTOR 4 Fails to Power On

Asustor DRIVESTOR 4 NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from DRIVESTOR 4.

How to Extract Data from a RAID Disk When NAS Asustor DRIVESTOR 4 Fails to Power On

RAID Recovery™ 2.6
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
Download

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.

Are there any recommended practices for protecting NAS Asustor DRIVESTOR 4 devices against physical theft or unauthorized access that can lead to data loss?

Yes, there are several recommended practices for protecting NAS Asustor DRIVESTOR 4 devices against physical theft or unauthorized access:

  1. Physical security: Keep the device in a locked and secure location, such as a locked cabinet or a server room, to prevent physical theft.
  2. Strong passwords: Set strong and unique passwords for the administrator account and all user accounts. Avoid using default or easily guessable passwords.
  3. Two-factor authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA for additional security. This adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second verification step, such as a code sent to your mobile device, in addition to the password.
  4. Firmware updates: Regularly update the firmware of your Asustor DRIVESTOR 4 device to ensure that you have the latest security patches and bug fixes.
  5. Network security: Secure your network by using a strong Wi-Fi password and enabling encryption (WPA2 or higher). Additionally, consider using a firewall and enabling network segmentation to isolate the NAS from the rest of your network.
  6. Disable unnecessary services: Disable any unnecessary services or features on the NAS to reduce the attack surface. Only enable the services you actually need.
  7. Backup your data: Regularly backup your data to an off-site location or to a cloud storage service. This will ensure that even if the NAS is stolen or compromised, your data remains safe.
  8. User access control: Implement proper user access control by assigning specific permissions and access rights to individual users. Restrict access to sensitive data to only those who need it.
  9. Enable audit logs: Enable and regularly review the audit logs on the NAS to detect any unauthorized access attempts or suspicious activities.
  10. Regularly monitor and update security measures: Stay vigilant and keep up-to-date with the latest security practices and recommendations. Regularly review and update your security measures to adapt to new threats and vulnerabilities.

By following these recommended practices, you can significantly enhance the security of your Asustor DRIVESTOR 4 device and protect it against physical theft or unauthorized access.

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

Although NAS DRIVESTOR 4 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 DRIVESTOR 4. 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

DRIVESTOR 4 has 4 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • RAID 0;
  • RAID 1;
  • RAID 5;
  • RAID 6;
  • RAID 10;
  • 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 DRIVESTOR 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.

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

Feedback

We will be happy to answer your questions!

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 DRIVESTOR 4, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Humphrey Pigott
    Humphrey Pigott 11.09.2023 20:46 #
    Can data recovery from a NAS Asustor DRIVESTOR 4 device be performed if there are issues with the storage drive or media errors?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 11.09.2023 21:59 #

      Yes, data recovery can be performed on a NAS Asustor DRIVESTOR 4 device even if there are issues with the storage drive or media errors. However, it is important to note that data recovery can be a complex and time-consuming process, and there is no guarantee of success.

      If there are issues with the storage drive, it is recommended to first try basic troubleshooting steps such as restarting the NAS device, checking the connections, and updating the firmware. If the issue persists, it may be necessary to contact Asustor support for further assistance.

      If media errors are present, it can indicate possible data corruption or damage. In such cases, it is advisable to consult a professional data recovery service. They have specialized tools and expertise to recover data from damaged drives or media errors. It is important to avoid any further attempts to access or repair the drive, as it can potentially cause more damage and reduce the chances of successful recovery.

Post comment
User
Leave a reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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.

Share

Questions and answers

  • How does the NAS Asustor DRIVESTOR 4 serve as an effective backup solution for web hosting?

    The NAS Asustor DRIVESTOR 4 can serve as an effective backup solution for web hosting in the following ways:

    1. Data Protection: The NAS provides a secure and reliable storage platform for backing up web hosting data. It ensures that all website files, databases, and configurations are safely stored and can be easily recovered in case of data loss or server failure.
    2. Automatic Backups: The NAS supports scheduled and automated backups, allowing web hosting data to be backed up regularly without manual intervention. This ensures that the latest version of the website and its associated data are always available for recovery.
    3. RAID Configuration: The NAS comes with RAID support, allowing multiple hard drives to be configured in a redundant array. This offers data redundancy and protection against drive failures. In the event of a drive failure, the NAS can automatically rebuild the data from the remaining drives, minimizing downtime and ensuring data integrity.
    4. Remote Backup: The NAS supports remote backup functionality, allowing web hosting data to be backed up to off-site locations or cloud storage services. This provides an additional layer of protection against physical damage or disasters that may affect the primary hosting environment.
    5. Snapshot Technology: The NAS may include snapshot technology, which allows the creation of point-in-time copies of the web hosting data. Snapshots can be used to restore the website to a specific point in time, providing a quick and efficient recovery option in case of accidental data deletion or corruption.
    6. Scalability: The NAS is typically designed to accommodate multiple hard drives, allowing for easy scalability as the web hosting data grows. Additional drives can be added to increase storage capacity or to create separate backup volumes for different websites or applications.

    Overall, the NAS Asustor DRIVESTOR 4 offers a comprehensive backup solution for web hosting, combining data protection, automation, redundancy, and scalability to ensure the safety and availability of web hosting data.

  • What are the key features and capabilities of the NAS Asustor DRIVESTOR 4 that make it suitable for web hosting backups?

    The NAS Asustor DRIVESTOR 4 has several key features and capabilities that make it suitable for web hosting backups:

    1. High storage capacity: The DRIVESTOR 4 comes with four drive bays, allowing for the installation of up to four hard drives or SSDs. This provides ample storage capacity for storing large amounts of web hosting backup data.
    2. RAID support: The NAS supports various RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, and JBOD. RAID helps to enhance data protection and ensures that backups are stored redundantly across multiple drives, reducing the risk of data loss.
    3. Fast data transfer speeds: The DRIVESTOR 4 is equipped with a Gigabit Ethernet port, enabling fast data transfer speeds between the NAS and web hosting servers. This ensures efficient backup processes and minimizes downtime during backup and restore operations.
    4. Backup software compatibility: The NAS is compatible with a wide range of backup software, including popular options like Acronis True Image, Veeam Backup & Replication, and more. This allows for seamless integration with existing backup workflows and systems.
    5. Snapshot technology: The DRIVESTOR 4 supports snapshot technology, which allows for the creation of point-in-time copies of data. This feature is particularly useful for web hosting backups as it enables quick and efficient recovery of specific files or folders without the need to restore the entire backup.
    6. Remote access and management: The NAS supports remote access and management, allowing web hosting administrators to conveniently access and manage backup processes from anywhere using a web browser or dedicated mobile apps.
    7. Data encryption and security: The DRIVESTOR 4 provides various data encryption options, including AES 256-bit encryption, ensuring the security and privacy of web hosting backups. Additionally, it offers features like firewall protection, access control, and antivirus software integration to further enhance data security.
    8. Scalability: The NAS is designed to be scalable, allowing for the addition of more drives or expansion units as the backup storage requirements grow. This ensures that the NAS can accommodate the increasing backup needs of web hosting environments.

    Overall, the NAS Asustor DRIVESTOR 4 offers a combination of storage capacity, data protection features, fast transfer speeds, and compatibility with backup software, making it well-suited for web hosting backups.

Hello! This is AI-based Hetman Software virtual assistant, and it will answer any of your questions right away.
Start Chat