Extracting Data from a RAID Disk When NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 12RD Does Not Power Up: Step-by-Step Guide

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 12RD
• How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
  • Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images
  • Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?
  • RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison

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 Asustor 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.

Are there any specific network security measures to implement for safeguarding NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 12RD devices against data loss?

Yes, there are several network security measures that you can implement to safeguard NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 12RD devices against data loss. Here are some important ones:

1. Use strong passwords: Set strong and unique passwords for all user accounts, including the admin account. Avoid using default or easily guessable passwords.
2. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Implement 2FA to add an extra layer of security. This requires users to provide a second form of authentication, such as a code generated on a mobile device, in addition to their password.
3. Regularly update firmware: Keep the firmware of your NAS device up to date with the latest security patches and updates. This helps protect against known vulnerabilities.
4. Disable unnecessary services: Disable any unnecessary services or protocols that are not required for your specific needs. This reduces the attack surface and minimizes the risk of unauthorized access.
5. Use firewall rules: Configure firewall rules to restrict access to your NAS device from external networks. Only allow necessary ports and protocols to communicate with the device.
6. Implement network segmentation: Separate your NAS device from other network devices by implementing network segmentation. This prevents unauthorized access to the NAS from other compromised devices on the network.
7. Regularly backup data: Implement a robust backup strategy to regularly backup your data. This ensures that even if the NAS device is compromised or experiences data loss, you can restore your important files and data.
8. Encrypt data: Enable encryption for sensitive data stored on the NAS device. This adds an extra layer of protection in case of unauthorized access or physical theft of the device.
9. Monitor and log activities: Enable logging and monitoring features on the NAS device to keep track of any suspicious activities. Regularly review the logs to detect any potential security breaches.
10. Educate users: Train and educate users on best practices for network security, including strong password management, avoiding phishing emails, and being cautious while accessing the NAS device remotely.

By implementing these network security measures, you can enhance the protection of your NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 12RD devices against data loss and unauthorized access.

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

Although the NAS LOCKERSTOR 12RD 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.

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   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Asustor LOCKERSTOR 12RD. 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.

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How to recover data from a Asustor

LOCKERSTOR 12RD has 12 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

• RAID 0;
• RAID 1;
• RAID 5;
• RAID 6;
• RAID 50;
• RAID 60;
• RAID 10;
• JBOD;

NAS supports:

• Ext2;
• Ext3;
• Ext4;

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.

   

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.

   

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The Asustor LOCKERSTOR 12RD 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