What are the advantages of using a NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 2 over regular external hard drives in terms of data storage and accessibility?

Using a NAS (Network Attached Storage) like Asustor LOCKERSTOR 2 offers several advantages over regular external hard drives in terms of data storage and accessibility:Centralized storage: A NAS provides a centralized storage solution where multiple devices can access and share data simultaneously. This eliminates the need for physically transferring files between devices, making it more convenient and efficient.Data accessibility: With a NAS, data can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. This allows remote access to files, enabling users to retrieve or share data even when they are not physically present near the NAS device.Data protection: NAS devices often offer RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations, which provide data redundancy and protection against drive failures. This ensures that data remains safe even if one or more drives fail, as the data can be rebuilt from the redundant copies.Scalability: NAS devices offer the flexibility to expand storage capacity by adding additional hard drives or upgrading existing ones. This scalability allows users to easily accommodate increasing storage needs without having to replace the entire storage solution.File sharing and collaboration: NAS devices usually come with built-in file sharing and collaboration features. Users can set up access permissions, create shared folders, and collaborate on files with others, making it easier to work on projects together.Media streaming capabilities: Many NAS devices, including the Asustor LOCKERSTOR 2, offer media server functions. This allows users to stream media files such as movies, music, and photos directly from the NAS to compatible devices like smart TVs, gaming consoles, or mobile devices.Data backup: NAS devices often provide built-in backup features, allowing users to schedule automatic backups of important data from various devices to the NAS. This helps in safeguarding data against accidental deletion, hardware failures, or other data loss scenarios.Energy efficiency: NAS devices are designed to be energy-efficient, consuming less power compared to leaving multiple external hard drives connected to different devices. This can result in cost savings and a more environmentally friendly solution.Overall, a NAS like Asustor LOCKERSTOR 2 offers enhanced data storage and accessibility options, improved data protection, and increased collaboration capabilities compared to regular external hard drives.

How does the NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 2 provide enhanced data security and protection compared to regular external hard drives?

The NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 2 provides enhanced data security and protection compared to regular external hard drives in several ways:RAID Technology: The LOCKERSTOR 2 supports RAID configurations, which allows for data redundancy and protection against drive failures. RAID levels like RAID 1 mirror data across multiple drives, ensuring that if one drive fails, the data remains intact on the other drive.User Access Control: The LOCKERSTOR 2 offers granular user access control, allowing administrators to set permissions and restrictions for different users or groups. This ensures that only authorized individuals can access specific files or folders, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches.Data Encryption: The LOCKERSTOR 2 supports hardware-accelerated AES-NI encryption, which encrypts the data stored on the drives. This ensures that even if the drives are stolen or accessed without authorization, the data remains encrypted and inaccessible to unauthorized individuals.Network Security: The LOCKERSTOR 2 provides various network security features like firewall settings, SSL/TLS encryption, and IP blocking to protect against unauthorized access and network attacks. It also supports VPN (Virtual Private Network) for secure remote access to data.Backup and Disaster Recovery: The LOCKERSTOR 2 offers various backup options, including scheduled backups, cloud backups, and snapshot technology. These features ensure that data is regularly backed up and can be easily recovered in the event of data loss or system failures.Antivirus Protection: The LOCKERSTOR 2 integrates with antivirus software, providing real-time scanning and protection against malware and viruses. This helps prevent data corruption or loss due to malicious software.Centralized Management: The LOCKERSTOR 2 allows for centralized management of data and user access. This simplifies administration and ensures consistent security policies across the network.Overall, the NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 2 provides a comprehensive set of features and technologies to enhance data security and protection compared to regular external hard drives.

What additional features does the NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 2 offer that make it a better choice for data backup and sharing compared to traditional external hard drives?

The NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 2 offers several additional features that make it a better choice for data backup and sharing compared to traditional external hard drives:Network Connectivity: The LOCKERSTOR 2 is a network-attached storage device, meaning it can be connected to your home or office network. This allows multiple users to access and share data simultaneously, making it ideal for collaborative work environments.Centralized Storage: With the LOCKERSTOR 2, you can consolidate all your data in one central location. This eliminates the need for multiple external hard drives and simplifies data management.RAID Support: The LOCKERSTOR 2 supports RAID configurations, which provide data redundancy and protection against drive failures. This ensures that your data remains safe even if one of the hard drives fails.Scalability: The LOCKERSTOR 2 offers the ability to expand storage capacity by adding additional hard drives to the device. This scalability makes it suitable for growing businesses or individuals with increasing data storage needs.Remote Access: With the LOCKERSTOR 2, you can access your data remotely over the internet. This means you can securely access and share your files from anywhere in the world using a computer, smartphone, or tablet.Data Protection: The LOCKERSTOR 2 provides various data protection features, including encryption, access controls, and backup solutions. These features help safeguard your data against unauthorized access and ensure its integrity.Media Server Capabilities: The LOCKERSTOR 2 can act as a media server, allowing you to stream and share multimedia content across different devices in your network. This makes it convenient for accessing and enjoying your media files on various platforms.Overall, the additional features offered by the NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 2 make it a more versatile and efficient solution for data backup and sharing compared to traditional external hard drives.

Extracting Data from a RAID Disk When NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 2 Does Not Start: Step-by-Step Guide

Name: How to recover data from a Asustor
Uploaded: 2025-10-16T08:53:56+03:00
Description: How to recover data from a Asustor

Has your NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 2 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?

Extracting Data from a RAID Disk When NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 2 Does Not Start: Step-by-Step Guide

Data Recovery Tool

Asustor LOCKERSTOR 2 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 LOCKERSTOR 2. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

Contents

Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
Key Information About the NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 2
How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC

RAID Recovery™ 2.8

Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.

Download

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.

How can data fragmentation impact data availability and potential loss on NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 2 devices?

Data fragmentation can have several impacts on data availability and potential loss on NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 2 devices:

Reduced performance: When data is fragmented, it is scattered across different locations on the storage media. This can result in increased seek times and slower data access, leading to reduced performance of the NAS device. Users may experience delays in accessing their data, especially when performing read or write operations.
Increased disk space usage: Fragmentation can lead to inefficient disk space utilization. As files are split into smaller fragments, it can result in wasted disk space due to the allocation of unused gaps between fragments. This can reduce the overall storage capacity available on the NAS device.
Increased risk of data loss: Fragmented data is more susceptible to data loss. If a single fragment becomes corrupted or lost, it can affect the entire file or even multiple files. The risk of data loss is higher because fragmented data is spread across different locations, making it more difficult to recover or reconstruct the complete file.
Difficulty in data recovery: In case of data loss or disk failure, fragmented data can pose challenges in data recovery. As the fragments of a file are scattered across the storage media, it becomes more complex to retrieve and reconstruct the complete file. This can result in longer recovery times and increased chances of partial or incomplete data recovery.

To mitigate the impact of data fragmentation on data availability and potential loss, it is recommended to regularly defragment the NAS device's storage. Defragmentation rearranges fragmented data into contiguous blocks, improving data access speed and reducing the risk of data loss. Additionally, implementing a regular backup strategy ensures that even if data loss occurs, a recent copy of the data can be restored from the backup.

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

Although the NAS LOCKERSTOR 2 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:

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.
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.
Label each hard disk according to its position inside the NAS. The order of the drives is crucial for correct RAID reconstruction.
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 2. 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 2 has 2 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

RAID 0;
RAID 1;
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:

Ensure you have enough free space to store the image. Its size will typically match the size of the original disk.
In the main window, select the target disk and choose Tools - Save Disk. You can also select multiple disks if needed.
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.
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 2 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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We will be happy to answer your questions!

Comments (3)

Hetman Software: Data Recovery 9.08.2022 12:31 #

If you want to ask a question about data recovery, from NAS LOCKERSTOR 2, feel free to leave a comment!

Reply
Vicary Bonham Carter 11.09.2023 19:53 #

Can data recovery from a NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 2 device be done if the device is not responding or freezing frequently?

Reply
- Hetman Software 11.09.2023 20:59 #
  Yes, data recovery from a NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 2 device can still be possible even if the device is not responding or freezing frequently. Here are a few steps you can try:
  Restart the device: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve minor issues. Power off the device, wait for a few minutes, and then power it back on.
  Check network connectivity: Ensure that the network connection to the device is stable and working properly. Try connecting the device directly to the router using an Ethernet cable to rule out any network-related issues.
  Update firmware: Check if there are any firmware updates available for your Asustor LOCKERSTOR 2 device. Updating the firmware may fix bugs or compatibility issues that could be causing the freezing or unresponsiveness.
  Disconnect and reconnect hard drives: If possible, disconnect the hard drives from the device and then reconnect them. Ensure that the connections are secure and properly seated.
  Connect the hard drives to a different system: If the above steps don't work, you can try connecting the hard drives from the NAS device to a different system to see if they are accessible. This can be done by using a SATA-to-USB adapter or by installing the drives into another compatible NAS device.
  Seek professional help: If none of the above steps work, it is recommended to contact a professional data recovery service. They have specialized tools and expertise to recover data from unresponsive or faulty NAS devices.
  Remember to always have a backup of your important data to avoid data loss situations.
  Reply

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Updated:
16.10.2025 8:53

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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.

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.

Questions and answers

What are the advantages of using a NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 2 over regular external hard drives in terms of data storage and accessibility?
Using a NAS (Network Attached Storage) like Asustor LOCKERSTOR 2 offers several advantages over regular external hard drives in terms of data storage and accessibility:
1. Centralized storage: A NAS provides a centralized storage solution where multiple devices can access and share data simultaneously. This eliminates the need for physically transferring files between devices, making it more convenient and efficient.
2. Data accessibility: With a NAS, data can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. This allows remote access to files, enabling users to retrieve or share data even when they are not physically present near the NAS device.
3. Data protection: NAS devices often offer RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations, which provide data redundancy and protection against drive failures. This ensures that data remains safe even if one or more drives fail, as the data can be rebuilt from the redundant copies.
4. Scalability: NAS devices offer the flexibility to expand storage capacity by adding additional hard drives or upgrading existing ones. This scalability allows users to easily accommodate increasing storage needs without having to replace the entire storage solution.
5. File sharing and collaboration: NAS devices usually come with built-in file sharing and collaboration features. Users can set up access permissions, create shared folders, and collaborate on files with others, making it easier to work on projects together.
6. Media streaming capabilities: Many NAS devices, including the Asustor LOCKERSTOR 2, offer media server functions. This allows users to stream media files such as movies, music, and photos directly from the NAS to compatible devices like smart TVs, gaming consoles, or mobile devices.
7. Data backup: NAS devices often provide built-in backup features, allowing users to schedule automatic backups of important data from various devices to the NAS. This helps in safeguarding data against accidental deletion, hardware failures, or other data loss scenarios.
8. Energy efficiency: NAS devices are designed to be energy-efficient, consuming less power compared to leaving multiple external hard drives connected to different devices. This can result in cost savings and a more environmentally friendly solution.
Overall, a NAS like Asustor LOCKERSTOR 2 offers enhanced data storage and accessibility options, improved data protection, and increased collaboration capabilities compared to regular external hard drives.
How does the NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 2 provide enhanced data security and protection compared to regular external hard drives?
The NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 2 provides enhanced data security and protection compared to regular external hard drives in several ways:
1. RAID Technology: The LOCKERSTOR 2 supports RAID configurations, which allows for data redundancy and protection against drive failures. RAID levels like RAID 1 mirror data across multiple drives, ensuring that if one drive fails, the data remains intact on the other drive.
2. User Access Control: The LOCKERSTOR 2 offers granular user access control, allowing administrators to set permissions and restrictions for different users or groups. This ensures that only authorized individuals can access specific files or folders, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches.
3. Data Encryption: The LOCKERSTOR 2 supports hardware-accelerated AES-NI encryption, which encrypts the data stored on the drives. This ensures that even if the drives are stolen or accessed without authorization, the data remains encrypted and inaccessible to unauthorized individuals.
4. Network Security: The LOCKERSTOR 2 provides various network security features like firewall settings, SSL/TLS encryption, and IP blocking to protect against unauthorized access and network attacks. It also supports VPN (Virtual Private Network) for secure remote access to data.
5. Backup and Disaster Recovery: The LOCKERSTOR 2 offers various backup options, including scheduled backups, cloud backups, and snapshot technology. These features ensure that data is regularly backed up and can be easily recovered in the event of data loss or system failures.
6. Antivirus Protection: The LOCKERSTOR 2 integrates with antivirus software, providing real-time scanning and protection against malware and viruses. This helps prevent data corruption or loss due to malicious software.
7. Centralized Management: The LOCKERSTOR 2 allows for centralized management of data and user access. This simplifies administration and ensures consistent security policies across the network.
Overall, the NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 2 provides a comprehensive set of features and technologies to enhance data security and protection compared to regular external hard drives.
What additional features does the NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 2 offer that make it a better choice for data backup and sharing compared to traditional external hard drives?
The NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 2 offers several additional features that make it a better choice for data backup and sharing compared to traditional external hard drives:
1. Network Connectivity: The LOCKERSTOR 2 is a network-attached storage device, meaning it can be connected to your home or office network. This allows multiple users to access and share data simultaneously, making it ideal for collaborative work environments.
2. Centralized Storage: With the LOCKERSTOR 2, you can consolidate all your data in one central location. This eliminates the need for multiple external hard drives and simplifies data management.
3. RAID Support: The LOCKERSTOR 2 supports RAID configurations, which provide data redundancy and protection against drive failures. This ensures that your data remains safe even if one of the hard drives fails.
4. Scalability: The LOCKERSTOR 2 offers the ability to expand storage capacity by adding additional hard drives to the device. This scalability makes it suitable for growing businesses or individuals with increasing data storage needs.
5. Remote Access: With the LOCKERSTOR 2, you can access your data remotely over the internet. This means you can securely access and share your files from anywhere in the world using a computer, smartphone, or tablet.
6. Data Protection: The LOCKERSTOR 2 provides various data protection features, including encryption, access controls, and backup solutions. These features help safeguard your data against unauthorized access and ensure its integrity.
7. Media Server Capabilities: The LOCKERSTOR 2 can act as a media server, allowing you to stream and share multimedia content across different devices in your network. This makes it convenient for accessing and enjoying your media files on various platforms.
Overall, the additional features offered by the NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 2 make it a more versatile and efficient solution for data backup and sharing compared to traditional external hard drives.