How to Prevent Data Loss on NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4 Gen2 and Recover Deleted Files

Has your NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4 Gen2 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 Prevent Data Loss on NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4 Gen2 and Recover Deleted Files

Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4 Gen2 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 4 Gen2. 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 Prevent Data Loss on NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4 Gen2 and Recover Deleted Files

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 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.

Can hardware upgrades or modifications lead to data loss if not properly executed on NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4 Gen2 devices?

Yes, hardware upgrades or modifications on NAS devices such as the Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4 Gen2 can potentially lead to data loss if not properly executed. Improper installation of hardware components or modifications can cause damage to the device or its storage drives, resulting in data corruption or loss. It is always recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines when performing any hardware upgrades or modifications to ensure the safety of your data. Additionally, it is advisable to have proper backups of your data before attempting any modifications to mitigate the risk of potential data loss.

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

Although the NAS LOCKERSTOR 4 Gen2 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 Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4 Gen2. 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 Asustor

How to recover data from a Asustor

LOCKERSTOR 4 Gen2 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;

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 Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4 Gen2 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
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 9.08.2022 12:31 #
    If you want to ask a question about data recovery, from NAS LOCKERSTOR 4 Gen2, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Ted Lovell
    Ted Lovell 11.09.2023 23:44 #
    Can data recovery from a NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4 Gen2 device be done if the device is showing signs of overheating or cooling fan failure?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 11.09.2023 23:59 #

      Data recovery from a NAS device can still be possible even if it is showing signs of overheating or cooling fan failure. However, it is important to address the overheating issue or cooling fan failure first to prevent further damage to the device and the data stored on it.

      Here are some steps you can take:

      1. Shut down the NAS device: Immediately power off the device to prevent any further damage.
      2. Address the overheating issue: If the device is overheating, you can try moving it to a cooler location, ensuring proper ventilation, and cleaning any dust or debris that may be blocking the cooling fans.
      3. Replace the cooling fan: If the cooling fan has failed, you may need to replace it. Consult the manufacturer's documentation or contact their support for guidance on how to replace the cooling fan.
      4. Seek professional assistance: If you are not comfortable or experienced in handling hardware repairs, it is recommended to contact a professional data recovery service. They have the expertise and specialized tools to recover data from a faulty NAS device.

      Remember, it is crucial to address the overheating or cooling fan failure issue before attempting any data recovery. This will help prevent further damage to the device and increase the chances of successful data recovery.

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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

  • What are the key security features offered by the NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4 Gen2 for file access?

    The Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4 Gen2 NAS offers several key security features for file access. These include:

    1. AES-NI Hardware Encryption: The LOCKERSTOR 4 Gen2 utilizes AES-NI hardware encryption, which ensures that all data stored on the NAS is encrypted, providing an additional layer of security.
    2. Access Control: The NAS provides comprehensive access control mechanisms, allowing administrators to manage user permissions and access rights for shared folders and files. This ensures that only authorized individuals can access specific data.
    3. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): The LOCKERSTOR 4 Gen2 supports 2FA, which adds an extra layer of security to the login process. Users are required to provide both a password and a secondary authentication code generated by an authentication app on their mobile device.
    4. HTTPS and SSL/TLS: The NAS supports HTTPS, SSL, and TLS encryption protocols, ensuring secure communication between the NAS and connected devices. This prevents unauthorized access and data interception during file transfers.
    5. Network Defender: Asustor's Network Defender feature protects the NAS from various network attacks, such as brute-force login attempts, malware, and ransomware. It includes features like firewall, IP blocking, and antivirus scanning.
    6. Data Backup and Snapshot: The LOCKERSTOR 4 Gen2 allows users to create scheduled backups of their data to external devices or cloud storage services. It also supports snapshot technology, which captures the state of files and folders at a specific point in time, enabling easy recovery in case of accidental deletion or modification.
    7. File Integrity Checking: The NAS can perform file integrity checks to detect any unauthorized modifications or tampering of stored data. This ensures the integrity and authenticity of files.
    8. Secure Remote Access: Asustor provides secure remote access options, including VPN (Virtual Private Network) support, allowing users to securely access their files and data from outside the local network.
    9. RAID Protection: The LOCKERSTOR 4 Gen2 supports various RAID configurations, such as RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10, which provide data redundancy and protection against disk failure. This ensures data availability and integrity.

    Overall, the Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4 Gen2 NAS offers a range of security features to protect file access, data integrity, and network security.

  • How does the NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4 Gen2 ensure data privacy and protection against unauthorized access?

    The NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4 Gen2 ensures data privacy and protection against unauthorized access through several mechanisms:

    1. User Access Control: The device allows administrators to create multiple user accounts with different access rights and privileges. This ensures that only authorized users can access specific files and folders on the NAS.
    2. Folder and File Permissions: The LOCKERSTOR 4 Gen2 supports granular folder and file-level permissions. Administrators can define read, write, and execute permissions for individual users or groups, providing fine-grained control over data access.
    3. Encryption: The device supports AES-256 bit encryption, which can be enabled for shared folders and data transfers. This ensures that data stored on the NAS is encrypted and protected from unauthorized access, even if the physical drives are stolen.
    4. Firewall and IP Access Control: The LOCKERSTOR 4 Gen2 has built-in firewall capabilities that allow administrators to define access rules and restrict connections from specific IP addresses or IP ranges. This helps prevent unauthorized access attempts from external sources.
    5. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Asustor NAS devices support 2FA, adding an extra layer of security during the login process. Users are required to provide a second form of authentication, such as a verification code from a mobile app, in addition to their username and password.
    6. Antivirus and Malware Protection: The LOCKERSTOR 4 Gen2 integrates with various antivirus solutions, allowing administrators to scan files and folders for malware and viruses. This helps to detect and prevent unauthorized access or data breaches caused by malicious software.
    7. Network Isolation: The NAS can be configured to operate on a separate network segment or VLAN, isolating it from the main network and minimizing the risk of unauthorized access from other devices on the network.
    8. Regular Firmware Updates: Asustor regularly releases firmware updates to address security vulnerabilities and improve data protection. Keeping the device up to date with the latest firmware ensures that any known security issues are patched.

    By implementing these security measures, the NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4 Gen2 provides robust data privacy and protection against unauthorized access, helping to safeguard sensitive information stored on the device.

  • Can you explain the role of user authentication and access control in the file access security of the NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4 Gen2?

    User authentication and access control play crucial roles in the file access security of the NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4 Gen2. Here's an explanation of their roles:

    1. User Authentication: User authentication is the process of verifying the identity of users accessing the NAS device. It ensures that only authorized individuals can gain access to the files and resources stored on the NAS. The LOCKERSTOR 4 Gen2 offers various authentication methods, such as local user accounts, LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol), and Microsoft Active Directory integration. These authentication methods require users to provide valid credentials (username and password) before accessing the NAS.
    2. Access Control: Access control determines what actions users can perform on the files and folders stored on the NAS. It helps in setting permissions and restrictions to ensure that users only have access to the data they are authorized to view or modify. The LOCKERSTOR 4 Gen2 provides comprehensive access control mechanisms, including user-based permissions and group-based permissions. Administrators can assign different levels of access rights, such as read, write, or delete, to individual users or groups. This allows for fine-grained control over who can access and manipulate specific files or directories.

    By combining user authentication and access control, the LOCKERSTOR 4 Gen2 ensures that only authenticated users with appropriate access rights can access the files stored on the NAS. This helps in maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the data, protecting it from unauthorized access or modification.