- Why can’t ordinary software tools restore files from RAID?
- How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
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.
How can a NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4 device's cache settings impact data loss risks?
The cache settings on a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device like the Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4 can impact the risk of data loss in the following ways:
- Write Cache: Enabling write caching can improve the performance of write operations by temporarily storing data in the cache before writing it to the hard drives. However, if there is a sudden power loss or system failure, any data in the cache that has not been written to the drives may be lost, resulting in data loss. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the NAS device has a reliable power supply and backup solutions like a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) to minimize the risk.
- Read Cache: Similarly, enabling read caching can enhance the speed of read operations by storing frequently accessed data in the cache. However, if the cache becomes corrupted or fails, it may result in data inconsistencies or loss. Therefore, regular monitoring and maintenance of the cache are necessary to ensure its reliability.
- RAID Configuration: The Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4 supports various RAID configurations for data redundancy and protection. The choice of RAID level, such as RAID 1 (mirroring) or RAID 5 (striping with parity), can impact the risk of data loss. RAID configurations provide fault tolerance by distributing data across multiple drives, but they are not foolproof. If multiple drives fail simultaneously or during the rebuilding process, data loss can occur. Regular backups and monitoring of drive health are essential to minimize the risk.
- Cache Size: The size of the cache can also impact the risk of data loss. A larger cache can improve performance, but it also means there is more data at risk in case of a failure. Balancing cache size with data protection measures like backups is crucial to mitigate the risk.
In summary, the cache settings on a NAS device can impact data loss risks by introducing a temporary storage layer that can be vulnerable to failures or power loss. Proper power management, regular maintenance, choosing the appropriate RAID configuration, and implementing backup strategies are essential to minimize the risk of data loss.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS LOCKERSTOR 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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.
-
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
Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Asustor LOCKERSTOR 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.
LOCKERSTOR 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:
-
Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.
-
Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.
-
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.
-
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.
Where are user’s files stored?
The Asustor LOCKERSTOR 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 |
Yes, data recovery can be performed from a NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4 device even if there are issues with the operating system or firmware. In such cases, the data recovery process typically involves accessing the hard drives directly and bypassing the NAS device's software.
To perform data recovery, you would need to remove the hard drives from the Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4 device and connect them to a computer or another NAS device. From there, specialized data recovery software or services can be used to scan and recover the data from the drives.
It is important to note that data recovery from a NAS device can be a complex process, and it is recommended to consult with a professional data recovery service or a knowledgeable IT specialist for assistance.