
- Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
- Key Information About the NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4
- How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
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 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 Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
Although the NAS LOCKERSTOR 4 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:
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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.
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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.
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Label each hard disk according to its position inside the NAS. The order of the drives is crucial for correct RAID reconstruction.
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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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Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4. 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.
How to recover data from a Asustor
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;
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:
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Ensure you have enough free space to store the image. Its size will typically match the size of the original disk.
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In the main window, select the target disk and choose Tools - Save Disk. You can also select multiple disks if needed.
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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.

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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 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.
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 |


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.