How to Extract Data from a RAID Disk When NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4 is Not Starting

Has your NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4 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 Extract Data from a RAID Disk When NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4 is Not Starting

Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4 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. 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 Extract Data from a RAID Disk When NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4 is Not Starting

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.

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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:

  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. 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 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 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, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Mikey Mitchell
    Mikey Mitchell 11.09.2023 22:49 #
    Can data recovery from a NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4 device be performed if there are issues with the operating system or firmware?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 11.09.2023 23:00 #

      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.

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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 features of the NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4 that ensure file access security?

    The NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4 offers several key features to ensure file access security:

    1. AES 256-Bit Encryption: The LOCKERSTOR 4 supports AES 256-bit encryption, one of the most secure encryption standards available. This ensures that all data stored on the NAS is encrypted and protected from unauthorized access.
    2. Secure Access Control: The NAS provides flexible access control mechanisms, including user and group permissions, to restrict access to specific files and folders. Administrators can create user accounts with different levels of access rights, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access sensitive data.
    3. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): The LOCKERSTOR 4 supports two-factor authentication, adding an extra layer of security to the login process. Users can enable 2FA, requiring a second verification step, such as a one-time password or biometric authentication, to access the NAS.
    4. Built-in Firewall: The NAS has a built-in firewall that helps protect against unauthorized network access and potential security threats. It can block suspicious IP addresses or specific ports, reducing the risk of unauthorized access attempts.
    5. Antivirus Protection: Asustor provides an integrated antivirus solution that can scan files stored on the NAS to detect and remove any malware or viruses. This helps to prevent the spread of malicious software and ensures the integrity of the stored files.
    6. Data Backup and Snapshot: The LOCKERSTOR 4 supports various backup options, including local backup, remote backup, and cloud backup, allowing users to create redundant copies of their data for disaster recovery purposes. Additionally, the NAS offers snapshot technology, enabling users to take point-in-time snapshots of their data, providing an additional layer of protection against accidental deletion or modification.
    7. Access Control List (ACL): The NAS supports Access Control List functionality, which allows administrators to define fine-grained access permissions for specific files and folders. This feature provides enhanced control over who can read, write, or execute files on the NAS.
    8. HTTPS and SSL/TLS Support: The LOCKERSTOR 4 supports secure communication protocols like HTTPS and SSL/TLS, ensuring that data transmitted between the NAS and connected devices is encrypted and protected from interception.

    Overall, these features combine to provide robust file access security, protecting data stored on the NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4 from unauthorized access, malware, and other potential threats.

  • How does the NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4 provide secure remote access to files?

    The NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4 provides secure remote access to files through several methods:

    1. VPN Support: It supports Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections, allowing users to establish a secure and encrypted connection to access files remotely. VPNs create a private network over a public network, ensuring data confidentiality and integrity.
    2. SSL/TLS Encryption: LOCKERSTOR 4 supports Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption protocols. These protocols encrypt the data transmitted between the NAS and the remote device, preventing unauthorized access and eavesdropping.
    3. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Asustor offers 2FA as an additional layer of security. Users can enable 2FA for remote access, requiring a second authentication step, such as a unique code generated on a mobile device, to log in. This protects against unauthorized access even if the login credentials are compromised.
    4. Firewall and IP Access Control: The NAS has built-in firewall capabilities to block unauthorized access attempts. Additionally, IP access control allows users to define specific IP addresses or ranges that are allowed to connect remotely, further limiting access to trusted sources.
    5. AES 256-bit Encryption: LOCKERSTOR 4 supports AES 256-bit encryption for data stored on the NAS. This ensures that even if the files are accessed remotely, they remain encrypted and secure, providing an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access.

    Overall, the combination of VPN support, SSL/TLS encryption, 2FA, firewall, IP access control, and AES 256-bit encryption helps ensure secure remote access to files on the NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4.

  • Can you explain the encryption and authentication mechanisms used by the NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4 to protect file access?

    The NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4 utilizes various encryption and authentication mechanisms to protect file access. Here are some of the key mechanisms employed:

    1. Encryption at Rest: The LOCKERSTOR 4 supports AES 256-bit encryption, which encrypts the data stored on the drives. This ensures that even if the drives are physically accessed or stolen, the data remains encrypted and inaccessible without the encryption key.
    2. SSL/TLS Encryption: The NAS supports SSL/TLS protocols for secure data transmission over the network. This ensures that data transferred between the NAS and client devices is encrypted, preventing unauthorized access or eavesdropping.
    3. Access Control Lists (ACL): The LOCKERSTOR 4 provides fine-grained access control through ACLs. Administrators can define access permissions for individual users or user groups, allowing or restricting their access to specific files or folders.
    4. User Authentication: The NAS supports various authentication methods such as local user accounts, LDAP, and Active Directory. Users are required to provide valid credentials to access the NAS, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access the files.
    5. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Asustor NAS devices support 2FA, which adds an additional layer of security. Users need to provide a second authentication factor, such as a unique code generated by an authentication app, along with their password to access the NAS.
    6. IP Access Control: Administrators can restrict access to the NAS based on IP addresses or ranges. This allows them to define trusted networks or block specific IPs from accessing the NAS, enhancing security.
    7. Antivirus Integration: The LOCKERSTOR 4 integrates with antivirus software to scan files for malware or viruses. This helps to prevent the storage of infected files and protects the NAS from potential threats.

    By combining these encryption and authentication mechanisms, the Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4 ensures secure file access and protects data from unauthorized access or tampering.