Avoiding Data Loss on NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4RS and Recovering Deleted Files: A Guide

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4RS
• How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
  • Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images
  • Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?
  • RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison

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.

Are there any specific precautions to take while migrating data between NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4RS devices?

Yes, there are some precautions to take while migrating data between NAS Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4RS devices. Here are a few important ones:

1. Backup Data: Before starting the migration process, it is highly recommended to create a backup of all the important data on the source NAS device. This will ensure that you have a copy of the data in case anything goes wrong during the migration.
2. Check Compatibility: Ensure that the destination NAS device (LOCKERSTOR 4RS) is compatible with the source NAS device in terms of firmware version, hardware specifications, and supported features. Refer to the manufacturer's documentation or contact their support team for compatibility details.
3. Network Connectivity: Make sure that both the source and destination NAS devices are connected to the same network and have proper network connectivity. This will ensure smooth data transfer during the migration process.
4. Synchronize Data: Use the synchronization feature provided by Asustor to ensure that all the data on the source NAS device is up to date and synchronized with the destination NAS device. This will help in avoiding any data loss or inconsistencies during the migration.
5. Plan Downtime: Depending on the amount of data being migrated, the migration process may take some time. Plan for a maintenance window or downtime during which the migration can be performed without affecting the normal operation of the NAS devices.
6. Test the Migration: If possible, perform a test migration with a small amount of data to ensure that the process works as expected and there are no issues. This will help in identifying any potential problems before migrating the entire dataset.
7. Seek Professional Assistance: If you are not familiar with the migration process or if you have any doubts, it is recommended to seek assistance from a professional or contact the Asustor support team for guidance. They can provide specific instructions and help troubleshoot any issues that may arise during the migration.

Remember, data migration is a critical process, and taking necessary precautions will help ensure a smooth and successful migration without any data loss or disruptions.

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

Although the NAS LOCKERSTOR 4RS 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.

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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 4RS. 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 4RS 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.

   

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.

   

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The Asustor LOCKERSTOR 4RS 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