How to recover data from Buffalo CloudStation CS-WV4.0/R1 NAS

Is your network drive gone, and you are wondering what to do? Has a RAID system crashed, and your files are no longer accessible? Does your device display an error while booting? Have you accidentally rebuilt your RAID system? Are several hard disks out of order?

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Buffalo CloudStation CS-WV4.0/R1 NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from CloudStation CS-WV4.0/R1.

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 Buffalo 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 hardware failure lead to data loss in NAS Buffalo CloudStation CS-WV4.0/R1 devices?

Hardware failure in NAS Buffalo CloudStation CS-WV4.0/R1 devices can lead to data loss in several ways:

  1. Hard Drive Failure: NAS devices typically use multiple hard drives in a RAID configuration to ensure data redundancy and protection against drive failure. However, if one or more hard drives fail simultaneously or sequentially, it can result in data loss if the RAID array is not properly configured or if the failure occurs before data can be rebuilt onto a replacement drive.
  2. Power Supply Failure: A faulty or failing power supply can cause the NAS device to shut down unexpectedly, potentially resulting in data loss if data is being written or read at the time of the power outage. Sudden power loss can corrupt data or cause incomplete writes, leading to file system errors and data loss.
  3. Network Interface Failure: If the network interface card (NIC) or other networking components in the NAS device fail, it can result in the device being inaccessible over the network. This can prevent users from accessing or backing up their data, potentially leading to data loss if the device cannot be repaired or if the data cannot be recovered through other means.
  4. Controller Failure: The controller in a NAS device is responsible for managing data transfer between the drives and the network. If the controller fails, it can result in data corruption or loss, as the device may not be able to properly read or write data to the drives.
  5. Firmware or Software Issues: Hardware failures can sometimes be caused by firmware or software issues. If the firmware or software on the NAS device becomes corrupted or malfunctions, it can lead to data loss or inaccessibility of the data stored on the device.

To mitigate the risk of data loss due to hardware failure, it is important to regularly back up data stored on the NAS device to an external location or cloud storage service. Additionally, implementing a RAID configuration with redundancy and regularly monitoring the health of the drives can help minimize the impact of hardware failures.

How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?

Although NAS CloudStation CS-WV4.0/R1 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:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.

  4. 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.

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Buffalo CloudStation CS-WV4.0/R1. 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.

CloudStation CS-WV4.0/R1 has 1 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • RAID 0;
  • RAID 1;
  • JBOD;

NAS supports:

  • exFAT, VFAT, FAT 12 / 16 / 32;
  • NTFS / ReFS;
  • APFS / HFS+;
  • Ext2 / 3 / 4 / ReiserFS / XFS / UFS / ZFS / Btrfs;
  • VMFS / HikvisionFS;

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:

  1. Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.

  2. Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.

  3. 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.

  4. 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 Buffalo CloudStation CS-WV4.0/R1 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

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We will be happy to answer your questions!

Comments (3) #

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery 9.08.2022 12:31 #

    If you want to ask a question about data recovery, from NAS CloudStation CS-WV4.0/R1, feel free to leave a comment!

  • Kermit Waide 31.08.2023 03:42 #

    Can data recovery from a NAS Buffalo CloudStation CS-WV4.0/R1 device be done if the device is not powering on?

    • Hetman Software 31.08.2023 04:00 #

      Data recovery from a NAS Buffalo CloudStation CS-WV4.0/R1 device can be challenging if the device is not powering on. However, there are a few potential options you can try:

      1. Power supply issue: Ensure that the power adapter and cables are functioning properly. Try using a different power outlet or a different power adapter to eliminate the possibility of a power supply problem.
      2. Hard drive issue: If the NAS device is not powering on, it could be due to a faulty hard drive. In this case, you may need to remove the hard drive from the NAS enclosure and connect it to a computer directly. You can use a SATA to USB adapter or an external hard drive enclosure to connect the drive. If the hard drive is detected by the computer, you can attempt to recover the data using data recovery software.
      3. Professional data recovery services: If the above methods don't work or if you are not comfortable performing the data recovery yourself, you can consider contacting professional data recovery services. These companies specialize in recovering data from faulty or damaged storage devices and may have the expertise and tools to recover data from a non-functioning NAS device.

      Keep in mind that data recovery is not always guaranteed, especially if the device is not powering on. It is always recommended to have regular backups of your important data to avoid potential data loss situations.

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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.

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

How do you set up the NAS Buffalo CloudStation CS-WV4.0/R1 to save photos from a digital camera?

To set up the NAS Buffalo CloudStation CS-WV4.0/R1 to save photos from a digital camera, you can follow these steps:

  1. Connect the NAS Buffalo CloudStation to your home network using an Ethernet cable and power it on.
  2. Install the necessary software on your computer by inserting the setup CD that came with the NAS Buffalo CloudStation or by downloading the software from Buffalo's official website.
  3. Launch the software and follow the on-screen instructions to set up the NAS device. This typically involves creating a username and password for accessing the NAS, configuring network settings, and setting up shared folders.
  4. Once the NAS is set up, connect your digital camera to your computer using a USB cable or insert the camera's memory card into the appropriate slot on your computer (if available).
  5. On your computer, open the file explorer or finder and locate the photos on your camera or memory card.
  6. Copy or move the photos to the shared folder you created on the NAS Buffalo CloudStation during the setup process. You can usually access the NAS shared folders by navigating to the network locations section in the file explorer or finder.
  7. Wait for the photos to finish transferring to the NAS. The time required will depend on the size and number of photos being transferred.
  8. Once the transfer is complete, you can safely disconnect your camera or remove the memory card.
  9. To access the saved photos on the NAS from any device connected to your home network, you can use the Buffalo software or access the NAS through the file explorer or finder by entering its network address.

Note: The specific steps may vary slightly depending on the operating system of your computer and the model of your digital camera. It's always recommended to refer to the user manual or documentation provided by Buffalo for detailed instructions.

What are the advantages of using a NAS Buffalo CloudStation CS-WV4.0/R1 for storing photos compared to other storage options?

Using a NAS Buffalo CloudStation CS-WV4.0/R1 for storing photos offers several advantages compared to other storage options:

  1. Centralized storage: NAS provides a centralized location to store all your photos. It allows you to access and manage your photo collection from any device connected to the network, including computers, smartphones, and tablets.
  2. Data redundancy: The NAS Buffalo CloudStation supports RAID configurations, which provide data redundancy and protection against drive failures. This ensures that your photos are safe even if one or more drives fail.
  3. Easy sharing and collaboration: NAS devices often come with built-in sharing and collaboration features. You can easily share your photo albums with friends, family, or colleagues, allowing them to view or even contribute to your collection.
  4. Remote access: With a NAS, you can access your photos remotely from anywhere with an internet connection. This is particularly useful if you want to view or share your photos while away from home or the office.
  5. Enhanced security: NAS devices offer advanced security features such as user access controls, encryption, and firewall protection. This helps to keep your photos secure and protected from unauthorized access.
  6. Scalability: The Buffalo CloudStation CS-WV4.0/R1 NAS allows you to start with a small storage capacity and expand it as your photo collection grows. You can easily add additional hard drives or upgrade the existing ones to increase the storage capacity.
  7. Cost-effective: Compared to cloud storage services that charge monthly fees based on storage usage, a NAS offers a one-time investment. It eliminates recurring costs, making it a cost-effective solution for long-term photo storage.
  8. Faster access speeds: Storing photos on a local NAS provides faster access speeds compared to cloud storage, especially when dealing with large photo libraries. This ensures quick and seamless browsing and editing experiences.

Overall, a NAS Buffalo CloudStation CS-WV4.0/R1 provides a reliable, secure, and convenient solution for storing and accessing your photo collection, offering more control and flexibility compared to other storage options.

Can the NAS Buffalo CloudStation CS-WV4.0/R1 automatically organize and categorize photos saved from a digital camera?

No, the NAS Buffalo CloudStation CS-WV4.0/R1 does not have a built-in feature to automatically organize and categorize photos saved from a digital camera. It primarily functions as a network-attached storage device, providing storage and file sharing capabilities. To organize and categorize photos, you would need to use separate software or applications on your computer or mobile device.