- 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 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.
Are there any known limitations or issues related to specific NAS Buffalo Drive Station HD-CE1.5TIU2 device models that can lead to data loss?
There are a few limitations and issues related to specific NAS Buffalo DriveStation HD-CE1.5TIU2 device models that can potentially lead to data loss. Some of the known limitations and issues include:
- Drive Failure: Like any other hard drive, the Buffalo DriveStation HD-CE1.5TIU2 can experience drive failures, which can result in data loss. It is always recommended to have a backup of important data to prevent permanent loss.
- Power Surges: Power surges or fluctuations can damage the internal components of the device, leading to data loss. Using a surge protector or an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) can help protect the NAS device from such issues.
- Firmware or Software Issues: Occasionally, firmware or software bugs can cause data corruption or loss. It is important to keep the device's firmware and software up to date to minimize the risk of such issues. Regularly checking for firmware updates from Buffalo and applying them can help mitigate these risks.
- RAID Configuration: The Buffalo DriveStation HD-CE1.5TIU2 supports various RAID configurations. However, improper configuration or management of RAID arrays can lead to data loss. It is crucial to understand and properly configure the RAID settings to ensure data integrity and redundancy.
- Network Connectivity: NAS devices rely on network connectivity to access and transfer data. Issues with network connections, such as unstable or slow connections, can result in data loss or corruption during file transfers. Maintaining a stable and reliable network infrastructure is essential to minimize such risks.
- User Error: Accidental deletion, formatting, or overwriting of files can lead to data loss. It is important to exercise caution and double-check actions performed on the NAS device to avoid unintentional data loss.
To mitigate the risk of data loss, it is advisable to regularly back up important data to an external storage device or cloud service. Additionally, following best practices for NAS usage, such as maintaining backups, monitoring drive health, and keeping firmware up to date, can help minimize the chances of data loss on Buffalo DriveStation HD-CE1.5TIU2 devices.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS Drive Station HD-CE1.5TIU2 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 Buffalo Drive Station HD-CE1.5TIU2. 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.
Drive Station HD-CE1.5TIU2 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:
-
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 Buffalo Drive Station HD-CE1.5TIU2 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 from a NAS Buffalo Drive Station HD-CE1.5TIU2 device can be performed even if there are issues with the storage controller. However, it is important to note that the process might be more complex and require professional assistance.
In such cases, you can try the following steps:
It is important to note that attempting DIY data recovery methods without proper knowledge and expertise can potentially worsen the problem or lead to permanent data loss. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a professional data recovery service for the best chance of recovering your data.