Restoring a RAID Array on NAS Buffalo Drive Station HD-CE2.0TIU2 with Multiple Faulty Drives

Has your NAS Buffalo Drive Station HD-CE2.0TIU2 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?

Restoring a RAID Array on NAS Buffalo Drive Station HD-CE2.0TIU2 with Multiple Faulty Drives

Buffalo Drive Station HD-CE2.0TIU2 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 Drive Station HD-CE2.0TIU2. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

Restoring a RAID Array on NAS Buffalo Drive Station HD-CE2.0TIU2 with Multiple Faulty Drives

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 Buffalo 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 recommended practices for regular testing and validation of data backups to prevent potential loss on NAS Buffalo Drive Station HD-CE2.0TIU2 devices?

Yes, there are recommended practices for regular testing and validation of data backups to prevent potential loss on NAS Buffalo Drive Station HD-CE2.0TIU2 devices. Here are some key practices to consider:

  1. Regular Backup Schedule: Set up a regular backup schedule to ensure that your data is backed up consistently. This can be done daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on your needs.
  2. Multiple Backup Locations: It's advisable to have multiple backup locations to safeguard against potential loss. Consider backing up your data to an external hard drive, cloud storage, or another NAS device.
  3. Automated Backup Software: Utilize backup software that supports automated backups. This will ensure that your data is backed up regularly without manual intervention.
  4. Verify Backup Integrity: After each backup, verify the integrity of the backup data. This can be done by performing a test restore of a small subset of files to ensure that the backup is functioning correctly.
  5. Regular Data Restoration Testing: Periodically test the restoration process by restoring a subset of files from the backup. This will help ensure that your backup is reliable and that you can recover your data when needed.
  6. Monitor Backup Status: Keep an eye on the backup status and logs provided by the NAS Buffalo Drive Station or any backup software you are using. This will help you identify any issues or failures in the backup process.
  7. Offsite Backup: Consider storing a copy of your backups offsite to protect against physical damage or theft. This can be done by using cloud storage or regularly rotating backup drives to an offsite location.
  8. Keep Backup Software Up to Date: Regularly update your backup software and firmware on the NAS Buffalo Drive Station to ensure you have the latest features, bug fixes, and security patches.
  9. Document Backup Procedures: Maintain documentation of your backup procedures, including the schedule, locations, and restoration steps. This will help ensure consistency and enable others to follow the process if required.

By following these recommended practices, you can minimize the risk of data loss and increase the reliability of your backups on NAS Buffalo Drive Station HD-CE2.0TIU2 devices.

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

Although the NAS Drive Station HD-CE2.0TIU2 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 Buffalo Drive Station HD-CE2.0TIU2. 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 Buffalo

How to recover data from a Buffalo

Drive Station HD-CE2.0TIU2 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;

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 Buffalo Drive Station HD-CE2.0TIU2 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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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 Drive Station HD-CE2.0TIU2 , feel free to leave a comment!
  • Conrad Delahaye
    Conrad Delahaye 28.08.2023 11:52 #
    How can data recovery from a NAS Buffalo Drive Station HD-CE2.0TIU2 device be prevented in the future?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 28.08.2023 12:00 #

      To prevent data recovery from a NAS Buffalo Drive Station HD-CE2.0TIU2 device in the future, you can take the following measures:

      1. Encryption: Enable encryption on your NAS device. This will ensure that even if someone gains physical access to the device or its hard drives, they won't be able to access the data without the encryption key.
      2. Strong passwords: Set strong and unique passwords for your NAS device and its user accounts. Avoid using default or easily guessable passwords. This will prevent unauthorized access to your data.
      3. Regular backups: Implement a regular backup strategy for your data. This can be done by scheduling automatic backups to an external storage device or cloud storage. Regular backups will ensure that even if data is lost or compromised, you can easily restore it.
      4. Firmware updates: Keep your NAS device's firmware up to date. Manufacturers often release firmware updates that address security vulnerabilities and improve overall device performance. Regularly check for firmware updates and install them when available.
      5. Network security: Ensure that your network is secure by using strong Wi-Fi encryption (WPA2 or higher) and a firewall. This will protect your NAS device from unauthorized access over the network.
      6. Physical security: Secure your NAS device physically by placing it in a locked room or cabinet. Restrict physical access to authorized personnel only. This will prevent unauthorized individuals from tampering with the device.
      7. User access control: Implement user access control on your NAS device. Create separate user accounts with limited privileges for different users. This will ensure that each user only has access to the data they need, reducing the risk of accidental deletion or unauthorized access.
      8. Disable unnecessary services: Disable any unnecessary services or features on your NAS device to minimize potential attack vectors. Only enable the services you actually need.

      By following these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of data recovery from your NAS Buffalo Drive Station HD-CE2.0TIU2 device.

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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 advantages of using a NAS Buffalo Drive Station HD-CE2.0TIU2 compared to regular external hard drives?

    There are several advantages of using a NAS Buffalo DriveStation HD-CE2.0TIU2 compared to regular external hard drives:

    1. Network Accessibility: A NAS (Network Attached Storage) device like the Buffalo DriveStation allows you to access your data over a network. This means you can easily share files and folders with multiple devices such as computers, laptops, smartphones, or tablets connected to the same network. Regular external hard drives are typically connected directly to a single device, limiting access to that device only.
    2. Centralized Storage: With a NAS, you can centralize your storage, making it easier to manage and access your files from multiple devices. Instead of having different external hard drives connected to different devices, you can store all your data in one place and access it from anywhere on the network.
    3. Enhanced Data Protection: NAS devices often come with built-in data protection features like RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks). RAID allows you to create redundant copies of your data across multiple hard drives, providing protection against data loss in case of a drive failure. Regular external hard drives do not typically offer such data protection mechanisms.
    4. Scalability: NAS devices like the Buffalo DriveStation are often designed to support multiple hard drives, allowing you to expand your storage capacity as needed. You can easily add more hard drives to a NAS device and increase your storage space without much hassle. Regular external hard drives have fixed capacities and cannot be expanded.
    5. Additional Features: NAS devices often offer additional features such as media streaming capabilities, remote access, automated backups, and integration with cloud services. These features make it more versatile and convenient for various use cases. Regular external hard drives usually lack such advanced functionalities.
    6. Simultaneous Access: With a NAS, multiple users can access the stored data simultaneously. This is particularly useful in shared environments like offices or households where multiple users need access to the same files. Regular external hard drives usually allow only one user to access the data at a time.

    Overall, a NAS Buffalo DriveStation HD-CE2.0TIU2 provides greater flexibility, accessibility, data protection, and scalability compared to regular external hard drives. However, it may be relatively more expensive and require some technical knowledge for setup and configuration.

  • How does the NAS Buffalo Drive Station HD-CE2.0TIU2 provide better data security and protection compared to traditional external hard drives?

    The NAS Buffalo Drive Station HD-CE2.0TIU2 provides better data security and protection compared to traditional external hard drives in several ways:

    1. Network Attached Storage (NAS) Functionality: The Drive Station HD-CE2.0TIU2 is a NAS device, which means it can be connected to a network and accessed by multiple users simultaneously. This allows for centralized data storage and sharing, reducing the need for data to be stored on individual devices or transferred through less secure methods like USB drives.
    2. RAID Configuration: The Drive Station HD-CE2.0TIU2 supports various RAID configurations, such as RAID 1 (mirroring), which duplicates data across multiple drives. In case one drive fails, the data remains intact on the other drive(s). This redundancy provides a higher level of data protection and minimizes the risk of data loss.
    3. Data Encryption: The Drive Station HD-CE2.0TIU2 supports hardware-based AES encryption, which ensures that the data stored on the drives is encrypted and protected from unauthorized access. Encryption adds an extra layer of security, especially when the drives are lost, stolen, or accessed by unauthorized users.
    4. User Access Controls: The NAS device allows administrators to set up user access controls, permissions, and password protection. This ensures that only authorized users have access to specific files or folders, reducing the risk of unauthorized data access or accidental deletion.
    5. Backup and Synchronization: The Drive Station HD-CE2.0TIU2 supports automatic backup and synchronization features. This allows users to schedule regular backups of their data, ensuring that important files are protected and can be easily restored in case of accidental deletion, hardware failure, or data corruption.
    6. Remote Access and Cloud Integration: The NAS device can be accessed remotely over the internet, allowing users to securely access their data from anywhere. Additionally, it may offer integration with cloud storage services, providing an additional backup option and facilitating seamless file sharing and collaboration.

    Overall, the NAS Buffalo Drive Station HD-CE2.0TIU2 provides enhanced data security and protection by offering features like network connectivity, RAID configurations, data encryption, access controls, backup and synchronization, remote access, and cloud integration.

  • In what ways does the NAS Buffalo Drive Station HD-CE2.0TIU2 offer enhanced accessibility and convenience in comparison to regular external hard drives?

    The NAS Buffalo DriveStation HD-CE2.0TIU2 offers enhanced accessibility and convenience compared to regular external hard drives in several ways:

    1. Network Attached Storage (NAS) Capability: The DriveStation HD-CE2.0TIU2 is a NAS device, which means it can be connected to a local network, allowing multiple users to access and share files simultaneously. This makes it ideal for small businesses or households where multiple devices need to access the same data.
    2. Increased Storage Capacity: Regular external hard drives typically offer limited storage capacity, but the DriveStation HD-CE2.0TIU2 comes with a larger storage capacity, allowing you to store more data without the need for multiple drives.
    3. Easy File Sharing and Collaboration: With NAS functionality, the DriveStation HD-CE2.0TIU2 allows for easy file sharing and collaboration. Users can access, edit, and share files across different devices and platforms, promoting collaboration and productivity.
    4. Remote Access: The DriveStation HD-CE2.0TIU2 can be accessed remotely over the internet. This means you can access your files from anywhere, using any device with an internet connection. It provides flexibility and convenience, allowing you to retrieve important files even when you are away from your physical storage device.
    5. Built-in Media Server: The DriveStation HD-CE2.0TIU2 includes a built-in media server that allows you to stream media files (such as videos, music, and photos) directly to compatible devices like smart TVs, media players, or gaming consoles. This eliminates the need to transfer files to different devices, making media sharing and playback more convenient.
    6. Automatic Data Backup: The DriveStation HD-CE2.0TIU2 offers automatic backup features, allowing you to schedule regular backups of your data. This ensures that your files are protected and easily recoverable in case of accidental deletion or hardware failure.
    7. RAID Support: The DriveStation HD-CE2.0TIU2 supports RAID configurations, which provide data redundancy and improved performance. RAID allows you to combine multiple hard drives into a single logical unit, offering enhanced data protection and faster access speeds.

    Overall, the NAS Buffalo DriveStation HD-CE2.0TIU2 offers enhanced accessibility and convenience through network connectivity, increased storage capacity, easy file sharing, remote access, media streaming capabilities, automatic data backup, and RAID support.