How to Recover a RAID Array on NAS Buffalo Drive Station HD-CX1.0TU2 with Multiple Disk Failures

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Buffalo Drive Station HD-CX1.0TU2
• 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 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 precautions to take while replacing or upgrading hard drives in NAS Buffalo Drive Station HD-CX1.0TU2 devices?

Yes, there are a few precautions to keep in mind while replacing or upgrading hard drives in NAS Buffalo DriveStation HD-CX1.0TU2 devices:

1. Backup your data: Before attempting any hardware changes, it is crucial to back up all your important data. This ensures that even if something goes wrong during the process, you won't lose any valuable information.
2. Power off the device: Make sure to power off the NAS DriveStation and unplug it from the power source before proceeding with any hardware modifications. This prevents any potential electrical damage and ensures your safety.
3. Handle with care: Hard drives are sensitive components, so handle them with care. Avoid dropping or mishandling the hard drive to prevent any physical damage.
4. Use compatible hard drives: Ensure that the replacement or upgraded hard drive is compatible with your NAS DriveStation HD-CX1.0TU2. Check the manufacturer's specifications or consult the user manual for the supported hard drive types and capacities.
5. Follow the manufacturer's instructions: Refer to the user manual or any specific instructions provided by Buffalo for the NAS DriveStation HD-CX1.0TU2. Every device may have slightly different procedures, so it is essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines.
6. Keep track of screws and connections: When disassembling the NAS DriveStation, keep track of the screws and connections. It is advisable to label or document the steps to ensure you can reassemble the device correctly.
7. Static electricity precautions: Static electricity can damage sensitive electronic components. To prevent this, ground yourself by wearing an anti-static wrist strap or by touching a grounded object before handling the hard drive or any internal components.
8. Take note of RAID configurations: If your NAS DriveStation is configured in a RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) setup, make sure you understand the RAID configuration and how it affects the replacement or upgrade process. It may require additional steps or considerations.
9. Seek professional help if uncertain: If you are unsure about the process or lack experience with hardware modifications, it is recommended to seek professional help. This will ensure that the replacement or upgrade is done correctly and minimize the risk of damage to the device or data loss.

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

Although the NAS Drive Station HD-CX1.0TU2 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 Buffalo Drive Station HD-CX1.0TU2. 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 Buffalo

Drive Station HD-CX1.0TU2 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.

   

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 Buffalo Drive Station HD-CX1.0TU2 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