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

Contents

• 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?
  • Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • Safe recovery from disk images
  • Where are user’s files stored?
  • Comparison of software for RAID recovery

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

Although NAS Drive Station HD-CX1.0TU2 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.

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   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Buffalo Drive Station HD-CX1.0TU2. 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.

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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;

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 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.

Comparison of software for RAID recovery