- 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 specific system logs or event notifications to monitor for early detection of data loss on NAS Buffalo Drive Station HD-CXT1.5TU2 devices?
Yes, there are specific system logs and event notifications that can be monitored for early detection of data loss on NAS Buffalo Drive Station HD-CXT1.5TU2 devices. Some of the key logs and notifications to monitor include:
- File system logs: Monitor the file system logs for any errors or warnings related to disk or file system issues. Look for messages indicating disk failures, file system corruption, or any other abnormal behavior.
- SMART status: The Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology (SMART) feature of the hard drives can provide early warnings of potential disk failures. Monitor the SMART status of the hard drives and look for any indicators of impending failure, such as increased bad sectors or high temperature readings.
- RAID status: If the NAS is configured with a RAID array, monitor the RAID status and notifications. Look for any alerts indicating degraded or failed RAID arrays, as this can lead to data loss if not addressed promptly.
- Backup status: If the NAS is configured to perform regular backups, monitor the backup status and notifications. Ensure that backups are completing successfully and without errors. Any failures or inconsistencies in the backup process can indicate potential data loss.
- System event logs: Monitor the system event logs for any critical or error events that could indicate data loss. Look for events related to disk I/O errors, data corruption, or any other abnormal system behavior.
- Network connectivity: Monitor the network connectivity of the NAS device. Any network interruptions or connectivity issues can lead to data loss if the NAS becomes inaccessible or disconnected during data transfers.
By monitoring these logs and notifications, you can detect potential issues early on and take appropriate actions to prevent or minimize data loss on NAS Buffalo Drive Station HD-CXT1.5TU2 devices.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS Drive Station HD-CXT1.5TU2 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:
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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.
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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.
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Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.
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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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Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Buffalo Drive Station HD-CXT1.5TU2. 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.
How to recover data from a Buffalo
Drive Station HD-CXT1.5TU2 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:
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Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.
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Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.
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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.
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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-CXT1.5TU2 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-CXT1.5TU2 device can still be possible even if the device is showing signs of firmware or software bugs. However, it is important to note that the process may be more complex and require specialized expertise.
In such cases, it is recommended to contact a professional data recovery service provider who has experience with NAS devices and can handle firmware or software related issues. They will have the necessary tools and knowledge to diagnose and resolve the bugs, and recover the data from the device.
It is important to avoid attempting any DIY solutions or using generic data recovery software, as they may further complicate the situation and potentially cause permanent data loss.