- 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.
Can the use of specific data recovery software or services impact the success rate of data retrieval from NAS Buffalo Drive Station HD-HS2.0TQ devices?
Yes, the use of specific data recovery software or services can impact the success rate of data retrieval from NAS Buffalo Drive Station HD-HS2.0TQ devices. The success rate depends on various factors such as the quality and effectiveness of the software or service, the type and severity of the data loss, and the condition of the NAS device itself.
Using reliable and professional data recovery software or services specifically designed for NAS devices can increase the chances of successful data retrieval. These tools are often equipped with advanced algorithms and techniques to handle the complex file systems and storage configurations used in NAS devices.
However, it is important to note that not all data recovery software or services are created equal. Some may have limitations in terms of compatibility, supported file systems, or the ability to handle specific types of data loss scenarios. Therefore, it is crucial to choose reputable and well-reviewed software or services that have a track record of successful NAS data recovery.
In addition to software or services, the success rate of data retrieval from NAS devices can also be influenced by the user's knowledge and expertise in handling data recovery processes. It is recommended to follow the instructions provided by the software or service provider carefully and avoid any actions that may further damage the data or the NAS device.
In summary, the use of specific data recovery software or services can significantly impact the success rate of data retrieval from NAS Buffalo Drive Station HD-HS2.0TQ devices, but it is important to choose reliable and compatible tools and services while following proper procedures to maximize the chances of successful recovery.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS Drive Station HD-HS2.0TQ 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-HS2.0TQ. 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-HS2.0TQ 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-HS2.0TQ 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-HS2.0TQ device can be performed even if there are issues with the storage drive or media errors. However, the success of the data recovery process may depend on the severity of the issues and the extent of damage to the drive.
In case of storage drive issues or media errors, it is recommended to seek professional data recovery services. These services have specialized tools and expertise to recover data from faulty or damaged drives. They can diagnose the problem, repair any hardware issues if possible, and then attempt to retrieve the data.
It is important to note that attempting DIY data recovery methods or using unreliable software can potentially worsen the situation and lead to permanent data loss. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a professional data recovery service for the best chance of recovering your data successfully.