- 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.
How can hardware failure lead to data loss in NAS Buffalo Drive Station HD-RQS2TSU2/R5 devices?
Hardware failure in NAS Buffalo Drive Station HD-RQS2TSU2/R5 devices can lead to data loss in several ways:
- Hard disk failure: NAS devices like Buffalo Drive Station consist of multiple hard drives in a RAID configuration. If one or more hard drives fail, it can result in data loss or corruption. The RAID system may not be able to rebuild the data if the failed drive is not replaced promptly.
- Power supply failure: A malfunctioning power supply can cause sudden power surges or outages, leading to data loss or corruption. It can result in improper shutdowns or voltage fluctuations that impact the integrity of the stored data.
- Controller failure: The controller is responsible for managing the data flow between the hard drives and the network. If the controller fails, it can prevent access to the data or cause data corruption.
- Firmware corruption: Firmware is the software embedded in the NAS device that controls its operations. If the firmware becomes corrupted due to hardware failure, it can lead to data loss or make the device inaccessible.
- Overheating: NAS devices generate heat during operation, and if the cooling system fails or is inadequate, it can cause the hard drives to overheat. Overheating can lead to data loss or drive failure.
- Physical damage: Accidental drops, impacts, or exposure to extreme temperatures or moisture can physically damage the NAS device and its components, resulting in data loss.
To mitigate the risk of data loss due to hardware failure, it is crucial to regularly back up the data stored on the NAS device to an external storage medium or a cloud-based backup service. Additionally, monitoring the health of the hardware components, ensuring proper cooling and ventilation, and promptly replacing failed or malfunctioning hardware can help minimize the chances of data loss.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS Drive Station HD-RQS2TSU2/R5 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-RQS2TSU2/R5. 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-RQS2TSU2/R5 has 4 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:
- RAID 0;
- RAID 1;
- RAID 5;
- RAID 6;
- 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-RQS2TSU2/R5 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 |
Data recovery from a NAS Buffalo Drive Station HD-RQS2TSU2/R5 device can be performed if there are issues with the storage drive or media errors. However, it is important to note that data recovery success depends on the severity of the issues and the extent of the damage to the drive.
If there are minor issues or media errors, data recovery software or tools may be able to recover the data from the drive. These tools can help in recovering deleted files, formatted drives, or corrupted data.
However, if the drive has suffered physical damage or extensive media errors, professional data recovery services may be required. These services have specialized equipment and expertise to handle physically damaged drives and can recover data in more severe cases.
It is important to stop using the drive immediately once you notice any issues to prevent further damage and increase the chances of successful data recovery.