How to Recover NAS Buffalo DriveStation Duo Data: Step-by-Step RAID Array Recovery

Step-by-step guide to recovering data from ⭐ NAS and restoring RAID arrays.

How to Recover NAS Buffalo DriveStation Duo Data: Step-by-Step RAID Array Recovery

Buffalo DriveStation Duo NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from DriveStation Duo.

How to Recover NAS Buffalo DriveStation Duo Data: Step-by-Step RAID Array Recovery

RAID Recovery™ 2.6
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
Download

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 file system corruption impact data integrity on NAS Buffalo DriveStation Duo devices?

File system corruption can have a significant impact on data integrity on NAS Buffalo DriveStation Duo devices. Here are some ways it can affect data:

  1. Data Loss: File system corruption can lead to the loss of data stored on the NAS device. This can occur due to the inability to access or retrieve files, or even complete data corruption resulting in the files becoming unreadable or unusable.
  2. Data Inconsistency: Corruption in the file system can cause data inconsistencies, where the information stored on the NAS device does not match the expected or original state. This can result in errors, missing or incorrect data, and difficulties in data synchronization or replication.
  3. File System Errors: Corruption can lead to various file system errors, such as invalid file or directory structures, cross-linked files, or orphaned files. These errors can prevent proper file access, organization, and management, leading to data integrity issues.
  4. System Instability: File system corruption can cause the NAS device to become unstable or crash frequently. This instability can lead to data integrity problems as files may not be saved correctly or become corrupted during unexpected system shutdowns or restarts.
  5. Difficult Data Recovery: In cases of severe file system corruption, data recovery becomes challenging or even impossible. Corrupted file systems may hinder the effectiveness of data recovery tools or services, making it difficult to retrieve lost or damaged data.

To mitigate the impact of file system corruption on data integrity, it is crucial to regularly back up data, implement reliable and up-to-date file system monitoring and maintenance practices, and promptly address any signs of file system issues or errors. Additionally, using RAID configurations and redundant storage systems can provide an extra layer of protection against data loss due to file system corruption.

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

Although NAS DriveStation Duo 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.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Buffalo DriveStation Duo. 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.

Go to view
How to recover data from a Buffalo

How to recover data from a Buffalo

DriveStation Duo 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 ToolsSave 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.

    Hetman Raid Recovery: Image Creation Wizard
  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.

    Hetman Raid Recovery: hoose any disk connected to this PC, or save the image by FTP

Where are user’s files stored?

The Buffalo DriveStation Duo 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

Feedback

We will be happy to answer your questions!

Comments (3)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 9.08.2022 12:31 #
    If you want to ask a question about data recovery, from NAS DriveStation Duo, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Leo Bamford
    Leo Bamford 31.08.2023 00:54 #
    Is it possible to recover data from a NAS Buffalo DriveStation Duo device that has suffered a power loss or sudden shutdown?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 31.08.2023 01:59 #

      Yes, it is possible to recover data from a NAS Buffalo DriveStation Duo device that has suffered a power loss or sudden shutdown. In such cases, the first step is to ensure that the device is properly powered off and disconnected from the power source to prevent any further damage.

      After that, you can try the following steps to recover the data:

      1. Check the power supply: Ensure that the power supply is working properly by testing it with another device or using a multimeter to measure the voltage output.
      2. Test the hard drives: Remove the hard drives from the NAS device and connect them to a computer using a SATA-to-USB adapter or by installing them directly into the computer. Check if the drives are detected by the computer and if you can access the data.
      3. Use data recovery software: If the drives are detected but the data is inaccessible, you can use data recovery software to scan and recover the files. There are various data recovery tools available, such as EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, Recuva, or Disk Drill. Follow the instructions provided by the software to recover the data.
      4. Seek professional help: If the above steps do not work or if you are not comfortable performing the data recovery yourself, it is recommended to seek professional help from a data recovery service. They have specialized tools and expertise to recover data from damaged or failed storage devices.

      Remember to always create backups of important data to prevent data loss in case of unexpected events like power loss or sudden shutdowns.

Post comment
User
Leave a reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

Share

Questions and answers

  • How does the NAS Buffalo DriveStation Duo help in centralizing photo management?

    The NAS Buffalo DriveStation Duo helps in centralizing photo management by providing a centralized location for storing and organizing photos. It offers a large storage capacity, typically in the terabyte range, allowing users to store a large number of photos in one place.

    The DriveStation Duo is a network-attached storage (NAS) device, which means it can be connected to a home or office network. This allows multiple devices, such as computers, smartphones, and tablets, to access and manage the stored photos simultaneously.

    With the DriveStation Duo, users can create a central photo library where all the photos are stored. This eliminates the need to store photos on multiple devices or external hard drives, making it easier to locate and access photos when needed.

    The device also often comes with built-in software or applications that enable users to organize and categorize their photos. These software tools may include features like facial recognition, tagging, and metadata management, making it easier to search and sort through the photo collection.

    Additionally, the DriveStation Duo can be configured to automatically back up photos from various devices, ensuring that all photos are safely stored and protected from data loss.

    Overall, the NAS Buffalo DriveStation Duo simplifies and streamlines the process of managing photos by providing a centralized storage solution with advanced organizational features and easy accessibility for multiple devices.

  • What are the key features and functionalities of the NAS Buffalo DriveStation Duo that make it suitable for photo management?

    The NAS Buffalo DriveStation Duo offers several key features and functionalities that make it suitable for photo management:

    1. High storage capacity: The DriveStation Duo comes with a high storage capacity, typically ranging from 2TB to 8TB. This allows users to store a large number of photos without worrying about running out of space.
    2. RAID configuration: The DriveStation Duo supports RAID 0 and RAID 1 configurations. RAID 0 allows for increased performance and capacity by striping data across both drives, while RAID 1 provides data redundancy by mirroring data on both drives. This ensures that photos are protected in case of a drive failure.
    3. Fast data transfer speeds: The DriveStation Duo is equipped with high-speed interfaces such as USB 3.0 and/or Thunderbolt, enabling fast data transfer between the NAS and a computer. This is particularly useful when transferring large photo files or backing up photos.
    4. Automatic backup and synchronization: The DriveStation Duo offers automatic backup and synchronization capabilities. Users can set up scheduled backups to ensure that their photos are regularly backed up to the NAS. Additionally, the NAS can be synchronized with other devices or cloud storage services, providing an extra layer of data protection.
    5. Remote access and sharing: The DriveStation Duo allows for remote access to photos stored on the NAS. Users can access their photos from anywhere using a computer or mobile device, making it convenient for sharing and accessing photos on the go.
    6. Easy setup and user-friendly interface: The DriveStation Duo is designed to be user-friendly, with an easy setup process and a straightforward interface. This makes it suitable for users who may not be technically inclined but still want an efficient photo management solution.
    7. Compatibility with photo management software: The DriveStation Duo is compatible with various photo management software, such as Adobe Lightroom, Apple Photos, and other popular applications. This allows users to seamlessly integrate the NAS into their existing photo management workflow.

    Overall, the high storage capacity, RAID configuration options, fast data transfer speeds, automatic backup and synchronization, remote access and sharing capabilities, easy setup, and compatibility with photo management software make the NAS Buffalo DriveStation Duo a suitable choice for efficient and secure photo management.

  • Can the NAS Buffalo DriveStation Duo be easily integrated with existing photo management software and workflows?

    Yes, the NAS Buffalo DriveStation Duo can be easily integrated with existing photo management software and workflows. It supports various protocols and file systems such as SMB/CIFS, AFP, and FTP, which makes it compatible with most operating systems and software applications.

    You can access the DriveStation Duo as a network drive and use it to store and organize your photos. Many photo management software, like Adobe Lightroom or Apple Photos, allow you to specify a network location as the library or storage location. By setting up the DriveStation Duo as the designated storage location, you can seamlessly integrate it into your existing photo management workflow.

    Additionally, the DriveStation Duo supports RAID configurations, allowing you to set up data redundancy and improve data safety. This is particularly important for photographers who want to ensure their valuable photos are protected against drive failures.

    Overall, the NAS Buffalo DriveStation Duo provides the necessary features and compatibility to easily integrate with existing photo management software and workflows.

Hello! This is AI-based Hetman Software virtual assistant, and it will answer any of your questions right away.
Start Chat