Accessing RAID Files When NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS-CH640L Device Is Unresponsive

Our expert tips will help you access files on a RAID disk even if your ⭐ NAS won't turn on.

Accessing RAID Files When NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS-CH640L Device Is Unresponsive
Data Recovery Tool

Buffalo LinkStation LS-CH640L NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from LinkStation LS-CH640L.

Accessing RAID Files When NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS-CH640L Device Is Unresponsive

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 the number of drives in a NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS-CH640L device's RAID array impact data recovery and potential loss?

The number of drives in a RAID array can impact data recovery and potential loss in a NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS-CH640L device in the following ways:

  1. Data redundancy: RAID arrays are designed to provide redundancy by distributing data across multiple drives. The more drives in the array, the higher the level of redundancy, which helps protect against data loss. For example, in a RAID 1 (mirroring) configuration with two drives, if one drive fails, the other drive still contains a complete copy of the data. However, if there are more drives in the array, such as in RAID 5 or RAID 6 configurations, the array can tolerate multiple drive failures without losing data.
  2. Performance: The number of drives can also impact the performance of the RAID array. In general, more drives can provide higher read and write speeds, allowing for faster data access. However, the performance improvement may not be linear with the number of drives, and other factors like the RAID level and the NAS device's hardware capabilities also play a role.
  3. Rebuild time: When a drive fails in a RAID array, the data from the failed drive needs to be rebuilt onto a new drive to restore redundancy. The time required to rebuild the array depends on the size of the drives and the amount of data stored. With a larger number of drives, the rebuild time can be longer, increasing the vulnerability to potential data loss during the rebuild process. If another drive fails during the rebuild, it can lead to data loss.
  4. Probability of drive failure: The more drives in a RAID array, the higher the probability of drive failure. Each drive has a certain failure rate, and as the number of drives increases, so does the likelihood of at least one drive failing. This increases the risk of data loss if the array is not properly protected or regularly backed up.

In summary, having more drives in a RAID array can provide higher data redundancy and potentially better performance. However, it also increases the complexity of data recovery and the risk of data loss during drive failures or rebuild processes. It is important to regularly back up the data and ensure proper maintenance and monitoring of the NAS device to mitigate these risks.

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

Although NAS LinkStation LS-CH640L 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 LinkStation LS-CH640L. 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

LinkStation LS-CH640L 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.

    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 LinkStation LS-CH640L 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 LinkStation LS-CH640L, feel free to leave a comment!
    Reply
  • Armand Woodruff
    Armand Woodruff 30.08.2023 21:56 #
    Is it possible to recover data from a NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS-CH640L device if the device is experiencing frequent disconnections or network errors?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 30.08.2023 22:59 #

      It is possible to recover data from a NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS-CH640L device even if the device is experiencing frequent disconnections or network errors. However, the process may vary depending on the specific issue causing the disconnections or errors.

      Here are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially recover data from the device:

      1. Check the network connection: Ensure that the network cables are securely connected, and try using a different cable or port on your router. Also, verify that your network settings are correct and that the NAS is properly configured to connect to your network.
      2. Restart the device: Power off the NAS, unplug it from the power source, wait for a few minutes, and then plug it back in. This can help resolve temporary network issues or software glitches.
      3. Update firmware: Check if there are any firmware updates available for your Buffalo LinkStation model and install them. Firmware updates often address known issues and improve device stability.
      4. Access the NAS locally: If possible, try connecting to the NAS directly using a computer on the same network. This can help determine if the issue is specific to the network connection or the NAS itself.
      5. Use data recovery software: If the above steps do not resolve the issue, you can try using data recovery software specifically designed for NAS devices. These tools can help recover data from a malfunctioning NAS by scanning the hard drives directly.
      6. Professional data recovery service: If the data on the NAS is critical and the above steps do not work, you may need to consult a professional data recovery service. They have specialized tools and expertise to recover data from faulty NAS devices.

      Remember to always backup your important data regularly to avoid data loss in the future.

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

  • Updated:
  • Evaluations:
  • 2
  • /
  • :
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

  • What are the different security features available on the NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS-CH640L for file access?

    The NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS-CH640L offers several security features for file access, including:

    1. User and Group Management: The device allows you to create multiple users and groups with different access privileges. You can assign read-only or read-write permissions to specific folders or files for each user or group.
    2. Password Protection: Each user has a unique login ID and password to access the NAS device. This ensures that only authorized users can access the files stored on the device.
    3. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Encryption: The LinkStation LS-CH640L supports SSL encryption for secure communication between the NAS device and connected devices. This helps protect data transmission from unauthorized access or interception.
    4. Active Directory Integration: The NAS device can be integrated with an existing Active Directory (AD) domain. This allows users to log in using their AD credentials, simplifying user management and enhancing security.
    5. IP Address Filtering: You can restrict access to the NAS device by specifying a list of allowed IP addresses or IP address ranges. This helps prevent unauthorized access from external networks.
    6. Firewall Protection: The NAS device has a built-in firewall that helps protect it from unauthorized access attempts or malicious attacks.
    7. Scheduled Backup and Replication: The LinkStation LS-CH640L supports scheduled backups and replication to external storage devices or other NAS devices. This ensures data redundancy and protects against data loss.
    8. Drive Encryption: The NAS device supports drive encryption, allowing you to encrypt the entire storage volume. This ensures that even if the drives are physically removed from the device, the data remains protected.
    9. Event Notifications: The device can send email notifications to administrators or users when specific events occur, such as failed login attempts or changes to file permissions. This helps monitor and track any potential security breaches.

    These security features help ensure that the file access on the NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS-CH640L is secure and protected from unauthorized access or data breaches.

  • How does the NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS-CH640L ensure secure remote access to files stored on the device?

    The NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS-CH640L ensures secure remote access to files stored on the device through various security measures:

    1. VPN Support: It supports Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections, allowing users to create a secure and encrypted connection to access files remotely. VPNs provide a secure tunnel for data transmission over the internet, making it difficult for unauthorized users to intercept or access the data.
    2. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)/Transport Layer Security (TLS): The LinkStation LS-CH640L uses SSL/TLS encryption protocols to establish a secure connection between the device and the remote user. SSL/TLS encrypts the data transmission, ensuring that the files are protected from eavesdropping and unauthorized access.
    3. User Authentication: The device requires user authentication before granting remote access to files. Users need to provide valid login credentials, including a username and password, to access the files remotely. This prevents unauthorized users from accessing the device and its stored files.
    4. Firewall Protection: The LinkStation LS-CH640L has built-in firewall capabilities that help protect the device from unauthorized access and potential attacks. It monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic, filtering and blocking any suspicious or malicious activity, thus ensuring the security of remote access.
    5. Access Control Lists (ACLs): The device allows users to set up Access Control Lists, which define specific permissions and restrictions for different users or user groups. This enables users to control and limit remote access to specific files or folders, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access sensitive data.
    6. Firmware Updates: Buffalo periodically releases firmware updates for their devices, including the LinkStation LS-CH640L. These updates often include security patches and enhancements, addressing any vulnerabilities or weaknesses that could compromise the secure remote access to files. It is essential to keep the device's firmware up to date to ensure optimal security.

    By implementing these security measures, the NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS-CH640L ensures secure remote access to files stored on the device, protecting them from unauthorized access and maintaining data confidentiality.

  • Can the NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS-CH640L be integrated with existing authentication systems for enhanced file access security?

    Yes, the NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS-CH640L can be integrated with existing authentication systems for enhanced file access security. The device supports various authentication methods such as Active Directory, LDAP, and user/group management. By integrating with existing authentication systems, you can enforce user authentication and access control policies, ensuring that only authorized users can access the files stored on the NAS.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Description
Hello! This is AI-based Hetman Software virtual assistant, and it will answer any of your questions right away.
Start Chat