How to Get RAID Files If NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS-WX6.0TL/R1 Fails to Turn On

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS-WX6.0TL/R1
• How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
  • Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images
  • Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?
  • RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison

Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID

Conventional hard drives store user data by writing it sequentially across the disk surface, which means an entire file is typically located on a single drive. In contrast, when data is written to a RAID array, each file is split into multiple fragments. These fragments are then distributed and written in sequence across all the drives in the array. Depending on the configuration, fragment sizes can range from 2 KB to 2 MB, so every file is physically stored across several disks at once.

This approach significantly increases read and write performance — after all, writing two halves of a 1 GB file to two drives simultaneously is much faster than writing the full 1 GB to a single disk. However, this same mechanism makes file recovery far more complex.

Different RAID levels use different methods to distribute and protect data. On top of that, manufacturers like Buffalo often add their own proprietary structures and variations. As a result, data can be written to disks in many different formats, and each requires a specific approach during recovery.

How can storage tiering or caching strategies impact data availability and potential loss on NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS-WX6.0TL/R1 devices?

Storage tiering and caching strategies can have a significant impact on data availability and potential loss on NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS-WX6.0TL/R1 devices.

1. Improved Performance: By implementing storage tiering and caching strategies, the performance of the NAS device can be significantly improved. Caching allows frequently accessed data to be stored in faster storage media such as SSDs, reducing access latency and improving overall system performance. This ensures that data is available quickly when needed, reducing potential loss due to delays or unavailability.
2. Enhanced Data Availability: Storage tiering allows data to be distributed across different storage tiers based on its importance or access frequency. Frequently accessed data can be stored in high-performance tiers, while less frequently accessed data can be stored in lower-cost, high-capacity tiers. This ensures that critical data is readily available, reducing the risk of potential data loss due to unavailability or system failures.
3. Data Redundancy: Storage tiering can also be used to implement data redundancy strategies, such as mirroring or RAID configurations. By storing multiple copies of data across different storage tiers, the risk of data loss due to hardware failures or disk errors is mitigated. In the event of a disk failure, the redundant copy of the data ensures that it remains available and accessible.
4. Backup and Disaster Recovery: Storage tiering can be used to allocate storage space for backup and disaster recovery purposes. By dedicating a separate storage tier for backups, critical data can be regularly backed up to ensure its availability in case of data loss or system failures. This helps to minimize potential data loss and facilitates quick recovery in case of any unforeseen events.

However, it's important to note that storage tiering and caching strategies should be implemented carefully, considering the specific requirements and workload patterns of the NAS device. Improper configuration or management of storage tiers and caching can lead to data inconsistency, performance degradation, or potential data loss. It is recommended to consult the device's documentation or seek professional assistance to ensure the optimal setup and configuration of storage tiering and caching on NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS-WX6.0TL/R1 devices.

How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC

Although the NAS LinkStation LS-WX6.0TL/R1 can be accessed over the network, you still need to remove its hard disks and connect them directly to a Windows PC. Only then can the recovery software properly scan and analyze the drives. Follow these steps:

1. Power off the NAS and disconnect it from the power source.

   WARNING! Before removing any drives, carefully read the device manual. Improper actions may damage both the NAS enclosure and the hard disks in the RAID array.

2. Remove the hard disks one by one, gently sliding each drive out of its slot. Remember that hard disks are highly sensitive: any impact or drop can cause serious physical damage.

3. Label each hard disk according to its position inside the NAS. The order of the drives is crucial for correct RAID reconstruction.

4. Connect the drives to your computer. In this video, we explain which ports you can use to connect hard disks and what to do if your PC does not have enough free connectors.

   Go to view

   

   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Buffalo LinkStation LS-WX6.0TL/R1. Each hard disk in the array contains technical metadata describing how files were written. When launched, Hetman RAID Recovery analyzes this metadata, automatically reconstructs the damaged array, and provides access to its contents. After that, you can browse the recovered disk and save your files. The program can also restore files that were accidentally deleted from the network drive.

Go to view

How to recover data from a Buffalo

LinkStation LS-WX6.0TL/R1 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;

How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images

This utility allows you to create a complete copy of a disk and work with the disk image instead of the physical drive. This approach helps protect your data from:

• Overwriting during the recovery process;
• Additional data loss caused by bad sectors;
• User errors.

To create a disk image, follow these steps:

1. Ensure you have enough free space to store the image. Its size will typically match the size of the original disk.

2. In the main window, select the target disk and choose Tools - Save Disk. You can also select multiple disks if needed.

3. When the Image Creation Wizard opens, select whether you want to save the entire disk or only a specific region. Adjust the settings and click Next.

   

4. Choose the directory where the image will be saved. You may select any available disk connected to your PC or upload the image via FTP.

   

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The Buffalo LinkStation LS-WX6.0TL/R1 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.

RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison