How to Retrieve RAID Files If NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS-X3.0TL Fails to Start

Has your NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS-X3.0TL suddenly lost its network drive and you’re unsure what to do next? Did the RAID array collapse, making your files inaccessible? Is the device throwing errors during startup? Perhaps you accidentally rebuilt the RAID array or several hard drives failed at the same time?

How to Retrieve RAID Files If NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS-X3.0TL Fails to Start
Data Recovery Tool

Buffalo LinkStation LS-X3.0TL NAS Data Recovery in 2025

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from an LinkStation LS-X3.0TL. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

How to Retrieve RAID Files If NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS-X3.0TL Fails to Start

RAID Recovery™ 2.8
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
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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.

Can power outages or surges affect data stored in NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS-X3.0TL devices?

Yes, power outages or surges can potentially affect the data stored in NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS-X3.0TL devices. When a power outage occurs, the NAS may shut down abruptly, which can lead to data corruption or loss. Additionally, power surges can cause damage to the NAS hardware, including the hard drives where the data is stored. It is always recommended to have a backup power supply or surge protector in place to protect the NAS and the data it contains.

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

Although the NAS LinkStation LS-X3.0TL 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

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Buffalo LinkStation LS-X3.0TL. 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

How to recover data from a Buffalo

LinkStation LS-X3.0TL 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.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Image Creation Wizard

  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.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Choose a disk or save the image via FTP

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The Buffalo LinkStation LS-X3.0TL 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

Product Operating system RAID controller support Supported file systems Virtual RAID controller support Data recovery from damaged RAID File preview
Hetman RAID Recovery Windows, Linux, MacOS Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, exFAT, NTFS, ReFS, APFS, HFS+, Ext4, Ext3, Ext2, ReiserFS, Btrfs, VMFS, Hikvision, XFS, UFS, ZFS Yes Yes Yes
DiskInternals RAID Recovery Windows Yes, over 10 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
R-Studio Windows, Mac, Linux Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
UFS Explorer RAID Recovery Windows, Mac, Linux Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
EaseUS Data Recovery Windows Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery Windows Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes

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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-X3.0TL, feel free to leave a comment!
    Reply
  • Kenny Pierce
    Kenny Pierce 30.08.2023 12:53 #
    Is it possible to recover data from a NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS-X3.0TL device that has undergone a file system conversion or re-partitioning?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 30.08.2023 14:00 #

      It is possible to recover data from a NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS-X3.0TL device that has undergone a file system conversion or re-partitioning, but it can be a complex process. Here are a few steps you can take to attempt data recovery:

      1. Stop using the NAS immediately to prevent further data loss or overwriting.
      2. Remove the hard drives from the NAS and connect them to a computer using a SATA to USB adapter or by installing them directly into the computer.
      3. Use data recovery software such as TestDisk, Recuva, or EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard to scan the drives and attempt to recover the lost data. These software tools can often recover data even from formatted or re-partitioned drives.
      4. If the software is unable to recover the data, you may need to seek professional data recovery services. They have specialized equipment and expertise to recover data from complex situations.

      Remember, the success of data recovery depends on various factors such as the extent of the file system conversion or re-partitioning, the condition of the drives, and the actions taken after the data loss. It's always recommended to regularly back up important data to avoid such situations.

      Reply
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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.

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Questions and answers

  • How do I connect my digital camera to the NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS-X3.0TL to transfer and save photos?

    To connect your digital camera to the NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS-X3.0TL and transfer/save photos, you can follow these steps:

    1. Check the available ports: The Buffalo LinkStation LS-X3.0TL usually has USB ports that can be used to connect external devices like cameras.
    2. Connect your digital camera: Use a USB cable to connect your digital camera to one of the USB ports on the Buffalo LinkStation LS-X3.0TL.
    3. Power on the camera: Ensure that your camera is powered on and in the appropriate mode for file transfer. Refer to your camera's manual for instructions on how to enable file transfer mode.
    4. Access the NAS interface: Open a web browser on your computer and enter the IP address of your Buffalo LinkStation LS-X3.0TL to access the NAS interface. Log in with your username and password.
    5. Configure the camera settings: In the NAS interface, navigate to the settings related to USB devices. Look for options like "USB device settings" or "USB services" to configure the camera connection.
    6. Mount the camera: In the USB device settings, you should see the connected camera listed. Select the camera and choose the option to mount it. This will make the camera accessible on the NAS.
    7. Transfer and save photos: Once the camera is mounted, you can access it like any other storage device on the NAS. Navigate to the camera's folder and copy or move the photos to the desired location on the NAS.
    8. Safely disconnect the camera: After transferring the photos, ensure that you safely disconnect the camera from the NAS. This can usually be done through the USB device settings in the NAS interface. Follow the proper procedure to eject or unmount the camera before physically disconnecting it.

    By following these steps, you should be able to connect your digital camera to the Buffalo LinkStation LS-X3.0TL and transfer/save your photos.

  • What are the recommended settings and configurations on the NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS-X3.0TL for efficiently storing and organizing photos from a digital camera?

    To efficiently store and organize photos from a digital camera on the NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS-X3.0TL, here are some recommended settings and configurations:

    1. Set up the NAS: Follow the manufacturer's instructions to set up the NAS and connect it to your network.
    2. Create a dedicated folder: Create a specific folder on the NAS to store all your photos. You can name it something like "Camera Photos" or "Digital Camera."
    3. Enable RAID: If your NAS supports RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks), consider configuring it for data redundancy. RAID configurations like RAID 1 or RAID 5 can protect your photos from drive failures.
    4. Enable automatic backup: Set up a backup schedule to automatically back up your photos from the NAS to an external hard drive or cloud storage. This ensures you have an additional copy of your photos in case of any data loss.
    5. Use a consistent naming convention: Develop a naming convention for your photo files to keep them organized. For example, you can use a combination of the date, event name, or location in the file name.
    6. Organize photos into subfolders: Create subfolders within the main photo folder to categorize your photos. You can create folders based on date, event, location, or any other relevant criteria.
    7. Utilize metadata tags: Most NAS systems support metadata tagging. Use tags to add keywords, descriptions, and other relevant information to your photos. This makes it easier to search and locate specific photos later.
    8. Enable remote access: If you want to access your photos remotely, configure the NAS to allow remote access. This will enable you to view and download photos from anywhere using a secure connection.
    9. Set user permissions: If multiple users are accessing the NAS, set appropriate user permissions to control who can view, edit, or delete the photos. This ensures the privacy and security of your photo collection.
    10. Regularly update firmware: Keep your NAS firmware up to date to ensure optimal performance, security, and compatibility with the latest devices and software.

    Remember to refer to the specific user manual or documentation provided by Buffalo for detailed instructions on configuring your particular model of the LinkStation LS-X3.0TL NAS.

  • Can the NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS-X3.0TL automatically backup and synchronize photos from a digital camera, ensuring data security and redundancy? If so, what are the steps to set up this feature?

    Yes, the NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS-X3.0TL can automatically backup and synchronize photos from a digital camera. To set up this feature, you can follow these steps:

    1. Connect your digital camera to the USB port on the Buffalo LinkStation NAS.
    2. On your computer, open the Buffalo NAS Navigator software. If you don't have it installed, you can download it from the Buffalo website.
    3. The NAS Navigator will detect your LinkStation device. Double-click on it to open the web-based administration interface.
    4. Login to the administration interface using your username and password. If you haven't set these up, the default username is "admin" and the password is blank.
    5. Once logged in, navigate to the "Shared Folders" tab or section.
    6. Create a new shared folder specifically for your camera's backups. You can name it something like "Camera Backup" or "Photos Backup".
    7. After creating the shared folder, go to the "Backup" tab or section.
    8. In the backup settings, select the option to backup from a USB device or camera.
    9. Choose the shared folder you created in step 6 as the destination for the backup.
    10. Configure any additional backup settings, such as backup frequency or file retention policies.
    11. Save the settings and close the administration interface.

    Now, whenever you connect your digital camera to the Buffalo LinkStation NAS, it will automatically detect it and backup/synchronize the photos to the designated shared folder. This ensures data security and redundancy by storing the photos on the NAS device.
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