NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS210D0201 Data Recovery: Step-by-Step RAID Array Recovery Guide

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS210D0201
• 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.

Are there any specific factors to consider when choosing a NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS210D0201 device to minimize data loss risks?

Yes, there are several factors to consider when choosing a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device like the Buffalo LinkStation LS210D0201 to minimize data loss risks. Here are some key factors to consider:

1. Redundancy: Look for a NAS device that offers RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) functionality. RAID allows you to create mirrored or striped configurations, providing redundancy and protection against data loss in case of a hard drive failure.
2. Backup options: Ensure that the NAS device supports automatic backup features. Look for options to schedule regular backups to an external storage device or to cloud storage services. Having multiple backup copies of your data minimizes the risk of permanent loss.
3. Data encryption: Choose a NAS device that supports data encryption. This ensures that your data is protected from unauthorized access, especially if the device is stolen or compromised.
4. Power supply and surge protection: Consider a NAS device with a reliable power supply and surge protection features. Power outages and voltage fluctuations can lead to data corruption or loss. Having a backup power supply or surge protector can help mitigate these risks.
5. Quality of hard drives: Check the quality and reliability of the hard drives included in the NAS device. Look for reputable brands and consider models with higher MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) ratings to minimize the risk of drive failures.
6. Firmware updates and support: Regular firmware updates from the manufacturer can address security vulnerabilities and improve the overall stability and performance of the NAS device. Ensure that the manufacturer provides regular updates and offers good customer support.
7. Data integrity checks: Some NAS devices offer data integrity checks that can detect and repair data corruption. This feature can be useful in identifying and fixing potential issues before they result in data loss.
8. Scalability: Consider your future storage needs and choose a NAS device that allows for easy expansion. This will prevent the need to migrate data to a new device as your storage requirements grow.

By considering these factors, you can minimize the risks of data loss when choosing a NAS device like the Buffalo LinkStation LS210D0201.

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

Although the NAS LinkStation LS210D0201 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.

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   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 LS210D0201. 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.

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How to recover data from a Buffalo

LinkStation LS210D0201 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 LS210D0201 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