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

Contents

• Why can’t ordinary software tools restore files from RAID?
• How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
  • Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • Safe recovery from disk images
  • Where are user’s files stored?
  • Comparison of software for RAID recovery

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.

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

Although NAS LinkStation LS210D0201 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.

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   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Buffalo LinkStation LS210D0201. 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.

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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;

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.

   

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.

   

Where are user’s files 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.

Comparison of software for RAID recovery