How to Recover Data from NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS220D0802B: Advanced 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.

How can the use of specific file-sharing protocols impact data loss risks on NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS220D0802B devices?

The use of specific file-sharing protocols can impact data loss risks on NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS220D0802B devices in the following ways:

1. Encryption: Some file-sharing protocols, such as SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) or HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure), provide encryption mechanisms to protect data during transmission. Using these protocols can minimize the risk of data interception and unauthorized access, reducing the chances of data loss.
2. Authentication and Access Control: File-sharing protocols like FTP (File Transfer Protocol) or SMB (Server Message Block) may have weaker authentication mechanisms, making it easier for unauthorized users to gain access to the NAS device. This can increase the risk of data loss due to unauthorized modifications or deletions. Choosing protocols with stronger authentication and access control mechanisms can mitigate this risk.
3. Vulnerabilities and Exploits: Different file-sharing protocols have varying levels of security vulnerabilities. Some protocols may have known exploits that can be used by attackers to gain unauthorized access to the NAS device or compromise the data stored on it. Keeping the file-sharing protocols up to date with the latest security patches and choosing protocols with fewer vulnerabilities can help reduce the risk of data loss.
4. Transfer Speed and Reliability: Certain file-sharing protocols may have limitations in terms of transfer speed and reliability. If the file transfer process is slow or prone to errors, it can increase the likelihood of data loss due to interrupted transfers or corrupted files. Using protocols that offer faster and more reliable data transfer can minimize these risks.
5. Backup and Redundancy: Some file-sharing protocols support features like remote replication or synchronization, which can help create backups or redundant copies of data stored on the NAS device. Having multiple copies of data can reduce the risk of permanent data loss in case of hardware failures, accidental deletions, or other unforeseen events.

It is important to carefully evaluate the security features and vulnerabilities associated with different file-sharing protocols when using NAS devices like Buffalo LinkStation LS220D0802B to mitigate data loss risks effectively. Additionally, implementing strong access control measures, regular backups, and maintaining up-to-date firmware can further enhance data protection.

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

Although NAS LinkStation LS220D0802B 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 LS220D0802B. 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 LS220D0802B 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 LS220D0802B 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