How to Recover Data from NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS220D0802B: Advanced RAID Array Recovery Guide

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS220D0802B
• 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 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 Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC

Although the NAS LinkStation LS220D0802B 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 LS220D0802B. 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 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;

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 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.

RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison