Comprehensive NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS220D1202 Data Recovery: Step-by-Step RAID Array Guide

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS220D1202
• 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 a NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS220D1202 device's cache settings impact data loss risks?

The cache settings on a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device like the Buffalo LinkStation LS220D1202 can impact data loss risks in the following ways:

1. Write Cache: NAS devices often have a write cache, which temporarily stores data before it is written to the hard drives. This can improve performance by allowing the device to quickly acknowledge data writes. However, if there is a power failure or system crash before the data is written from the cache to the drives, there is a risk of data loss. It is recommended to configure the NAS device to use a write-through cache policy, where data is immediately written to the drives, reducing the risk of data loss.
2. Read Cache: NAS devices may also have a read cache, which stores frequently accessed data in memory for faster access. While this can improve performance, it poses a risk if the cache becomes corrupted or if the data on the drives is updated without reflecting the changes in the cache. This can result in data inconsistency or loss. It is advisable to periodically clear the read cache or configure the NAS device to use a write-back cache policy, where changes are written to the cache first and then to the drives, reducing the risk of data inconsistency.
3. Battery Backup: Some NAS devices, including the Buffalo LinkStation LS220D1202, come with a built-in battery backup unit (BBU) or an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) support. This helps to mitigate the risk of data loss during power outages or sudden shutdowns by allowing the device to complete pending write operations and safely shut down. Enabling and maintaining a battery backup or UPS can significantly reduce the risk of data loss due to power-related issues.

It is essential to review the user manual or consult the manufacturer's documentation for specific instructions on configuring cache settings and ensuring data integrity on the Buffalo LinkStation LS220D1202 or any other NAS device.

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

Although the NAS LinkStation LS220D1202 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 LS220D1202. 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 LS220D1202 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 LS220D1202 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