Complete Guide to RAID Array Recovery for NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS220D1202B Data

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS220D1202B
• 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 recommended practices for regular testing and validation of data backups to prevent potential loss on NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS220D1202B devices?

Yes, there are recommended practices for regular testing and validation of data backups on NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS220D1202B devices to prevent potential loss. Here are some key steps to follow:

1. Establish a backup schedule: Create a regular backup schedule that suits your needs, whether it's daily, weekly, or monthly. Consistency is crucial to ensure you always have up-to-date backups.
2. Use multiple backup locations: It's essential to have backups stored in multiple locations to minimize the risk of data loss. Consider using both local and off-site backups, such as cloud storage or external hard drives.
3. Verify backup integrity: After each backup, verify the integrity of the backup files to ensure they are complete and not corrupted. Most backup software provides options to verify backups automatically.
4. Perform test restores: Regularly test the restoration process by performing test restores from your backups. This step ensures that your backups are valid and can be restored successfully when needed.
5. Monitor backup logs: Keep an eye on the backup logs provided by your NAS device. Check for any errors or warnings that might indicate potential issues with the backup process.
6. Regularly update firmware and software: Keep your NAS device's firmware and backup software up to date. Manufacturers often release updates that address security vulnerabilities and improve backup functionality.
7. Consider using RAID configurations: Buffalo LinkStation LS220D1202B devices support RAID configurations. Utilizing RAID can provide redundancy and protect against data loss in case of a drive failure.
8. Implement off-site backups: Consider implementing off-site backups to protect against disasters like fire, theft, or natural disasters. Cloud storage services or remote backup servers can be used for this purpose.
9. Regularly review and update backup strategy: Periodically review your backup strategy to ensure it aligns with your changing needs and data growth. Make adjustments as necessary to maintain an effective backup system.

By following these recommended practices, you can minimize the risk of data loss and ensure the reliability of your backups on NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS220D1202B devices.

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

Although the NAS LinkStation LS220D1202B 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 LS220D1202B. 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 LS220D1202B 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 LS220D1202B 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