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

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

Although NAS LinkStation LS220D1202B 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 LS220D1202B. 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 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;

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 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.

Comparison of software for RAID recovery