How to recover data from Buffalo LinkStation LS420 NAS

Is your network drive gone, and you are wondering what to do? Has a RAID system crashed, and your files are no longer accessible? Does your device display an error while booting? Have you accidentally rebuilt your RAID system? Are several hard disks out of order?

How to recover data from NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS420

Buffalo LinkStation LS420 NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from LinkStation LS420.

How to recover data from NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS420

Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.

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 known compatibility issues or limitations when connecting NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS420 devices to specific switches or routers?

There aren't any specific known compatibility issues or limitations when connecting NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS420 devices to switches or routers. The NAS device uses standard Ethernet connections (RJ-45) and supports common network protocols such as TCP/IP, DHCP, SMB, and FTP. As long as the switch or router supports these standard protocols, there should be no compatibility issues. However, it is always recommended to check the specifications and compatibility lists provided by Buffalo or the switch/router manufacturer to ensure compatibility.

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

Although NAS LinkStation LS420 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.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Buffalo LinkStation LS420. 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

How to recover data from a Buffalo

LinkStation LS420 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 ToolsSave 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.

    Hetman Raid Recovery: Image Creation Wizard
  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.

    Hetman Raid Recovery: hoose any disk connected to this PC, or save the image by FTP

Where are user’s files stored?

The Buffalo LinkStation LS420 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

Product Operating system License type RAID controller support Supported file systems Virtual RAID controller support Data recovery from damaged RAID File preview
Hetman RAID Recovery Windows Paid Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
DiskInternals RAID Recovery Windows Paid Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
R-Studio Windows, Mac, Linux Paid Yes, over 200 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
UFS Explorer RAID Recovery Windows, Mac, Linux Paid Yes, over 1,000 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
EaseUS Data Recovery Windows Paid Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery Windows Free Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes

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Comments (3)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 9.08.2022 12:31 #
    If you want to ask a question about data recovery, from NAS LinkStation LS420, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Jimmy Mitchell
    Jimmy Mitchell 30.08.2023 21:06 #
    Are there any specific error codes or messages that may indicate the need for data recovery from a NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS420 device?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 30.08.2023 21:09 #

      Yes, there are several error codes or messages that may indicate the need for data recovery from a NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS420 device. Some of the common ones include:

      1. E04: The firmware is corrupted or the hard drive is damaged. This error may require data recovery to retrieve the files.
      2. E13: The hard drive is not recognized or has failed. Data recovery may be necessary to recover the data from the faulty drive.
      3. E16: The hard drive is not formatted or has an incompatible file system. This error may require data recovery to extract the files from the drive.
      4. Disk Error: This message indicates that there is an issue with one or more hard drives in the NAS. Data recovery may be needed to retrieve the data from the affected drives.
      5. RAID Array Error: This message suggests that there is a problem with the RAID configuration or one of the drives in the array. Data recovery may be necessary to recover the data from the RAID array.

      If you encounter any of these error codes or messages, it is recommended to seek professional data recovery services to maximize the chances of retrieving your data successfully.

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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • How do I connect the NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS420 to my home network?

    To connect the NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS420 to your home network, follow these steps:

    1. Unbox the LinkStation and connect it to a power source using the provided power adapter.
    2. Connect an Ethernet cable from the LinkStation's LAN port to your router or switch.
    3. Power on the LinkStation by pressing the power button.
    4. Wait for the device to boot up, which may take a few minutes.
    5. Once the LinkStation is powered on, it should automatically obtain an IP address from your router via DHCP. You can check the IP address on your router's admin page or use a network scanning tool.
    6. Open a web browser on your computer and enter the LinkStation's IP address in the address bar. Press Enter to access the LinkStation's web-based interface.
    7. The first time you access the interface, you will be prompted to set up a password for the admin account. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
    8. After setting up the password, you will be redirected to the LinkStation's web interface. Here, you can configure various settings, create shared folders, and manage users.
    9. To access the LinkStation's shared folders from your computer, open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) and enter the following in the address bar: [LinkStation's IP address].
    10. You should now be able to see the LinkStation's shared folders and access them like any other network drive.

    Note: Make sure your computer and the LinkStation are connected to the same local network for proper communication.

  • What are the steps to set up and configure the NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS420 for optimal performance on a home network?

    Here are the steps to set up and configure the NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS420 for optimal performance on a home network:

    1. Unbox the NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS420 and connect it to your home network using an Ethernet cable. Plug in the power adapter and turn on the device.
    2. Open a web browser on your computer and enter the default IP address of the LinkStation (e.g., 192.168.0.100) in the address bar. Press Enter to access the web-based configuration interface.
    3. Log in to the LinkStation using the default username and password. The default username is "admin" and the password is blank. It is highly recommended to change the default password for security reasons.
    4. Once logged in, you will be prompted to set up the LinkStation. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure the basic settings such as date and time, language, and network settings. Make sure to assign a static IP address to the LinkStation to avoid any network conflicts.
    5. After setting up the basic settings, you can create shared folders on the LinkStation to store your files. Go to the "Shared Folders" section in the configuration interface and click on "Create Shared Folder". Specify the name, access permissions, and other settings for the shared folder.
    6. If you want to access the LinkStation remotely over the internet, configure the remote access settings. Go to the "Remote" section in the configuration interface and enable remote access. Follow the instructions to set up a BuffaloNAS.com account and configure the necessary settings.
    7. To optimize performance, you can enable RAID on the LinkStation for data redundancy and improved read/write speeds. Go to the "RAID" section in the configuration interface and select the desired RAID level (RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, etc.). Note that changing the RAID configuration will erase all data on the LinkStation, so make sure to back up your files before making any changes.
    8. Configure the LinkStation's power management settings to suit your needs. You can set up scheduled power on/off times or enable the sleep mode to conserve energy when the device is not in use.
    9. It is recommended to keep the LinkStation's firmware up to date for improved performance and security. Check for firmware updates in the "System" section of the configuration interface and follow the instructions to update the firmware if available.
    10. Finally, make sure to secure your LinkStation by enabling password protection, setting up user accounts, and configuring access permissions for shared folders. Regularly backup your important files to ensure data integrity and peace of mind.

    By following these steps, you should be able to set up and configure the NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS420 for optimal performance on your home network.

  • Can I access the NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS420 remotely from outside my home network, and if so, what are the necessary steps to enable remote access?

    Yes, you can access the Buffalo LinkStation LS420 remotely from outside your home network. To enable remote access, follow these steps:

    1. Ensure that your Buffalo LinkStation LS420 is connected to your home network and accessible from within the network.
    2. Set up port forwarding on your router. Login to your router's administration interface and locate the port forwarding settings. Create a new port forwarding rule to forward the necessary ports (typically TCP port 9000 for web access and TCP port 873 for file access) to the IP address of your Buffalo LinkStation LS420 on your home network.
    3. Configure Dynamic DNS (DDNS) on your router or NAS. DDNS allows you to access your NAS using a domain name instead of a dynamic IP address. Some routers have built-in DDNS support, while others may require you to sign up for a DDNS service and configure it manually. Follow the instructions provided by your router or NAS manufacturer to configure DDNS.
    4. Enable remote access on your Buffalo LinkStation LS420. Login to the administration interface of your NAS and navigate to the settings for remote access. Enable remote access and configure any necessary settings, such as port numbers and DDNS information.
    5. Set up security measures. It is highly recommended to enable encryption (SSL/TLS) for remote access to secure your data during transmission. You may also want to set up strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication if supported by your NAS.
    6. Test remote access. Once you have completed the above steps, try accessing your Buffalo LinkStation LS420 from outside your home network using the provided DDNS domain name or your public IP address along with the specified port number. Make sure to use the appropriate protocol (HTTP or HTTPS) depending on your configuration.

    Note: The exact steps may vary depending on your specific NAS model and router. It is recommended to refer to the user manual or documentation provided by Buffalo for detailed instructions.

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