RAID Array Recovery: Step-by-Step Guide to NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS520DN0202 Data Recovery

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.

Can improper network configuration or firewall settings result in data loss on NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS520DN0202 devices?

Improper network configuration or firewall settings can potentially result in data loss on NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS520DN0202 devices. Here are a few scenarios where this could happen:

1. Firewall blocking necessary network ports: If the firewall settings on the network or the NAS device are configured to block necessary network ports, it can prevent proper communication between the NAS and other devices on the network. This could lead to data loss if the NAS is unable to access or transfer data correctly.
2. Misconfigured network settings: If the network settings on the NAS device are misconfigured, it may not be able to connect to the network properly. This can result in data loss if the NAS is unable to access or transfer data to/from other devices on the network.
3. Network interruptions or instability: If the network connection to the NAS device is unstable or frequently interrupted, it can lead to data loss during file transfers or while accessing data. This can happen if the network configuration or firewall settings are not optimized for stable and reliable data transfer.
4. Inadequate backup and recovery measures: Improper network configuration or firewall settings can also affect the backup and recovery processes for the NAS device. If backups are not properly scheduled or configured, or if the firewall settings prevent backup data from being transferred, it can result in data loss if the NAS experiences a failure or data corruption.

To mitigate the risk of data loss due to improper network configuration or firewall settings, it is recommended to follow best practices such as:

• Ensure that necessary network ports are open and accessible for the NAS device.
• Configure network settings correctly, including IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS settings.
• Regularly test the network connection to ensure stability and reliability.
• Implement proper backup and recovery measures, including scheduled backups to an external device or cloud storage.
• Regularly update the firmware and software on the NAS device to ensure compatibility and security.

It is also advisable to consult the user manual or contact Buffalo support for specific guidance related to the LinkStation LS520DN0202 device.

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

Although NAS LinkStation LS520DN0202 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 LS520DN0202. 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 LS520DN0202 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 LS520DN0202 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