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

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS520DN0202
• 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.

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

Although the NAS LinkStation LS520DN0202 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 LS520DN0202. 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 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;

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 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.

RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison