Ultimate RAID Array Recovery Guide for NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS720D1602B 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.

How can user training or education help in minimizing data loss incidents on NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS720D1602B devices?

User training or education can help in minimizing data loss incidents on NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS720D1602B devices in the following ways:

1. Understanding device functionality: User training can help users understand the features and functionality of the NAS device. This includes knowing how to properly set up and configure the device, create user accounts, and assign appropriate access rights. By understanding these functions, users can avoid making errors that may lead to data loss.
2. Regular backups: Educating users about the importance of regular backups is crucial. Users should be trained on how to set up automatic backups to an external storage device or cloud storage. This ensures that even if data is lost on the NAS device, a recent backup can be used to restore the lost data.
3. Security awareness: Users should be educated about the importance of strong passwords and two-factor authentication to protect their NAS device from unauthorized access. Training should emphasize the risks of using weak passwords or sharing them with others. Additionally, users should be made aware of potential phishing attacks and how to identify and avoid them.
4. Firmware updates: Users should be trained on the importance of keeping the NAS device's firmware up to date. Regular firmware updates often include security patches that can protect against known vulnerabilities and reduce the risk of data loss.
5. Regular maintenance: Educating users about regular maintenance tasks like checking hard drive health, monitoring disk space, and performing system checks can help detect and prevent potential issues that may lead to data loss. Users should be trained on how to use the device's monitoring tools and understand the warning signs of a failing hard drive.
6. Data recovery procedures: Users should be trained on the steps to follow in case of data loss. This includes understanding how to contact technical support, utilizing data recovery tools provided by the manufacturer, or seeking professional assistance if necessary. Proper training can minimize panic and ensure that users take the appropriate steps to recover lost data.

By providing comprehensive user training and education, users can become more knowledgeable about the NAS device and its potential risks. This can significantly reduce the likelihood of data loss incidents and help users effectively manage and protect their data.

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

Although NAS LinkStation LS720D1602B 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 LS720D1602B. 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 LS720D1602B 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 LS720D1602B 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