Ultimate RAID Array Recovery Guide for NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS720D1602B Data

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Buffalo LinkStation LS720D1602B
• 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.

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

Although the NAS LinkStation LS720D1602B 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 LS720D1602B. 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 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;

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 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.

RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison