Recovering Files from RAID Disks When NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-2RZH36T12D Won’t Turn On

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-2RZH36T12D
• 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 a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-2RZH36T12D device's power management settings impact data availability and potential loss?

The power management settings of a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-2RZH36T12D device can have a significant impact on data availability and potential loss. Here are a few ways in which power management settings can affect data:

1. Power Outages: If the power management settings are not configured properly, sudden power outages or interruptions can occur, leading to data loss or corruption. Inadequate power backup solutions or incorrect settings can result in the NAS shutting down abruptly, potentially causing data loss.
2. Disk Spinning: Power management settings control the behavior of hard disk drives (HDDs) in the NAS. For example, the settings may include options to spin down idle drives to conserve power. While this can save energy, it can also increase the time required for the drives to spin up when data is accessed, causing delays and affecting data availability.
3. RAID Rebuilds: In a NAS with RAID configuration, power management settings can impact the rebuilding process after a drive failure. If the NAS is set to conserve power aggressively, it may delay or interrupt the RAID rebuild process, increasing the risk of data loss if another drive fails during this period.
4. Scheduled Backups and Sync: Power management settings can affect scheduled backup and synchronization tasks. If the NAS is set to power down during specific hours, scheduled backups or sync operations may be missed, leading to potential data loss and outdated backups.
5. Network Accessibility: Power management settings may control the network connectivity of the NAS. If the NAS is set to enter a low-power state or sleep mode, it may become temporarily inaccessible over the network, impacting data availability during that time.

To mitigate the impact on data availability and potential loss, it is essential to configure power management settings carefully. This includes ensuring adequate power backup solutions, setting appropriate drive spin-down timers, and scheduling power-down periods to minimize disruption to critical operations. Additionally, monitoring system logs and regularly testing data recovery processes can help identify and address any issues related to power management settings.

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

Although the NAS TeraStation TS-2RZH36T12D 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 TeraStation TS-2RZH36T12D. 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

TeraStation TS-2RZH36T12D has 12 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

• RAID 0;
• RAID 1;
• RAID 5;
• RAID 6;
• RAID 50;
• RAID 60;
• 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 TeraStation TS-2RZH36T12D 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