Accessing RAID Files When NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-2RZH48T12D Device Fails to Start

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-2RZH48T12D
• 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 data be recovered from a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-2RZH48T12D device after a malfunction or data loss event?

To recover data from a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-2RZH48T12D device after a malfunction or data loss event, you can follow these steps:

1. Identify the cause of the malfunction: Determine whether the issue is due to hardware failure, software corruption, or accidental deletion. This will help you choose the appropriate recovery method.
2. Contact Buffalo support: Reach out to Buffalo's technical support team for guidance and assistance. They may provide specific troubleshooting steps or recommend professional data recovery services.
3. Check hardware connections: Ensure all cables and connections are secure and functioning properly. Sometimes, a loose connection can cause data access issues.
4. Use diagnostic tools: Buffalo TeraStation devices often come with built-in diagnostic tools. Run these tools to check the health of the device and identify any hardware issues.
5. Replace faulty hardware components: If the malfunction is due to a failed hard drive or other hardware component, you may need to replace the faulty part. Consult the device's manual or Buffalo support for instructions on how to do this.
6. Restore from backups: If you have regular backups of your data, you can restore the lost files from those backups. Buffalo TeraStation devices usually have built-in backup features that allow you to schedule automatic backups or create manual backups.
7. Use data recovery software: If the data loss is due to accidental deletion or software corruption, you can try using data recovery software. Connect the TeraStation device to a computer and use a reliable data recovery tool to scan for and recover lost files. Note that this method may not be effective if the device's file system is severely damaged.
8. Seek professional data recovery services: If the data loss is severe or the above methods fail, you may need to contact a professional data recovery service. These services specialize in recovering data from various storage devices, including NAS devices. They have specialized tools and expertise to handle complex data recovery situations.

Remember to avoid further writes or modifications to the TeraStation device after data loss, as it can overwrite the lost files and make recovery more difficult.

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

Although the NAS TeraStation TS-2RZH48T12D 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-2RZH48T12D. 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-2RZH48T12D 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-2RZH48T12D 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