- Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
- Key Information About the NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-2RZS08T04D
- How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
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 authentication methods impact data loss risks for NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-2RZS08T04D devices?
User authentication methods can have a significant impact on data loss risks for NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-2RZS08T04D devices. Here are a few ways in which user authentication methods can help mitigate data loss risks:
- Strong Password Policies: Implementing strong password policies, such as requiring complex passwords and regular password changes, can help prevent unauthorized access to the device. This reduces the risk of data loss due to malicious attacks or unauthorized users gaining access to sensitive data.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enabling 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide a second form of authentication, such as a unique code sent to their mobile device, in addition to their password. This helps prevent unauthorized access even if the password is compromised.
- User Access Controls: Implementing granular user access controls allows administrators to define specific permissions and access levels for different users or user groups. By restricting access to only necessary files and folders, the risk of accidental or intentional data loss due to user error or malicious actions is minimized.
- Audit Logs and Monitoring: Enabling audit logs and monitoring user activities on the device can help identify any suspicious or unauthorized access attempts. By regularly reviewing these logs, administrators can detect and respond to potential security breaches, reducing the risk of data loss.
- Regular Firmware Updates: Keeping the device's firmware up to date is crucial for addressing any security vulnerabilities that may be present. Regularly checking for and applying firmware updates provided by the manufacturer helps ensure that the device is protected against known security risks.
By implementing strong user authentication methods and following security best practices, the risk of data loss on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-2RZS08T04D devices can be significantly reduced.
How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
Although the NAS TeraStation TS-2RZS08T04D 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:
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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.
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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.
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Label each hard disk according to its position inside the NAS. The order of the drives is crucial for correct RAID reconstruction.
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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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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-2RZS08T04D. 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.
How to recover data from a Buffalo
TeraStation TS-2RZS08T04D 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:
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Ensure you have enough free space to store the image. Its size will typically match the size of the original disk.
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In the main window, select the target disk and choose Tools - Save Disk. You can also select multiple disks if needed.
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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.
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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-2RZS08T04D 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
| Product | Operating system | RAID controller support | Supported file systems | Virtual RAID controller support | Data recovery from damaged RAID | File preview |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hetman RAID Recovery | Windows, Linux, MacOS | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, exFAT, NTFS, ReFS, APFS, HFS+, Ext4, Ext3, Ext2, ReiserFS, Btrfs, VMFS, Hikvision, XFS, UFS, ZFS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DiskInternals RAID Recovery | Windows | Yes, over 10 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
| R-Studio | Windows, Mac, Linux | Yes, over 20 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| UFS Explorer RAID Recovery | Windows, Mac, Linux | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| EaseUS Data Recovery | Windows | Yes, over 20 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
| ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery | Windows | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Yes, it is possible to recover data from a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-2RZS08T04D device that has undergone a system update or software upgrade. However, it is important to note that performing a system update or software upgrade can sometimes result in data loss or corruption.
To increase the chances of successful data recovery, it is recommended to follow these steps:
It is important to note that data recovery is not always guaranteed, especially if the update or upgrade process caused severe damage or corruption to the data. Regular backups of important data are always recommended to mitigate the risk of data loss during system updates or upgrades.