- 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?
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 does a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-2RZS12T04D device store and manage data?
The Buffalo TeraStation TS-2RZS12T04D is a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device that is designed to store and manage data in a centralized location. Here's how it works:
- Storage: The TeraStation TS-2RZS12T04D comes with multiple hard drives (12TB in this case) that are configured in a RAID array. RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is a data storage technology that combines multiple physical drives into a single logical unit for improved performance, data redundancy, or a combination of both.
- File System: The device uses a file system, such as NTFS or FAT32, to organize and manage the data stored on the hard drives. The file system determines how files are stored, accessed, and managed on the NAS.
- Network Connectivity: The TeraStation TS-2RZS12T04D connects to the network via Ethernet. It has its own IP address and can be accessed by other devices on the network, such as computers, laptops, or other NAS devices.
- Data Management: The NAS device provides various data management features. It typically includes a web-based interface that allows users to configure settings, create user accounts, set access permissions, and manage shared folders. It may also offer additional features like scheduled backups, remote access, and integration with cloud storage services.
- Data Access: Once the NAS is set up and configured, users can access their data from any device connected to the same network. They can use file explorer or network drive mapping to access shared folders on the NAS and perform operations like uploading, downloading, deleting, or modifying files.
- Data Protection: The TeraStation TS-2RZS12T04D device usually provides data protection mechanisms to ensure the safety and integrity of the stored data. This can include features like RAID redundancy, which allows for data recovery in case of a drive failure, as well as backup options to external storage devices or cloud services.
Overall, the Buffalo TeraStation TS-2RZS12T04D is designed to provide a reliable and centralized storage solution for businesses or individuals, offering data management, accessibility, and protection in a networked environment.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS TeraStation TS-2RZS12T04D 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:
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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.
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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.
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Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.
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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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Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Buffalo TeraStation TS-2RZS12T04D. 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.
How to recover data from a Buffalo
TeraStation TS-2RZS12T04D 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;
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:
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Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.
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Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.
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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.
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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 TeraStation TS-2RZS12T04D 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
| Product | Operating system | License type | RAID controller support | Supported file systems | Virtual RAID controller support | Data recovery from damaged RAID | File preview |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hetman RAID Recovery | Windows | Paid | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DiskInternals RAID Recovery | Windows | Paid | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
| R-Studio | Windows, Mac, Linux | Paid | Yes, over 200 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| UFS Explorer RAID Recovery | Windows, Mac, Linux | Paid | Yes, over 1,000 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| EaseUS Data Recovery | Windows | Paid | Yes, over 20 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
| ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery | Windows | Free | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
To determine whether data recovery from a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-2RZS12T04D device can be performed without voiding the warranty, it is best to consult the manufacturer's warranty terms and conditions. These can usually be found on the manufacturer's website or in the product documentation.
In some cases, opening the device or attempting data recovery may void the warranty. However, certain manufacturers may allow data recovery to be performed by authorized service providers without voiding the warranty. It is important to review the specific warranty terms to understand what actions may void the warranty.
If you are unsure or cannot find the necessary information, it is recommended to contact Buffalo directly or consult with an authorized service provider to inquire about data recovery options and warranty implications.