- Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
- Key Information About the NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-2RZS12T04D
- 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 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 Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
Although the NAS TeraStation TS-2RZS12T04D 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-2RZS12T04D. 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-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;
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-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.
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 |
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.