- 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 can regular disk health monitoring and analysis help in preventing potential data loss on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-6VH18TL/R6 devices?
Regular disk health monitoring and analysis can help in preventing potential data loss on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-6VH18TL/R6 devices in the following ways:
- Early detection of disk failures: Disk health monitoring tools can constantly monitor the health and performance of individual disks in the NAS. By analyzing parameters like SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) data, temperature, and error rates, these tools can detect early signs of disk failure. This allows for proactive action to be taken, such as replacing the failing disk before it completely fails and causes data loss.
- RAID array monitoring: NAS devices often use RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations to provide data redundancy and protection against disk failures. Regular monitoring and analysis of the RAID array can ensure that all disks are functioning properly, and the array is in a healthy state. This helps prevent data loss by identifying and resolving any issues with the RAID configuration or individual disks.
- Predictive analysis: Disk health monitoring tools can use predictive analysis algorithms to forecast the likelihood of disk failures based on historical data and performance trends. By analyzing patterns and identifying potential risks, these tools can provide warnings or alerts about disks that are likely to fail in the near future. This allows for timely replacements and data migration to prevent data loss.
- Data backup and recovery: Regular disk health monitoring can also help in ensuring the effectiveness of data backup and recovery processes. By monitoring the health of disks and RAID arrays, administrators can verify that backups are being successfully created and that the backup data is intact and accessible. This ensures that in the event of a disk failure or data loss, the backup can be relied upon for recovery.
- Proactive maintenance and firmware updates: Disk health monitoring can also provide insights into the overall health and performance of the NAS device. By identifying potential bottlenecks, performance issues, or outdated firmware, administrators can take proactive measures to optimize the NAS and prevent data loss. Regular firmware updates can also address known issues or vulnerabilities, improving the overall reliability and security of the device.
In summary, regular disk health monitoring and analysis can help in preventing potential data loss on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-6VH18TL/R6 devices by detecting disk failures early, monitoring RAID arrays, predicting failures, ensuring effective data backup and recovery, and facilitating proactive maintenance and updates.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS TeraStation TS-6VH18TL/R6 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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.
-
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.
Go to view
Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Buffalo TeraStation TS-6VH18TL/R6. 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.
TeraStation TS-6VH18TL/R6 has 6 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:
- RAID 0;
- RAID 1;
- RAID 5;
- RAID 6;
- 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:
-
Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.
-
Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.
-
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.
-
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-6VH18TL/R6 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 |
Yes, it is possible to recover data from a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-6VH18TL/R6 device that has been affected by a network attack or intrusion. However, the success of data recovery depends on various factors, such as the extent of the attack, the type of intrusion, and the measures taken to secure the device.
Here are some steps you can take to recover data from a compromised NAS device:
Remember, prevention is always better than recovery. Regularly update the firmware, apply security patches, and follow best practices to secure your NAS device from future attacks.