Retrieving Files from RAID When NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-8VH16TL/R6 Won’t Power On

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-8VH16TL/R6
• 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 a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-8VH16TL/R6 device's power management settings impact data availability and potential loss?

The power management settings of a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-8VH16TL/R6 device can impact data availability and potential loss in the following ways:

1. Power Loss: If the power management settings are not configured properly, sudden power loss or unexpected shutdowns can occur. This can lead to data corruption or loss if the device is in the middle of a write operation.
2. Scheduled Shutdowns: Power management settings may include options to schedule automatic shutdowns during specific times or periods of inactivity. If the NAS shuts down during critical operations or while data is being accessed, it can result in data unavailability and potential loss.
3. Disk Spinning: Power management settings often include options to spin down the hard drives after a certain period of inactivity. While this can save power, it may cause delays when accessing data as the drives need to spin up again. If critical data is needed urgently, this delay can impact availability.
4. Sleep Mode: Some NAS devices have a sleep mode that allows them to enter a low-power state when not in use. While this can save energy, it can also introduce delays when accessing data as the system needs to wake up. If the NAS is frequently accessed or used for critical operations, this delay can impact data availability.
5. RAID Rebuild: In case of a drive failure in a RAID configuration, the NAS may need to rebuild the RAID array using the spare drive or a replacement drive. If the power management settings cause the NAS to shut down or enter sleep mode during this process, it can lead to incomplete or failed rebuilds, potentially resulting in data loss.

To mitigate these risks, it is important to properly configure the power management settings of the NAS device. This includes setting appropriate schedules, disabling aggressive power-saving features during critical operations, and ensuring that the NAS remains powered on during important processes like RAID rebuilds. Regular backups of the data stored on the NAS are also crucial to minimize the impact of any potential data loss.

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

Although the NAS TeraStation TS-8VH16TL/R6 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-8VH16TL/R6. 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-8VH16TL/R6 has 1 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-8VH16TL/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.

RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison