Repairing Multiple Faulty Disks in a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5 RAID Array

Has your NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5 suddenly lost its network drive and you’re unsure what to do next? Did the RAID array collapse, making your files inaccessible? Is the device throwing errors during startup? Perhaps you accidentally rebuilt the RAID array or several hard drives failed at the same time?

Repairing Multiple Faulty Disks in a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5 RAID Array
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Buffalo TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5 NAS Data Recovery in 2025

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from an TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

Repairing Multiple Faulty Disks in a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5 RAID Array

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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-I2.0TGL/R5 device store and manage data?

The NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5 device stores and manages data using a combination of hardware and software components.

  1. Hard Drives: The device typically comes with multiple hard drives (usually in a RAID configuration) that provide the physical storage space for data. These hard drives can be easily inserted or removed from the device.
  2. RAID Configuration: The TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5 supports various RAID configurations (such as RAID 0, 1, 5, 10) that determine how the data is distributed and protected across the hard drives. RAID provides redundancy and fault tolerance, ensuring data integrity even in case of drive failures.
  3. File System: The device uses a file system (such as XFS or EXT4) to organize and manage the data stored on the hard drives. The file system allows for file and folder hierarchy, permissions, and metadata storage.
  4. Network Connectivity: The TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5 has network connectivity (usually through Ethernet) that allows it to be accessed and managed over a local network or the internet. This enables users to store, retrieve, and manage data remotely.
  5. Operating System and Software: The device runs an embedded operating system (such as Buffalo's proprietary firmware) that provides the necessary functionality for data storage and management. It also includes software tools and utilities for configuring and managing the device, setting up user access permissions, and enabling various network services like file sharing, backup, and synchronization.
  6. User Management: The TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5 has built-in user management capabilities, allowing administrators to create user accounts, assign permissions, and control access to specific files and folders. This ensures data security and privacy.
  7. Additional Features: The device may offer additional features like data backup and replication, remote access via mobile apps, integration with cloud storage services, and support for various protocols (such as SMB, FTP, NFS) to facilitate file sharing and collaboration.

Overall, the NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5 device provides a centralized and scalable solution for storing and managing data, allowing multiple users to access and collaborate on files while ensuring data integrity and security.

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

Although the NAS TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5 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.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Buffalo TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5. 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.

Go to view
How to recover data from a Buffalo

How to recover data from a Buffalo

TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5 has 4 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;

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.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Image Creation Wizard

  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.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Choose a disk or save the image via FTP

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The Buffalo TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5 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

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Comments (3)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 9.08.2022 12:31 #
    If you want to ask a question about data recovery, from NAS TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5, feel free to leave a comment!
    Reply
  • Randy Barnardiston
    Randy Barnardiston 28.08.2023 21:42 #
    Can data recovery from a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5 device be done if the storage disks have been physically removed or replaced?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 28.08.2023 23:00 #

      Yes, data recovery from a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5 device can be done even if the storage disks have been physically removed or replaced. However, the success of the data recovery process may depend on various factors such as the condition of the disks, the extent of the damage, and the recovery methods used. It is recommended to consult a professional data recovery service for assistance in recovering data from a NAS device.

      Reply
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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What are the advantages of using a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5 instead of regular external hard drives for data storage?

    There are several advantages of using a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5 instead of regular external hard drives for data storage:

    1. Network Accessibility: A NAS (Network Attached Storage) device like the Buffalo TeraStation is connected to a network, allowing multiple users to access and share data simultaneously. This makes it ideal for small businesses or home offices where multiple devices need to access the same data.
    2. Centralized Storage: With a NAS, you can consolidate all your data in one central location. This makes it easier to manage and organize your files, as well as backup and restore data. It eliminates the need for multiple external hard drives, reducing clutter and simplifying data management.
    3. Scalability: NAS devices like the TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5 offer scalability options, allowing you to expand storage capacity as your needs grow. You can add additional hard drives or upgrade existing ones without disrupting the data stored on the NAS.
    4. Data Redundancy: The TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5 supports RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations, which provide data redundancy and protection against drive failures. RAID configurations distribute data across multiple hard drives, ensuring that if one drive fails, the data remains accessible and can be rebuilt on a replacement drive.
    5. Remote Access and File Sharing: NAS devices often come with remote access capabilities, allowing you to access your data from anywhere with an internet connection. This is particularly useful for remote workers or when you need to share files with clients or colleagues outside your local network.
    6. Enhanced Data Security: NAS devices offer various security features, such as user access controls, encryption, and firewall protection. This helps to secure your data from unauthorized access or potential threats.
    7. Additional Features: NAS devices often come with additional features like built-in media servers, backup software, and integration with cloud services. These features enhance the functionality and versatility of the device, making it more than just a storage solution.

    Overall, the Buffalo TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5 NAS provides a more robust and comprehensive solution for data storage, management, and sharing compared to regular external hard drives.

  • How does the NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5 provide better data accessibility and sharing compared to traditional external hard drives?

    The NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5 provides better data accessibility and sharing compared to traditional external hard drives in several ways:

    1. Network Connectivity: The TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5 is a network-attached storage (NAS) device, which means it connects directly to your network via Ethernet. This allows multiple users to access and share data simultaneously over the local network or even remotely over the internet.
    2. Centralized Storage: Unlike external hard drives that are typically connected to a single computer, the TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5 acts as a central storage hub for multiple devices. It consolidates all data in one place, making it easily accessible by authorized users from various computers, laptops, smartphones, or tablets.
    3. User Management: The TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5 offers advanced user management features, allowing administrators to create user accounts and assign specific access permissions. This ensures that only authorized individuals can access and modify specific files or folders, enhancing data security and privacy.
    4. File Sharing and Collaboration: With the TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5, users can easily share files and collaborate on projects. It supports various file-sharing protocols like SMB/CIFS, FTP, or even cloud integration, enabling seamless file exchange between different devices and platforms.
    5. Redundancy and Data Protection: The TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5 often includes RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) functionality, allowing you to configure multiple hard drives in different RAID configurations for data redundancy and protection against drive failures. In case one drive fails, your data remains accessible and can be rebuilt from the remaining drives.
    6. Scalability: NAS devices like the TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5 offer scalability options, allowing you to expand storage capacity as your needs grow. You can add additional hard drives or even connect external storage devices to increase the available space without replacing the entire system.

    Overall, the TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5 provides better data accessibility and sharing compared to traditional external hard drives by offering network connectivity, centralized storage, user management, file sharing, data protection, and scalability features.

  • In what ways does the NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5 offer enhanced data security and backup features that surpass regular external hard drives?

    The NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5 offers several ways in which it enhances data security and backup features compared to regular external hard drives:

    1. Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID): The TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5 supports RAID configurations, such as RAID 1 or RAID 5. RAID provides data redundancy by distributing data across multiple disks, ensuring that even if one disk fails, the data remains accessible and can be recovered.
    2. Hot-Swappable Drives: The TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5 allows hot-swapping of hard drives. This means that if a drive fails, it can be replaced without powering down the system, minimizing downtime and ensuring continuous data availability.
    3. Network Attached Storage (NAS) Functionality: Unlike regular external hard drives, the TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5 is a dedicated network storage device. It connects directly to the network, allowing multiple users to access and share data simultaneously. This centralized storage approach simplifies data management and backup processes.
    4. Scheduled Backup: The TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5 offers scheduled backup options, allowing users to automate the backup process. This ensures that data is regularly backed up without manual intervention, reducing the risk of data loss.
    5. RAID Expansion/Replacement: The TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5 supports RAID expansion and replacement. This means that as storage needs grow, additional hard drives can be added to expand the storage capacity without losing existing data. Similarly, smaller drives can be replaced with larger ones to increase storage capacity.
    6. Data Encryption: The TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5 supports data encryption, allowing users to secure their data with encryption algorithms. This ensures that even if the physical device is stolen or accessed without authorization, the data remains encrypted and inaccessible.
    7. User Access Control: The TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5 provides user access control features, allowing administrators to define user permissions and restrict access to specific folders or files. This helps protect sensitive data from unauthorized access.
    8. Cloud Integration: The TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5 offers cloud integration capabilities, allowing users to back up their data to cloud storage services. This provides an additional layer of data protection by creating an off-site backup, protecting against physical damage or theft of the NAS device.

    Overall, the TeraStation TS-I2.0TGL/R5 offers advanced data security and backup features that go beyond what regular external hard drives can provide, making it a more reliable and robust solution for data storage and protection.
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