- 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.
Are there any preventive measures to minimize the risk of data loss on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-I4.0TGL/R5 devices?
Yes, there are several preventive measures you can take to minimize the risk of data loss on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-I4.0TGL/R5 devices:
- Regular backups: Implement a regular backup schedule to ensure that your data is regularly backed up to an external storage device or another location. This will help you recover your data in case of any unforeseen data loss.
- RAID configuration: Configure your NAS device in a RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configuration, such as RAID 1 or RAID 5. RAID provides redundancy by distributing data across multiple drives, so if one drive fails, your data remains intact.
- UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply): Connect your NAS device to a UPS to protect it from power outages and voltage fluctuations. Sudden power loss can lead to data corruption or loss, and a UPS can provide temporary power during such events.
- Firmware updates: Regularly update the firmware of your NAS device to ensure you have the latest security patches and bug fixes. This helps to minimize vulnerabilities that could potentially lead to data loss.
- Network security: Implement strong network security measures, such as using complex passwords, enabling firewalls, and regularly updating your network equipment. This helps to protect your NAS device from unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
- Physical security: Place your NAS device in a secure location to prevent physical damage or theft. Restrict access to authorized personnel only.
- Monitoring and alerts: Set up monitoring and alert systems to notify you of any potential issues with your NAS device, such as drive failures or high temperatures. This allows you to take immediate action to prevent data loss.
- Regular maintenance: Perform regular maintenance tasks, such as cleaning the device, checking for any physical damage, and monitoring drive health. This helps to identify and address any potential issues before they lead to data loss.
Remember, while these preventive measures can minimize the risk of data loss, they cannot guarantee complete protection. It is always recommended to have multiple layers of backup and a disaster recovery plan in place to ensure the safety of your data.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS TeraStation TS-I4.0TGL/R5 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-I4.0TGL/R5. 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-I4.0TGL/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;
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-I4.0TGL/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.
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 logically damaged NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-I4.0TGL/R5 device. However, it is important to note that the success of data recovery depends on the extent of the damage and the specific circumstances of the situation.
There are several methods that can be attempted to recover data from a logically damaged NAS device:
It is important to remember that data recovery from a logically damaged NAS device is a complex process and should be handled with caution. It is recommended to consult with a professional data recovery service or seek expert advice to ensure the best possible chances of successful data recovery.