- Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
- Key Information About the NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-I4.0TGL/R5
- 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.
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 Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
Although the NAS TeraStation TS-I4.0TGL/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:
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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-I4.0TGL/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.
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;
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-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.
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 |
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.