How to Access Files on RAID Disks Without a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-IX2.0TL/R5

Contents

• 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?
  • Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • Safe recovery from disk images
  • Where are user’s files stored?
  • Comparison of software for RAID recovery

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 recommended best practices for securely storing usernames and passwords on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-IX2.0TL/R5 devices?

Yes, there are several recommended best practices for securely storing usernames and passwords on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-IX2.0TL/R5 devices:

1. Change Default Credentials: It is essential to change the default username and password provided by the manufacturer. Use a strong, unique password that includes a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA if your device supports it. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of authentication, such as a code generated by a mobile app or sent via SMS.
3. Regularly Update Firmware: Keep your device's firmware up to date. Manufacturers often release security patches and updates to address vulnerabilities, so it's crucial to install them promptly.
4. Use Strong Passwords: Encourage users to choose strong, unique passwords for their accounts. Avoid using common passwords or easily guessable information like birthdates or names.
5. Limit Access: Grant access privileges only to necessary users and restrict access to sensitive data. Regularly review and revoke access for users who no longer require it.
6. Implement Network Segmentation: Separate your NAS device from the main network by using VLANs or separate physical networks. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access to the device.
7. Regularly Backup Data: Implement a regular backup strategy to ensure that your data is protected in case of hardware failure, accidental deletion, or ransomware attacks. Store backups in a separate location or on cloud storage.
8. Use Secure Protocols: Enable secure protocols like HTTPS or SFTP for remote access to the NAS device. This ensures that data transmission is encrypted and protected from eavesdropping.
9. Disable Unnecessary Services: Disable any unnecessary services or protocols that are not required for your specific use case. This reduces the attack surface and minimizes potential vulnerabilities.
10. Educate Users: Train users on good security practices, such as avoiding phishing emails, not sharing passwords, and being cautious when accessing the NAS device from public networks.

By following these best practices, you can enhance the security of your NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-IX2.0TL/R5 devices and protect your usernames and passwords from unauthorized access.

How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?

Although NAS TeraStation TS-IX2.0TL/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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.

4. 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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   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Buffalo TeraStation TS-IX2.0TL/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.

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How to recover data from a Buffalo

TeraStation TS-IX2.0TL/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:

1. Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.

2. Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.

3. 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.

   

4. 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-IX2.0TL/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