How to Fix a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-RI8.0TGL/R5 RAID Array After Multiple Disk Failures

Has your NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-RI8.0TGL/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?

How to Fix a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-RI8.0TGL/R5 RAID Array After Multiple Disk Failures
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Buffalo TeraStation TS-RI8.0TGL/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-RI8.0TGL/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.

How to Fix a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-RI8.0TGL/R5 RAID Array After Multiple Disk Failures

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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.

Are there any data storage capacity limitations that can impact data loss risks for NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-RI8.0TGL/R5 devices?

Yes, there are data storage capacity limitations that can impact data loss risks for NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-RI8.0TGL/R5 devices. The specific limitations and risks depend on various factors such as the RAID configuration, hard drive capacity, and the overall design of the device.

Some potential limitations and risks include:

  1. RAID configuration: The TeraStation TS-RI8.0TGL/R5 supports RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 10, and JBOD. Each RAID level has its own advantages and limitations. For example, RAID 0 offers improved performance but provides no data redundancy, so a single drive failure can result in complete data loss. RAID 5 provides data redundancy but has a higher risk of data loss during a drive rebuild due to the large capacity drives used in the TS-RI8.0TGL/R5.
  2. Hard drive capacity: The TeraStation TS-RI8.0TGL/R5 supports up to eight hard drives, with a maximum capacity of 8TB per drive, resulting in a total capacity of 64TB. As the capacity of individual drives increases, the time required to rebuild a failed drive also increases. During this rebuild process, there is an increased risk of data loss if another drive fails or if there are errors in the rebuild process.
  3. Device design and firmware: The design and firmware of the TeraStation TS-RI8.0TGL/R5 can also impact data loss risks. The device may have limitations in terms of file system support, maximum file size, or maximum number of files. Additionally, firmware bugs or vulnerabilities can potentially lead to data loss if not addressed through regular firmware updates.

To mitigate data loss risks, it is recommended to regularly backup the data stored on the TeraStation TS-RI8.0TGL/R5 to an external storage device or cloud storage. Implementing a suitable RAID level and regularly monitoring the health of the hard drives can also help minimize the risk of data loss.

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

Although the NAS TeraStation TS-RI8.0TGL/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-RI8.0TGL/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-RI8.0TGL/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-RI8.0TGL/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-RI8.0TGL/R5, feel free to leave a comment!
    Reply
  • Ted Hines
    Ted Hines 28.08.2023 17:52 #
    Can data recovery from a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-RI8.0TGL/R5 device be performed if there are issues with the network interface card or port?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 28.08.2023 17:59 #

      Yes, data recovery can still be performed from a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-RI8.0TGL/R5 device even if there are issues with the network interface card or port. The NAS device typically has multiple methods of connectivity, including USB or eSATA ports.

      If the network interface card or port is not functioning properly, you can connect the NAS device directly to a computer using a USB or eSATA cable. This will allow you to access the drives and recover data using data recovery software or services.

      Alternatively, you can remove the hard drives from the NAS device and connect them to a computer directly using a SATA to USB adapter or an external hard drive dock. This will enable you to access the drives and recover data.

      It is important to note that if the drives in the NAS are configured in a RAID array, you may need to use specialized software or consult a professional data recovery service to recover the data successfully.

      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 recommended data backup strategies for NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-RI8.0TGL/R5?

    Here are some recommended data backup strategies for NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-RI8.0TGL/R5:

    1. RAID Configuration: Set up your TeraStation with a RAID configuration, such as RAID 1 or RAID 5. This provides redundancy and protects your data in case of a drive failure.
    2. Regular Backup Schedule: Establish a regular backup schedule to ensure that your data is backed up consistently. This can be done daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on your needs and the importance of the data.
    3. Offsite Backup: Consider implementing an offsite backup strategy to protect your data from physical damage or disasters like fire or theft. This can be done by using cloud backup services or by manually transferring backups to an external location.
    4. Multiple Backup Locations: Store backups in multiple locations to further enhance data protection. This can include keeping backups on different physical drives within the NAS or using multiple external storage devices.
    5. Incremental Backups: Instead of performing a full backup every time, use incremental backups to save time and storage space. Incremental backups only backup the changes made since the last backup, reducing the backup time and resource usage.
    6. Test and Verify Backups: Regularly test and verify your backups to ensure they are working correctly. This involves restoring data from backups and checking its integrity.
    7. Encryption: Enable encryption for your backups to protect sensitive data. This ensures that even if your backups are compromised, the data remains secure.
    8. Disaster Recovery Plan: Develop a disaster recovery plan that outlines the steps to be taken in case of data loss or system failure. This plan should include details on how to restore data from backups and minimize downtime.
    9. Monitoring and Alerts: Set up monitoring and alerts for your TeraStation to be notified of any issues or failures. This allows you to take immediate action and prevent data loss.
    10. Regular Firmware Updates: Keep your TeraStation's firmware up to date to ensure it has the latest security patches and features. This helps protect your data from potential vulnerabilities.

    Remember to customize these strategies based on your specific requirements and the sensitivity of your data.

  • How can the NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-RI8.0TGL/R5 be configured to perform automatic data backups?

    To configure the NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-RI8.0TGL/R5 for automatic data backups, you can follow these steps:

    1. Connect the TeraStation to your network and access the web-based configuration interface using a web browser.
    2. Log in to the TeraStation's administration interface using the username and password.
    3. In the administration interface, navigate to the "Backup" or "Backup Settings" section.
    4. Choose the backup method you prefer, such as "Scheduled Backup" or "Real-Time Backup."
    5. Configure the backup settings according to your requirements. This includes selecting the source folders or files you want to back up and the destination folder or device where the backups will be stored.
    6. Set the backup schedule. Specify the time and frequency for automatic backups, whether daily, weekly, or monthly.
    7. Configure any additional settings, such as encryption, compression, or email notifications for backup status.
    8. Save the settings and exit the administration interface.

    Once the automatic backup configuration is complete, the TeraStation will perform backups according to the specified schedule. It will automatically copy the selected files or folders from the source location to the destination location, ensuring your data is regularly backed up.

  • What are the potential risks or challenges associated with data backup on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-RI8.0TGL/R5, and how can they be mitigated?

    Some potential risks or challenges associated with data backup on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-RI8.0TGL/R5 include:

    1. Hardware failure: The NAS device itself can experience hardware failures, such as hard drive crashes or power supply issues. This can result in data loss if not addressed promptly.

    Mitigation: Regularly monitor the health of the NAS device, including the hard drives, power supply, and cooling system. Implement a RAID configuration (such as RAID 5) to provide redundancy and protect against single drive failures. Additionally, establish a backup strategy that includes off-site backups to mitigate the risk of hardware failure.

    1. Data corruption: Data stored on the NAS device can become corrupted due to various reasons, such as software bugs, power outages, or network issues. If not detected and resolved, this can lead to data loss or inaccessibility.

    Mitigation: Enable regular data integrity checks on the NAS device to identify and repair any corrupted files. Implement a backup solution that includes versioning or incremental backups, allowing you to restore previous versions of files if corruption is detected.

    1. Security breaches: If the NAS device is not properly secured, it can be vulnerable to unauthorized access or hacking attempts. This can lead to data theft or unauthorized modifications.

    Mitigation: Implement strong security measures, such as configuring secure passwords, enabling encryption for data in transit and at rest, and regularly updating the NAS firmware to address any security vulnerabilities. Additionally, restrict access to the NAS device by implementing proper user authentication and access control policies.

    1. Human error: Accidental deletion, overwriting, or modification of data can occur due to human error, whether by the NAS administrator or other users with access to the device.

    Mitigation: Implement appropriate user access controls and permissions to limit the likelihood of accidental data loss. Regularly train and educate users on proper data backup procedures and best practices. Consider implementing a versioning or snapshot feature that allows easy recovery of mistakenly modified or deleted files.

    1. Natural disasters or physical damage: The NAS device can be susceptible to physical damage or loss due to events like fires, floods, or theft. Such incidents can result in the loss of both the NAS device and the data stored on it.

    Mitigation: Implement an off-site backup strategy, where data is regularly replicated to a separate location or cloud storage. This ensures that even if the NAS device is physically damaged or lost, the data can still be recovered from the off-site backup.

    Overall, a comprehensive backup strategy should include a combination of hardware redundancy, regular integrity checks, strong security measures, user education, and off-site backups to mitigate the potential risks and challenges associated with data backup on the NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS-RI8.0TGL/R5.
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