- 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.
How can the use of specific file-sharing protocols impact data loss risks on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS3410DN0404 devices?
The use of specific file-sharing protocols can impact data loss risks on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS3410DN0404 devices in several ways:
- Encryption: Some file-sharing protocols, such as FTP (File Transfer Protocol), do not provide encryption for data transmission. This means that data sent over the network can be intercepted and accessed by unauthorized individuals, increasing the risk of data loss. In contrast, protocols like SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) or HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) use encryption to protect data during transmission, reducing the risk of interception.
- Access Control: Different file-sharing protocols have varying levels of access control mechanisms. For example, protocols like NFS (Network File System) may not have robust authentication and authorization features, making it easier for unauthorized users to gain access to sensitive data. On the other hand, protocols like SMB (Server Message Block) or AFP (Apple Filing Protocol) provide more advanced access control options, allowing administrators to set permissions and restrict access to specific users or groups, reducing the risk of data loss due to unauthorized access.
- Vulnerabilities: File-sharing protocols can have different vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers. Some protocols may have known security vulnerabilities that can be leveraged to gain unauthorized access to the NAS device or compromise the stored data. It is essential to keep the NAS firmware and the file-sharing protocol up to date with the latest security patches to minimize the risk of data loss due to vulnerabilities.
- Data Integrity: Certain file-sharing protocols may not provide mechanisms to ensure data integrity during transmission. This means that data can be corrupted or modified during transfer, leading to potential data loss or data integrity issues. Protocols like SMB or AFP often include features like data checksums or error correction to ensure data integrity, reducing the risk of data loss.
To mitigate data loss risks, it is crucial to select file-sharing protocols that prioritize security, encryption, access control, and data integrity. Regularly updating the NAS firmware and the file-sharing protocol to the latest versions, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and regularly backing up data are also essential practices to minimize the risk of data loss on NAS devices.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS TeraStation TS3410DN0404 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 TS3410DN0404. 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.
TeraStation TS3410DN0404 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 TS3410DN0404 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 |
Data recovery from a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS3410DN0404 device can be challenging if the storage disks have been overwritten or reformatted. When data is overwritten or reformatted, it is generally difficult to recover the original data as it gets replaced with new data.
However, there are specialized data recovery services and software available that may be able to recover some or all of the lost data. These services use advanced techniques to search for and reconstruct data that may still be present on the disks.
It is important to note that the success of data recovery in such cases depends on various factors, including the extent of the overwrite or reformat, the time elapsed since the data loss, and the actions taken after the data loss occurred. It is recommended to immediately stop using the NAS device and seek professional assistance from a data recovery service to maximize the chances of successful recovery.