Ultimate Guide to Data Recovery Software for Lost NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS3410DN0404 Data

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS3410DN0404
• How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
  • Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images
  • Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?
  • RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison

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.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC

Although the NAS TeraStation TS3410DN0404 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

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Buffalo TeraStation TS3410DN0404. 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

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;

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.

   

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.

   

Where Are the User’s Files Actually 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.

RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison