- 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.
Are there any preventive measures to minimize the risk of data loss on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS3420DN0802 devices?
Yes, there are several preventive measures you can take to minimize the risk of data loss on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS3420DN0802 devices. Here are some suggestions:
- Regular backups: Implement a regular backup strategy to ensure that your data is regularly backed up to an external storage device or cloud storage. This way, even if data loss occurs on the NAS device, you will have a recent backup to restore from.
- RAID configuration: Set up the TeraStation in a RAID configuration, such as RAID 1 or RAID 5, which provides redundancy and fault tolerance. This means that if one drive fails, your data will still be accessible from the remaining drives.
- UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply): Connect your TeraStation to a UPS to protect it from sudden power outages or fluctuations. A UPS will provide backup power and protect your device from potential data corruption or loss caused by power issues.
- Firmware updates: Regularly check for and install firmware updates provided by Buffalo for your TeraStation. These updates often include bug fixes, security patches, and performance improvements that can help prevent data loss.
- Physical security: Keep your TeraStation in a secure location to prevent physical theft or tampering. Restrict access to authorized personnel only and consider using additional security measures like surveillance cameras or access control systems.
- Network security: Implement strong network security measures, including firewalls, secure passwords, and regular security audits. This will help protect your TeraStation from unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
- Regular maintenance: Perform regular maintenance tasks such as checking the health of hard drives, monitoring system logs for errors, and ensuring proper ventilation and cooling for the TeraStation. This will help identify and address any potential issues before they lead to data loss.
Remember that while these measures can significantly reduce the risk of data loss, they cannot guarantee complete protection. It's always a good practice to have multiple layers of backup and redundancy in place to ensure the safety of your data.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS TeraStation TS3420DN0802 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 TS3420DN0802. 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 TS3420DN0802 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 TS3420DN0802 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 |
Yes, there are specific recovery methods for NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS3420DN0802 devices with striped or mirrored data configurations. Here are some steps you can follow:
a. Reboot the device: Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve software-related issues. Power off the device, wait for a few minutes, and then power it back on.
b. Firmware update: Check if there are any firmware updates available for your TeraStation model. Updating the firmware can fix bugs and improve system stability.
c. Factory reset: Performing a factory reset will restore the device to its default settings, but it will also erase all data on the TeraStation. Use this method only as a last resort and make sure to have a backup of your data before proceeding.
Data recovery: If the striped or mirrored data on the TeraStation becomes inaccessible or corrupted, you may need to perform data recovery. In such cases, it is recommended to contact a professional data recovery service with experience in NAS devices. They can help you recover the data from the failed drives or assist in rebuilding the RAID array.
Remember to always have a backup of your important data to avoid data loss in the event of hardware or software failures.