Ultimate Guide to RAID Array Recovery for NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS3420DN1604

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 precautions to take while replacing or upgrading hard drives in NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS3420DN1604 devices?

Yes, there are several precautions to take while replacing or upgrading hard drives in NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS3420DN1604 devices. Here are some important steps to follow:

1. Backup your data: Before replacing or upgrading any hard drives, it is crucial to back up all your important data. This will ensure that you don't lose any data during the process.
2. Power off the device: Make sure to power off the TeraStation and disconnect it from the power source before attempting to replace or upgrade the hard drives. This will prevent any electrical accidents or damage to the device.
3. Ground yourself: To prevent static electricity from damaging the hard drives or other components, it is important to ground yourself before handling the drives. You can do this by wearing an anti-static wrist strap or by touching a grounded metal object.
4. Follow the manufacturer's instructions: Refer to the user manual or documentation provided by Buffalo for specific instructions on how to replace or upgrade hard drives in the TeraStation. Each device might have slightly different procedures, so it's important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines.
5. Use compatible drives: Ensure that the replacement or upgraded hard drives are compatible with the TeraStation TS3420DN1604. Check the device's specifications or consult with Buffalo's support to determine the compatible drive models and capacities.
6. RAID configuration: If your TeraStation is configured in a RAID array, it is important to understand the RAID configuration and how it will be affected by the hard drive replacement or upgrade. Make sure to follow the appropriate steps to maintain the RAID integrity and data redundancy.
7. Handle drives with care: When removing or inserting hard drives, handle them carefully and avoid touching the connectors or circuit boards. Hold the drives by their edges to prevent any damage from static electricity or physical mishandling.
8. Secure connections: Ensure that all connections, including power and data cables, are securely attached to the new hard drives. Loose connections can cause data loss or drive failures.
9. Test and verify: After replacing or upgrading the hard drives, power on the TeraStation and perform a thorough test to ensure that the new drives are functioning properly. Check the device's interface or management software to verify the drive status and data integrity.

If you are uncertain about any step or lack technical expertise, it is recommended to seek professional assistance or consult Buffalo's support for guidance.

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

Although NAS TeraStation TS3420DN1604 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 TS3420DN1604. 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 TS3420DN1604 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 TS3420DN1604 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