
- Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
- Key Information About the NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS3420RN0802
- How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
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 guidelines for configuring security settings on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS3420RN0802 devices to prevent unauthorized access and potential data loss?
Yes, there are several guidelines you can follow to configure security settings on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS3420RN0802 devices to prevent unauthorized access and potential data loss. Here are some recommendations:
- Change default passwords: Immediately change the default administrative password to a strong and unique one. Also, consider changing the default username if possible.
- Enable firewall: Activate the built-in firewall on the TeraStation to restrict access to only necessary services and ports. Configure the firewall rules according to your requirements.
- Disable unnecessary services: Disable any unnecessary services or protocols that are not required for your specific use case. This reduces the attack surface and minimizes potential vulnerabilities.
- Regularly update firmware: Keep the TeraStation's firmware up to date with the latest security patches and bug fixes. Check Buffalo's support website regularly for firmware updates and apply them as soon as they become available.
- Implement access controls: Utilize the NAS's built-in access control features to restrict access to specific users or groups. Set appropriate permissions for each user/group to ensure they only have access to the necessary files and folders.
- Enable encryption: Enable encryption on the TeraStation to protect data at rest. This ensures that even if the physical device is stolen, the data remains encrypted and inaccessible to unauthorized individuals.
- Implement strong network security: Secure the network on which the TeraStation is connected. Use strong Wi-Fi encryption (WPA2 or higher) and consider segmenting the network to isolate the NAS from other devices.
- Regularly backup data: Implement a regular backup strategy to ensure that critical data is backed up and can be restored in case of data loss or ransomware attacks. Store backups on a separate device or in the cloud.
- Monitor and log activities: Enable logging and monitoring features on the TeraStation to keep track of any suspicious activities or unauthorized access attempts. Regularly review the logs to detect any potential security incidents.
- Educate users: Provide training and awareness to users on best practices for accessing and using the TeraStation securely. Teach them about password hygiene, phishing attacks, and other common security threats.
Remember, security is an ongoing process, and it is recommended to regularly review and update the security settings on your TeraStation to adapt to evolving threats and best practices.
How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
Although the NAS TeraStation TS3420RN0802 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:
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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.
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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.
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Label each hard disk according to its position inside the NAS. The order of the drives is crucial for correct RAID reconstruction.
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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.
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Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Buffalo TeraStation TS3420RN0802. 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.
How to recover data from a Buffalo
TeraStation TS3420RN0802 has 2 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:
- RAID 0;
- RAID 1;
- 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:
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Ensure you have enough free space to store the image. Its size will typically match the size of the original disk.
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In the main window, select the target disk and choose Tools - Save Disk. You can also select multiple disks if needed.
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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.

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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 TS3420RN0802 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 |


Yes, data recovery from a Buffalo TeraStation TS3420RN0802 device can potentially be done remotely, depending on the specific circumstances and the capabilities of the device.
If the NAS device is still accessible over the network and the data loss is due to logical issues (such as accidental deletion or file system corruption), it may be possible to remotely connect to the device and perform data recovery operations.
However, if the data loss is due to physical issues with the NAS device's hardware (such as a failed hard drive or RAID controller), remote data recovery may not be feasible. In such cases, it is usually necessary to physically access the device and perform the recovery process on-site or send the device to a professional data recovery service.
It is recommended to consult with a professional data recovery service provider to assess the specific situation and determine the best course of action for recovering the data from the Buffalo TeraStation NAS device.