NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS3420RN3204 Data Recovery: Step-by-Step RAID Array Tutorial

Has your NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS3420RN3204 suddenly lost its network drive and you’re unsure what to do next? Did the RAID array collapse, making your files inaccessible? Is the device throwing errors during startup? Perhaps you accidentally rebuilt the RAID array or several hard drives failed at the same time?

NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS3420RN3204 Data Recovery: Step-by-Step RAID Array Tutorial

Buffalo TeraStation TS3420RN3204 NAS Data Recovery in 2025

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from an TeraStation TS3420RN3204. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS3420RN3204 Data Recovery: Step-by-Step RAID Array Tutorial

RAID Recovery™ 2.8
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
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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.

Can a failed RAID rebuild process lead to data loss on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS3420RN3204 devices?

Yes, a failed RAID rebuild process can potentially lead to data loss on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS3420RN3204 devices. During a RAID rebuild, the data from the remaining drives in the array is used to reconstruct the data on the failed drive. If there are any issues during this process, such as a power failure, hardware malfunction, or incorrect configuration, it can result in data loss or corruption. It is always recommended to have a backup of important data to mitigate the risk of data loss during RAID rebuilds or other system failures.

How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC

Although the NAS TeraStation TS3420RN3204 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

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Buffalo TeraStation TS3420RN3204. 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

How to recover data from a Buffalo

TeraStation TS3420RN3204 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.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Image Creation Wizard
  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.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Choose a disk or save the image via FTP

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The Buffalo TeraStation TS3420RN3204 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

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Comments (3)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 9.08.2022 12:31 #
    If you want to ask a question about data recovery, from NAS TeraStation TS3420RN3204, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Aaron Phelps
    Aaron Phelps 1.09.2023 19:46 #
    Is it possible to recover data from a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS3420RN3204 device that has been affected by a sudden power outage or blackout?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 1.09.2023 19:59 #

      Yes, it is possible to recover data from a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS3420RN3204 device that has been affected by a sudden power outage or blackout. However, the success of the data recovery process depends on the extent of the damage caused by the power outage.

      Here are a few steps you can take to recover data from the affected NAS device:

      1. Power off the NAS: After a power outage, it is important to turn off the NAS device to prevent any further damage.
      2. Check the hardware: Inspect the NAS device for any physical damage caused by the power outage, such as burnt components or loose connections. If you notice any issues, it is recommended to seek professional help from a data recovery service.
      3. Power on the NAS: Once you have ensured that the hardware is intact, power on the NAS device and check its status. It may take some time for the device to boot up and become accessible.
      4. Access the NAS: Connect to the NAS device using the appropriate software or web interface provided by Buffalo. If the device is accessible, you can try to copy your important data to another storage device.
      5. Seek professional help: If the NAS device is not accessible or if you encounter any errors during the data recovery process, it is recommended to contact a professional data recovery service. They have specialized tools and expertise to recover data from damaged NAS devices.

      Remember, it is always a good practice to have regular backups of your important data to avoid data loss in case of unexpected events like power outages.

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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What are the key features and functionalities of the web interface of the NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS3420RN3204?

    The key features and functionalities of the web interface of the NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS3420RN3204 include:

    1. Dashboard: The web interface provides a dashboard that gives an overview of the NAS system, including the status of storage capacity, network connectivity, and system health.
    2. File Management: Users can access and manage files and folders stored on the TeraStation through the web interface. This includes uploading, downloading, renaming, deleting, and moving files.
    3. User and Group Management: The web interface allows administrators to create and manage user accounts and groups, defining their access permissions to shared folders and services.
    4. Shared Folder Management: Users can create and manage shared folders, set access permissions, and control folder-level security settings such as encryption and antivirus scanning.
    5. RAID Configuration: The TeraStation supports various RAID configurations for data redundancy and performance. The web interface allows users to set up and manage RAID arrays, including creating, deleting, and rebuilding RAID volumes.
    6. Backup and Replication: Users can configure backup jobs to automatically back up data from the TeraStation to external devices or cloud storage services. The web interface also supports replication features for data synchronization between multiple TeraStation devices.
    7. Network Services: The TeraStation supports various network services such as FTP, SMB/CIFS, NFS, and AFP. The web interface allows users to configure and manage these services, including setting up access controls and managing shared resources.
    8. Monitoring and Alerts: The web interface provides monitoring tools to track system performance, resource usage, and network activity. It also allows users to configure email notifications and alerts for specific events or conditions.
    9. Firmware Updates: Users can check for and install firmware updates for the TeraStation through the web interface, ensuring the system is up-to-date with the latest features and security patches.
    10. Remote Access: The web interface supports remote access, allowing users to access and manage the TeraStation from anywhere with an internet connection. This can be done through a web browser or dedicated mobile apps.
  • How user-friendly is the web interface of the NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS3420RN3204? Can it be easily navigated and configured by non-technical users?

    The web interface of the NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS3420RN3204 is designed to be user-friendly and can be easily navigated by non-technical users. It provides a simple and intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) that allows users to configure and manage the NAS device without requiring advanced technical knowledge.

    The interface provides a dashboard view that presents an overview of the system status, storage usage, and other important information. Users can easily access various settings and features through a menu system, which is organized in a logical manner.

    Configuration options such as creating and managing shared folders, setting up user accounts and permissions, configuring network settings, and enabling various services are all accessible through the web interface. The settings are presented in a clear and understandable manner, often accompanied by helpful tooltips or explanations.

    Additionally, the web interface offers wizards and automated setup processes to simplify complex tasks. These wizards guide users through the configuration process step-by-step, ensuring that even non-technical users can easily set up and manage the NAS device.

    Overall, the web interface of the Buffalo TeraStation TS3420RN3204 is designed with user-friendliness in mind, making it accessible and easily navigable for non-technical users.

  • Are there any specific security measures or settings available through the web interface of the NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS3420RN3204 to protect data and prevent unauthorized access?

    Yes, the NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS3420RN3204 offers several security measures and settings through its web interface to protect data and prevent unauthorized access. Some of these measures include:

    1. User and Group Management: The NAS allows you to create multiple user accounts and groups with different levels of access permissions. This helps in controlling who can access the data stored on the device.
    2. Access Control Lists (ACLs): ACLs allow you to define fine-grained access control rules for individual files and folders. You can set permissions for specific users or groups, restricting or allowing access as needed.
    3. HTTPS/SSL/TLS Encryption: The web interface supports HTTPS, which encrypts the communication between your browser and the NAS, ensuring that data transmitted over the network remains secure.
    4. IP Filter and Firewall: The NAS has built-in IP filtering and firewall capabilities. You can restrict access to specific IP addresses or IP ranges, preventing unauthorized access from outside your network.
    5. Active Directory Integration: The TeraStation can integrate with an Active Directory (AD) server, enabling centralized user authentication and access control based on AD user accounts and groups.
    6. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): The NAS supports two-factor authentication, adding an extra layer of security by requiring a verification code in addition to a password for user login.
    7. Data Encryption: The TeraStation offers hardware-accelerated AES 256-bit encryption for data stored on the device. This ensures that even if the hard drives are removed, the data remains encrypted and inaccessible without the encryption key.
    8. Event Logging and Alerts: The NAS logs various events and allows you to set up email notifications or alerts for specific activities, such as failed login attempts or unusual access patterns.

    These security measures, along with regular firmware updates and best practices like strong passwords and regular backups, help protect your data and prevent unauthorized access to the NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS3420RN3204.