How to recover data from Buffalo TeraStation TS3420RN3204 NAS

Is your network drive gone, and you are wondering what to do? Has a RAID system crashed, and your files are no longer accessible? Does your device display an error while booting? Have you accidentally rebuilt your RAID system? Are several hard disks out of order?

How to recover data from NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS3420RN3204

Buffalo TeraStation TS3420RN3204 NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from TeraStation TS3420RN3204.

How to recover data from NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS3420RN3204

Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.

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.

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

Although NAS TeraStation TS3420RN3204 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.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

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

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;

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 ToolsSave 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.

    Hetman Raid Recovery: Image Creation Wizard
  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.

    Hetman Raid Recovery: hoose any disk connected to this PC, or save the image by FTP

Where are user’s files 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.

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

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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.

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