- 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 specific network security measures to implement for safeguarding NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS51210RH3204 devices against data loss?
Yes, there are several network security measures that can be implemented to safeguard NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS51210RH3204 devices against data loss. Here are some recommendations:
- Access Control: Implement strong access control mechanisms to restrict unauthorized access to the NAS device. This includes using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and regularly reviewing and updating user access privileges.
- Firewall: Configure a firewall to control incoming and outgoing network traffic to the NAS device. This helps prevent unauthorized access and protects against potential attacks.
- Encryption: Enable encryption for data stored on the NAS device. This ensures that even if the device is compromised, the data remains protected and unreadable to unauthorized individuals.
- Regular Updates: Keep the NAS device's firmware and software up to date. Regularly check for updates and patches provided by Buffalo to address any security vulnerabilities.
- Backup and Disaster Recovery: Implement a robust backup and disaster recovery strategy. Regularly backup the data stored on the NAS device to an off-site location or another secure device. This helps in case of data loss or device failure.
- Network Segmentation: Separate the NAS device from the main network using VLANs or other network segmentation techniques. This helps contain any potential security breaches and limits the impact on other network resources.
- Intrusion Detection and Prevention System (IDPS): Deploy an IDPS to monitor network traffic and detect any suspicious activity or potential attacks. This can help in identifying and mitigating security threats before they cause data loss.
- Physical Security: Ensure the physical security of the NAS device by placing it in a secure location, such as a locked server room. Restrict physical access to authorized personnel only.
- User Education: Train users on best practices for network security, such as creating strong passwords, avoiding suspicious links or downloads, and regularly updating their devices.
Implementing these network security measures can significantly enhance the protection of NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS51210RH3204 devices against data loss and unauthorized access.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS TeraStation TS51210RH3204 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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.
-
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
Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Buffalo TeraStation TS51210RH3204. 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 TS51210RH3204 has 12 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:
- RAID 0;
- RAID 1;
- RAID 5;
- RAID 6;
- RAID 50;
- RAID 60;
- 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:
-
Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.
-
Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.
-
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.
-
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 TS51210RH3204 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, it is possible to recover data from a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS51210RH3204 device that has been affected by a hardware RAID controller failure. However, the recovery process can be complex and may require the assistance of a professional data recovery service.
In such cases, the first step is to replace the faulty RAID controller with a compatible one. This replacement should be done by a professional technician to ensure compatibility and avoid further damage to the data.
Once the RAID controller is replaced, the data recovery service will attempt to rebuild the RAID array and recover the data. This process involves reconstructing the RAID configuration and accessing the data on the individual hard drives.
It's important to note that data recovery from a failed RAID controller is not guaranteed, and the success of the recovery depends on the extent of the damage and the condition of the hard drives. It's always recommended to consult with a professional data recovery service to assess the situation and determine the best course of action.