How to Choose Data Recovery Software for Lost NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS51210RH4004 Data Recovery

Has your NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS51210RH4004 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?

How to Choose Data Recovery Software for Lost NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS51210RH4004 Data Recovery

Buffalo TeraStation TS51210RH4004 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 TS51210RH4004. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

How to Choose Data Recovery Software for Lost NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS51210RH4004 Data Recovery

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 malware or ransomware attacks lead to data loss in NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS51210RH4004 devices?

Yes, malware or ransomware attacks can potentially lead to data loss in NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS51210RH4004 devices. NAS devices like the TeraStation are not immune to such attacks and can be vulnerable if proper security measures are not in place. If a malware or ransomware successfully infects the device, it can encrypt or delete the data stored on the TeraStation, resulting in data loss. It is crucial to have robust security practices, such as regular software updates, strong password policies, and backups, to minimize the risk of data loss in such devices.

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

Although the NAS TeraStation TS51210RH4004 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 TS51210RH4004. 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 TS51210RH4004 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;

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 TS51210RH4004 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 TS51210RH4004, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Hedworth Wilder
    Hedworth Wilder 2.09.2023 09:45 #
    Is it possible to recover data from a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS51210RH4004 device if the storage disks have been physically disconnected or damaged?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 2.09.2023 09:59 #

      If the storage disks of a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS51210RH4004 device have been physically disconnected or damaged, it may still be possible to recover the data, but it depends on the extent of the damage. Here are a few possibilities:

      1. If the disks are physically disconnected but not damaged, you can reconnect them to the NAS device or connect them to another compatible NAS device to access the data.
      2. If the disks are damaged but still functional, you may be able to recover the data by using specialized data recovery software or by seeking professional data recovery services. These services can often recover data from damaged disks, but they can be quite expensive.
      3. If the disks are severely damaged or not functioning at all, data recovery becomes more challenging. In such cases, you may need to send the disks to a specialized data recovery lab that has the necessary equipment and expertise to recover data from physically damaged disks. However, this can be a costly process and there is no guarantee of success.

      It's important to note that attempting any data recovery procedures yourself may further damage the disks and make data recovery more difficult. It is recommended to consult professional data recovery services or specialists for the best chance of recovering your data.

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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

  • How do I set up my NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS51210RH4004 to save photos directly from my digital camera?

    To set up your NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS51210RH4004 to save photos directly from your digital camera, you can follow these steps:

    1. Connect your digital camera to the NAS using a USB cable.
    2. Power on your digital camera and make sure it is in the correct mode for data transfer (check your camera's user manual for instructions).
    3. Connect your NAS to your computer using an Ethernet cable and ensure that both devices are on the same network.
    4. Access the web interface of your NAS by typing its IP address into a web browser. You can find the IP address of your NAS by checking your router's connected devices list or using a network scanning tool.
    5. Log in to the NAS web interface using the administrator credentials.
    6. In the NAS web interface, go to the "Shared Folders" section and create a new shared folder specifically for your camera photos.
    7. Set the appropriate access permissions for the new shared folder to allow read and write access for the camera or any other users you want to have access.
    8. In the "Services" section of the NAS web interface, enable the "FTP" service.
    9. Configure the FTP settings, including the port number and user credentials. Make sure to create a new user specifically for the camera if desired.
    10. Save the settings and exit the NAS web interface.
    11. On your computer, open a file explorer and enter the FTP address of your NAS (e.g., ftp://192.168.1.100) in the address bar. Replace the IP address with the actual IP address of your NAS.
    12. Authenticate using the FTP user credentials you set up in step 9.
    13. Once connected, you should see the shared folder you created for the camera photos.
    14. Open the folder, and you can now copy or save photos directly from your digital camera into this folder on the NAS.

    Note: The above steps assume that your digital camera supports USB mass storage mode and can be recognized as an external storage device by the NAS. If your camera requires specific software or drivers for data transfer, you may need to install them on your computer before proceeding.

  • What are the benefits of using a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS51210RH4004 for storing photos from a digital camera compared to other storage options?

    Using a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS51210RH4004 for storing photos from a digital camera offers several benefits compared to other storage options:

    1. Network Accessibility: The NAS allows you to access your photos from any device connected to the same network. This means you can view, edit, and share your photos from multiple devices like computers, smartphones, or tablets.
    2. Centralized Storage: With a NAS, you can consolidate all your photos in one central location. This eliminates the need for multiple storage devices or scattered files across different devices, making it easier to organize and manage your photo library.
    3. Data Redundancy: The TeraStation NAS typically supports RAID configurations, which provide data redundancy. This means that even if one hard drive fails, your photos will still be safe and accessible. This level of data protection is crucial for preserving precious memories.
    4. Scalability: The TeraStation NAS offers multiple drive bays, allowing you to start with a smaller capacity and expand as your photo collection grows. You can easily add more hard drives to increase storage space without losing existing data.
    5. Data Backup: The NAS can be configured to automatically back up your photos to an external storage device or cloud service. This ensures that your photos are protected in case of hardware failure, theft, or other unforeseen events.
    6. Security: The NAS provides various security features like user access controls, encryption, and secure remote access. This helps protect your photos from unauthorized access or data breaches, ensuring the privacy and integrity of your images.
    7. Speed and Performance: The TeraStation NAS is designed for high-performance data transfer, allowing you to quickly upload and download photos. This is particularly beneficial when dealing with large file sizes or when multiple users are accessing the NAS simultaneously.

    Overall, using a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS51210RH4004 for storing photos provides convenience, accessibility, data protection, and scalability, making it a reliable and efficient storage solution for photographers.

  • Can I access and view the photos saved on my NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS51210RH4004 from multiple devices, such as smartphones or tablets?

    Yes, you can access and view the photos saved on your NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS51210RH4004 from multiple devices such as smartphones or tablets. To do so, you need to set up the appropriate network sharing and access permissions on your NAS.

    Here's a general guide on how to access and view photos from your NAS on multiple devices:

    1. Connect your NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS51210RH4004 to your home network and ensure it is properly set up and accessible.
    2. Configure the NAS to create shared folders or directories where you will store your photos. You can create separate folders for different categories or organize them as per your preference.
    3. Set the appropriate permissions for the shared folders to allow access from multiple devices. You can usually do this through the NAS management interface or software provided by Buffalo.
    4. Install the Buffalo NAS Navigator software on your computers or laptops. This software helps you locate and connect to your NAS on the network.
    5. On your smartphones or tablets, search for and install the Buffalo NAS Navigator app from the respective app store (e.g., Google Play Store or Apple App Store).
    6. Launch the Buffalo NAS Navigator software on your computers or laptops and the app on your smartphones or tablets. They should detect and display your NAS on the network.
    7. Use the Buffalo NAS Navigator software or app to browse and access the shared folders containing your photos. You can view and download the photos to your devices for offline access or simply view them directly from the NAS.

    Note that the specific steps may vary depending on the model and firmware version of your Buffalo TeraStation NAS. It's recommended to refer to the user manual or support documentation provided by Buffalo for detailed instructions tailored to your device.