How to recover data from Buffalo TeraStation TS5200D 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?

Data Recovery Tool

Buffalo TeraStation TS5200D 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 TS5200D.

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.

How can regular data verification or checksum processes help maintain data integrity on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5200D devices?

Regular data verification or checksum processes can help maintain data integrity on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5200D devices in the following ways:

  1. Detecting and preventing data corruption: Data verification processes involve checking the integrity of data by comparing it to a known value or checksum. By regularly verifying data, any corruption or alteration in the stored data can be detected. This helps in identifying and preventing potential data integrity issues.
  2. Ensuring data consistency: Regular data verification processes ensure that the data stored on the TeraStation device remains consistent over time. By comparing the checksum or hash value of the data with the expected value, any inconsistencies or changes in the data can be identified and rectified.
  3. Early detection of storage media issues: Data verification processes can also help in identifying any issues with the storage media, such as hard drive failures or bad sectors. By comparing the checksums of the data stored on different drives or RAID arrays, discrepancies can be detected, indicating potential hardware issues that may affect data integrity.
  4. Data recovery and restoration: In case of data corruption or loss, regular data verification processes can aid in data recovery and restoration. By comparing the checksums of the corrupted or lost data with the known checksums, it becomes possible to identify and recover the correct data from backups or redundant storage.
  5. Data validation during transfer: Data verification processes can also be used during data transfer or backup operations. By calculating and comparing checksums before and after the transfer, any data corruption or loss during the process can be detected, ensuring the integrity of the transferred data.

Overall, regular data verification or checksum processes play a crucial role in maintaining data integrity on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5200D devices by detecting and preventing data corruption, ensuring data consistency, identifying storage media issues, aiding in data recovery, and validating data during transfer operations.

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

Although NAS TeraStation TS5200D 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.

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Buffalo TeraStation TS5200D. 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 TS5200D has 1 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;

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 Tools – Save 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.

  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.

Where are user’s files stored?

The Buffalo TeraStation TS5200D 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

Feedback

We will be happy to answer your questions!

Comments (3) #

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery 9.08.2022 12:31 #

    If you want to ask a question about data recovery, from NAS TeraStation TS5200D, feel free to leave a comment!

  • Abraham Hadfield 30.08.2023 02:40 #

    Are there any specific backup software recommended for data recovery from NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5200D devices?

    • Hetman Software 30.08.2023 03:59 #

      Yes, there are several backup software options recommended for data recovery from NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5200D devices. Some popular choices include:

      1. Acronis True Image: This software provides comprehensive backup and recovery solutions for NAS devices, including Buffalo TeraStation models.
      2. EaseUS Todo Backup: It offers a user-friendly interface and supports NAS backup and recovery, including Buffalo TeraStation devices.
      3. NovaBACKUP: This software provides backup and recovery solutions for various storage devices, including NAS systems like Buffalo TeraStation.
      4. Cobian Backup: It is a free and open-source backup software that supports NAS backup and recovery, including Buffalo TeraStation devices.
      5. Synology Hyper Backup: Although primarily designed for Synology NAS devices, it also supports backup and recovery from other NAS systems, including Buffalo TeraStation.

      It is recommended to research and evaluate these options based on your specific requirements and preferences before choosing the most suitable backup software for your Buffalo TeraStation TS5200D device.

Post comment
  • Updated:
  • Evaluations:
  • 7
  • /
  • :

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.

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.

Share

Questions and answers

What are the benefits of adding an additional hard drive to a Buffalo TeraStation TS5200D NAS?

Adding an additional hard drive to a Buffalo TeraStation TS5200D NAS offers several benefits:

  1. Increased storage capacity: By adding an extra hard drive, you can expand the overall storage capacity of your NAS. This is particularly useful if you are running out of space and need to store more data.
  2. Improved data redundancy: The TeraStation TS5200D supports various RAID configurations, such as RAID 1 or RAID 5. Adding an extra hard drive allows you to set up a redundant storage system, which can protect your data in case of a drive failure. RAID configurations duplicate or distribute data across multiple drives, ensuring that your data remains intact even if one drive fails.
  3. Enhanced data backup: With an additional hard drive, you can allocate it as a dedicated backup drive. This allows you to create regular backups of your important data, providing an extra layer of protection against data loss.
  4. Better performance: By adding more hard drives, you can distribute the workload across multiple drives, resulting in improved read and write speeds. This is especially beneficial if you have a high-demanding workload or multiple users accessing the NAS simultaneously.
  5. Flexibility for future expansion: The ability to add an extra hard drive gives you the flexibility to expand your storage capacity further in the future as your needs grow. You can easily add more drives as required, without the need to replace the entire NAS unit.

Overall, adding an additional hard drive to a Buffalo TeraStation TS5200D NAS offers increased storage capacity, data redundancy, improved performance, and flexibility for future expansion.

How do you install and configure an additional hard drive in a Buffalo TeraStation TS5200D NAS?

To install and configure an additional hard drive in a Buffalo TeraStation TS5200D NAS, follow these steps:

  1. Power off the TeraStation and disconnect all cables.
  2. Remove the front panel of the TeraStation by pressing the release latch on the right side and sliding the panel to the right.
  3. Locate an empty drive bay and remove the drive tray by pressing the release latch on the bottom of the tray and sliding it out.
  4. Prepare the new hard drive by attaching it to the drive tray using the provided screws. Make sure to align the SATA connectors properly.
  5. Slide the drive tray with the new hard drive into the empty drive bay until it clicks into place.
  6. Repeat steps 3-5 if you are installing multiple hard drives.
  7. Replace the front panel of the TeraStation by sliding it back into position and pressing firmly until it clicks.
  8. Reconnect all cables to the TeraStation.
  9. Power on the TeraStation and wait for it to fully boot up.
  10. Access the TeraStation's web interface by entering its IP address into a web browser on a computer connected to the same network.
  11. Log in to the web interface using the administrator credentials.
  12. In the web interface, go to "Storage" or "Drives" section, depending on the firmware version.
  13. Locate the new hard drive(s) in the list of drives and click on them to select.
  14. Click on the "Format" or "Initialize" button to format the new hard drive(s) and prepare them for use.
  15. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the formatting process.
  16. Once the formatting is complete, the new hard drive(s) will be available for use in the TeraStation.

Note: It is recommended to consult the Buffalo TeraStation TS5200D user manual for specific instructions and details regarding the installation and configuration process.

What factors should be considered when selecting a compatible hard drive for expansion in a Buffalo TeraStation TS5200D NAS?

When selecting a compatible hard drive for expansion in a Buffalo TeraStation TS5200D NAS, the following factors should be considered:

  1. Drive Interface: The TeraStation TS5200D NAS typically supports SATA hard drives. Ensure that the hard drive you choose has a SATA interface.
  2. Drive Capacity: Determine the desired storage capacity based on your needs. The TeraStation TS5200D NAS supports various drive capacities, so choose a hard drive that suits your storage requirements.
  3. Drive Speed: Consider the rotational speed of the hard drive (RPM). Higher RPM drives offer faster data transfer rates, but they may generate more heat and consume more power.
  4. Drive Form Factor: Check the physical dimensions of the hard drive. The TeraStation TS5200D NAS typically supports 3.5-inch hard drives, but it's important to verify the specific form factor supported by your NAS model.
  5. Drive Compatibility: Ensure that the hard drive you choose is compatible with the TeraStation TS5200D NAS. Check the manufacturer's documentation or website for a list of recommended or compatible hard drives.
  6. RAID Support: If you plan to use RAID configurations on your NAS, ensure that the hard drive supports the desired RAID level (e.g., RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, etc.).
  7. Manufacturer and Warranty: Consider the reputation and reliability of the hard drive manufacturer. Look for drives from reputable brands that offer a good warranty period to ensure long-term reliability.
  8. Budget: Consider the cost of the hard drive and ensure it fits within your budget. Compare prices from different retailers or online stores to find the best deal.

It's always recommended to consult the Buffalo TeraStation TS5200D NAS user manual or contact Buffalo support for specific compatibility information and any additional recommendations.