- 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 factors to consider when choosing a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5200D0602 device to minimize data loss risks?
Yes, there are several factors to consider when choosing a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5200D0602 device to minimize data loss risks. Here are some key considerations:
- Redundancy: Look for a NAS device that supports RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations. RAID can provide data redundancy by distributing data across multiple drives, reducing the risk of data loss if one drive fails. The TS5200D0602 supports RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, and JBOD.
- Backup options: Ensure that the NAS device offers backup options to safeguard your data. Look for features like scheduled backups, remote replication, and support for external USB drives for additional backup storage.
- Power protection: Consider a NAS device that comes with a built-in uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or supports connection to an external UPS. Power outages or surges can lead to data corruption or loss, so having power protection can minimize these risks.
- Data encryption: If data security is a concern, choose a NAS device that supports data encryption. The TS5200D0602 has AES 256-bit encryption capabilities, which can help protect your data from unauthorized access.
- Scalability: Consider your future storage needs and choose a NAS device that allows for easy expansion. The TS5200D0602 supports up to 12 drives, allowing you to increase storage capacity as your needs grow.
- User access controls: Look for a NAS device that offers robust user access controls, allowing you to define user permissions and restrict access to sensitive data. This can help prevent accidental deletion or unauthorized modifications.
- Fault tolerance: Consider a NAS device with features like hot-swappable drives and hot spare functionality. These features allow for easy drive replacement in case of failure without downtime, reducing the risk of data loss.
- Data recovery options: In the event of data loss, having options for data recovery is crucial. Check if the NAS device offers any data recovery tools or supports third-party data recovery services.
By considering these factors, you can minimize the risks of data loss when choosing a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5200D0602 device.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS TeraStation TS5200D0602 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 TS5200D0602. 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 TS5200D0602 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:
-
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 TS5200D0602 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, there are specific techniques used in data recovery from NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5200D0602 devices with RAID configurations. Here are a few common techniques:
It's important to note that data recovery from RAID configurations can be a complex and delicate process. It is recommended to consult with a professional data recovery specialist or contact Buffalo's technical support for specific guidance and assistance.