- 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 recommended practices for regular testing and validation of data backups to prevent potential loss on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5400D devices?
Yes, there are several recommended practices for regular testing and validation of data backups to prevent potential loss on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5400D devices. Here are some of them:
- Regularly schedule backup tests: Set up a regular schedule to perform backup tests to ensure the integrity of your data. This can be done weekly, monthly, or as per your organization's requirements.
- Perform test restores: Regularly perform test restores of your backed-up data to ensure that the backup files are valid and can be restored successfully. This will help identify any issues with the backup process or data corruption.
- Verify backup logs: Check the backup logs regularly to ensure that backups are being performed successfully without any errors or warnings. Monitor the logs for any anomalies or failures.
- Use backup verification tools: Some backup software or NAS devices have built-in verification tools that can check the integrity of the backup files. Utilize these tools to validate the backups.
- Test backup redundancy: If you have multiple Buffalo TeraStation devices or backup locations, periodically test the redundancy by restoring data from different backup sources. This will ensure that you have multiple copies of your data and can recover it even if one backup source fails.
- Monitor disk health: Regularly monitor the health and status of the disks in your Buffalo TeraStation NAS device. This can be done through the device's management interface or using disk monitoring software. Identifying disk failures early can help prevent data loss.
- Offsite backups: Consider creating offsite backups of your data to protect against physical damage or loss of your primary NAS device. This can be done by replicating data to another location or using cloud backup services.
- Document backup and recovery procedures: Maintain up-to-date documentation of your backup and recovery procedures. This will help ensure that the process is followed consistently and can be easily replicated by other team members if needed.
By following these recommended practices, you can minimize the risk of potential data loss and ensure the reliability of your backups on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5400D devices.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS TeraStation TS5400D 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:
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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.
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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.
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Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.
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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.
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Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Buffalo TeraStation TS5400D. 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.
How to recover data from a Buffalo
TeraStation TS5400D 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:
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Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.
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Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.
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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.
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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 TS5400D 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, data recovery from a Buffalo TeraStation TS5400D device can still be possible even if there are issues with the firmware or device settings. However, it may require advanced technical knowledge and expertise. Here are a few steps you can take:
It's important to note that attempting DIY data recovery methods without proper knowledge or experience can potentially worsen the situation and lead to permanent data loss.