How to Get RAID Disk Files If NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5400D0804V5 Fails to Boot

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5400D0804V5
• How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
  • Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images
  • Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?
  • RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison

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.

How can the use of specific file-sharing protocols impact data loss risks on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5400D0804V5 devices?

The use of specific file-sharing protocols can impact data loss risks on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5400D0804V5 devices in several ways:

1. Security vulnerabilities: Different file-sharing protocols have varying levels of security measures. Some protocols may have known vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers or malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to the NAS device and potentially cause data loss.
2. Encryption and authentication: Certain file-sharing protocols offer advanced encryption and authentication mechanisms to protect data during transmission. Using protocols with weak encryption or authentication methods can increase the risk of data interception or unauthorized access, leading to potential data loss.
3. Compatibility and interoperability: NAS devices often support multiple file-sharing protocols such as SMB/CIFS, NFS, FTP, etc. It is crucial to ensure that the chosen protocol is compatible with the devices and operating systems used within the network. Incompatibility or misconfiguration of protocols can lead to data corruption or loss.
4. User access control: Some file-sharing protocols provide more granular control over user access permissions and file-level security. It is important to configure appropriate access controls to prevent accidental deletion or modification of critical data by unauthorized users.
5. Performance and reliability: Different file-sharing protocols have varying performance characteristics, such as speed and reliability. Choosing a protocol that is not optimized for the specific use case or network environment can impact data transfer speeds and increase the likelihood of data loss due to network interruptions or failures.

To mitigate data loss risks, it is recommended to:

• Regularly update the NAS firmware to ensure the latest security patches and bug fixes.
• Choose file-sharing protocols that offer strong encryption and authentication mechanisms.
• Implement secure network configurations, such as using virtual private networks (VPNs) for remote access.
• Configure appropriate user access controls and regularly review and update permissions.
• Regularly back up critical data to separate storage devices or cloud services.
• Monitor the NAS device for any suspicious activities or unauthorized access attempts.
• Train users on best practices for file sharing and data security to minimize human errors that can lead to data loss.

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

Although the NAS TeraStation TS5400D0804V5 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.

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   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Buffalo TeraStation TS5400D0804V5. 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.

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How to recover data from a Buffalo

TeraStation TS5400D0804V5 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;

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.

   

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.

   

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The Buffalo TeraStation TS5400D0804V5 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