Accessing RAID Data Without a Functional NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5400R0404 Device

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5400R0404
• 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.

Are there any specific factors to consider when choosing a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5400R0404 device to minimize data loss risks?

Yes, there are several factors to consider when choosing a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5400R0404 device to minimize data loss risks. These include:

1. Redundancy: Look for a NAS device that offers RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) functionality. RAID allows you to distribute data across multiple hard drives, providing redundancy in case of drive failure. The TeraStation TS5400R0404 supports RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, and JBOD.
2. Backup options: Ensure that the NAS device has built-in backup capabilities or supports third-party backup software. Regularly backing up your data to an external device or cloud storage can help protect against data loss.
3. Scalability: Consider your future storage needs and choose a NAS device that allows for easy expansion. The TeraStation TS5400R0404 supports up to 16 TB of storage and can be expanded using additional hard drive bays or external storage devices.
4. Fault tolerance: Look for features like hot-swappable drive bays that allow you to replace a failed drive without shutting down the system. This minimizes downtime and reduces the risk of data loss.
5. Data encryption: If data security is a concern, choose a NAS device that supports encryption. The TeraStation TS5400R0404 offers AES 256-bit encryption to protect your data from unauthorized access.
6. Power protection: Consider using a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) to protect your NAS device from power surges or outages. Sudden power loss can lead to data corruption or loss.
7. Network security: Ensure that the NAS device supports secure protocols like HTTPS and FTPS for data transfer. Additionally, implement strong passwords and enable firewall settings to protect against unauthorized access.
8. Regular maintenance and updates: Regularly update the firmware and software of your NAS device to ensure it has the latest security patches and bug fixes. Additionally, perform regular maintenance tasks like disk checks to identify and fix any potential issues.

By considering these factors, you can minimize the risks of data loss when choosing a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5400R0404 device.

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

Although the NAS TeraStation TS5400R0404 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 TS5400R0404. 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 TS5400R0404 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 TS5400R0404 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