Accessing RAID Data Without a Functional NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5400R0404 Device

Contents

• 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?
  • Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • Safe recovery from disk images
  • Where are user’s files stored?
  • Comparison of software for RAID recovery

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

Although NAS TeraStation TS5400R0404 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.

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   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Buffalo TeraStation TS5400R0404. 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.

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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;

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 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.

Comparison of software for RAID recovery