Steps to Retrieve RAID Data Without a Working NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5600D

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 recommended steps to take after detecting or suspecting data loss on a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5600D device?

If you suspect or detect data loss on a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5600D device, here are some recommended steps to take:

1. Do not panic: It's important to stay calm and avoid making any hasty decisions that could potentially worsen the situation.
2. Verify the issue: Double-check if the data loss is occurring by attempting to access the files from different devices or through different network connections. Ensure that it is not a temporary network or connectivity problem.
3. Check the device status: Log in to the Buffalo TeraStation management interface and check the device's status. Look for any error messages, warnings, or notifications related to the data loss issue.
4. Contact Buffalo support: If you have an active support contract or warranty, reach out to Buffalo's technical support team for assistance. They can provide guidance and troubleshoot the issue based on the specific circumstances.
5. Backup verification: If you have a backup of the data, verify its integrity and ensure that it is up to date. This step is crucial to prevent further data loss and to have a fallback option.
6. Avoid further writes: If you suspect data loss, refrain from writing any new data to the affected NAS device. This precautionary measure helps prevent overwriting or corrupting any potentially recoverable data.
7. Consider professional data recovery services: If the data loss is critical or you are unable to recover it using built-in troubleshooting methods, it may be necessary to consult professional data recovery services. These experts have specialized tools and techniques to recover data from failed NAS devices.
8. Prevent future data loss: Once the data loss issue is resolved, take preventive measures to avoid future incidents. This includes implementing a robust backup strategy, regularly updating firmware, and ensuring proper maintenance of the NAS device.

Remember, data loss situations can be complex, and the steps mentioned above are general recommendations. It's always advisable to consult the official documentation or contact Buffalo support for specific guidance based on your device model and circumstances.

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

Although NAS TeraStation TS5600D 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 TS5600D. 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 TS5600D has 6 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 TS5600D 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