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

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5600D
• 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 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 Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC

Although the NAS TeraStation TS5600D 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 TS5600D. 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 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;

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 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.

RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison