Steps to Get Files from RAID If NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5600D2406 Fails to Start

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5600D2406
• 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 practices for regular testing and validation of data backups to prevent potential loss on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5600D2406 devices?

Yes, there are recommended practices for regular testing and validation of data backups on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5600D2406 devices to prevent potential loss. Here are some best practices:

1. Regular Backup Schedule: Set up a regular backup schedule to ensure that your data is backed up consistently. This can be daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on your needs.
2. Multiple Backup Copies: Maintain multiple backup copies of your data on different storage devices or locations. This helps to minimize the risk of data loss in case one backup fails.
3. Offsite Backup: Store at least one backup copy offsite, preferably in a different physical location. This protects your data from events like fire, theft, or natural disasters that may affect your primary location.
4. Use Different Backup Media: Consider using different backup media types, such as external hard drives, tape drives, or cloud storage, to diversify your backup strategy. This reduces the chances of a single backup medium failing.
5. Test Backup Integrity: Regularly test the integrity of your backups by performing test restores. This ensures that your backup data is valid and can be successfully restored when needed.
6. Verify Backup Logs: Monitor and review backup logs to ensure that backups are completed successfully without any errors or warnings. Investigate and resolve any issues promptly.
7. Regularly Update Backup Software/Firmware: Keep your NAS firmware and backup software up to date to benefit from bug fixes, security patches, and performance improvements.
8. Document Backup Procedures: Document your backup procedures, including the backup schedule, locations, and steps to restore data. This helps in case of any staff turnover or emergencies.
9. Regularly Monitor Storage Capacity: Monitor the storage capacity of your NAS device to ensure that you have enough space for backups. Consider implementing alerts or notifications when storage reaches a certain threshold.
10. Regularly Review and Update Backup Strategy: Periodically review and update your backup strategy based on changing data needs, technology advancements, and best practices.

By following these recommended practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of potential data loss on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5600D2406 devices.

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

Although the NAS TeraStation TS5600D2406 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 TS5600D2406. 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 TS5600D2406 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 TS5600D2406 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