Accessing RAID Array Files Without a Working NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5800D2408

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 precautions to take while replacing or upgrading hard drives in NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5800D2408 devices?

Yes, there are several precautions to take while replacing or upgrading hard drives in NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5800D2408 devices:

1. Backup your data: Before replacing or upgrading the hard drives, it is essential to back up all your data to a separate location to ensure you don't lose any important files during the process.
2. Power off the device: Make sure to power off the TeraStation and disconnect it from the power source before starting the replacement or upgrade process. This will prevent any electrical accidents or damage to the device.
3. Use compatible hard drives: Ensure that the replacement or upgraded hard drives are compatible with the TeraStation model. Check the manufacturer's specifications and recommended hard drive models for compatibility.
4. Follow the manufacturer's instructions: Consult the Buffalo TeraStation TS5800D2408 user manual or documentation for specific instructions on replacing or upgrading the hard drives. Follow the step-by-step guidelines provided by the manufacturer to avoid any mistakes.
5. Handle the hard drives carefully: Hard drives are delicate electronic components, and mishandling them can cause damage. Use proper anti-static precautions, such as wearing an anti-static wristband, to prevent static electricity from damaging the hard drives.
6. Label the drives: If you are replacing multiple hard drives simultaneously, it is crucial to label them correctly to ensure you insert them in the correct order during the installation process. This will prevent data loss and confusion.
7. Take note of RAID configurations: If your TeraStation is configured in a RAID array, make sure to note down the RAID configuration settings before removing the old drives. This information will be required to rebuild the RAID array with the new drives.
8. Test the new drives: After installing the new hard drives, run diagnostic tests to ensure they are functioning correctly. Use the TeraStation's built-in diagnostic tools or third-party software to verify the health and performance of the new drives.

By following these precautions, you can minimize the risk of data loss and ensure a smooth replacement or upgrade process for the hard drives in your NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5800D2408 device.

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

Although NAS TeraStation TS5800D2408 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 TS5800D2408. 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 TS5800D2408 has 1 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

• RAID 0;
• RAID 1;
• RAID 5;
• RAID 6;
• RAID 50;
• RAID 60;
• 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 TS5800D2408 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