NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5810DN3208 Data Recovery: Step-by-Step Guide to RAID Array Recovery

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.

How can user training or education help in minimizing data loss incidents on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5810DN3208 devices?

User training or education can help in minimizing data loss incidents on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5810DN3208 devices in the following ways:

1. Understanding the importance of backups: Users should be educated about the significance of regular backups and the potential consequences of not having a backup strategy. They should be trained on how to set up and schedule backups on the TeraStation device.
2. Proper configuration and access control: Users should be trained on how to configure the TeraStation device securely and set up appropriate access controls. This includes creating strong passwords, enabling encryption, and restricting user access to only necessary files and folders.
3. Awareness of security best practices: Users should be educated on security best practices such as avoiding suspicious email attachments, phishing scams, and malware-infected websites. They should also be trained on how to recognize and report any unusual or suspicious activities on the TeraStation device.
4. Regular software updates: Users should be informed about the importance of keeping the TeraStation firmware and software up to date. They should be trained on how to check for updates and apply them to ensure that any security vulnerabilities are patched.
5. Data encryption and remote access: Users should be trained on how to enable and use encryption features provided by the TeraStation device. They should also be educated on secure remote access methods, such as setting up a VPN, to access data stored on the NAS device from outside the local network.
6. Incident reporting and response: Users should be aware of the procedures to follow in case of a data loss incident or any suspicious activity. They should be trained on how to report incidents to the appropriate IT personnel and take necessary actions to mitigate the impact of the incident.

By providing comprehensive training and education to users of NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5810DN3208 devices, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of data loss incidents and ensure the security of their valuable data.

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

Although NAS TeraStation TS5810DN3208 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 TS5810DN3208. 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 TS5810DN3208 has 4 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 TS5810DN3208 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