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

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5810DN3208
• 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.

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

Although the NAS TeraStation TS5810DN3208 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 TS5810DN3208. 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 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;

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 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.

RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison