RAID Array Recovery Guide for NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5810DN9608: Essential Data Recovery Steps

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 known limitations or performance bottlenecks that can increase data loss risks for NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5810DN9608 devices?

There are a few known limitations and performance bottlenecks that can potentially increase data loss risks for NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS5810DN9608 devices. Some of these include:

1. Drive Failure: Like any storage device, the TeraStation TS5810DN9608 is susceptible to drive failures. If multiple drives fail simultaneously or within a short period, it can result in data loss. Regular backups and RAID configurations can help mitigate this risk.
2. Network Congestion: If the network bandwidth is limited or congested, it can impact the performance of the NAS device. This can lead to slower data transfers and potential data loss if files are not properly written or copied.
3. Insufficient Cooling: NAS devices generate heat, and if the cooling system is inadequate or fails, it can cause the drives to overheat. Overheating can lead to premature drive failure and data loss. Ensuring proper ventilation and cooling for the device is essential.
4. Power Interruptions: Sudden power outages or fluctuations can cause data corruption or loss if the NAS device is not equipped with a reliable uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or if the device does not have proper power management features.
5. Firmware or Software Issues: Occasionally, firmware or software updates can introduce bugs or compatibility issues that may result in data loss. It is important to keep the device's firmware up to date and monitor for any reported issues or vulnerabilities.
6. User Error: Accidental deletion, formatting, or modification of files by users can lead to data loss. Implementing proper access controls, user training, and regular backups can help mitigate this risk.

It is worth noting that Buffalo TeraStation devices generally have robust features and reliability, but these limitations and bottlenecks should be considered to minimize data loss risks.

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

Although NAS TeraStation TS5810DN9608 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 TS5810DN9608. 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 TS5810DN9608 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 TS5810DN9608 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