NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS6400DN1604 Data Recovery: Thorough Step-by-Step RAID Array Guide

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 TS6400DN1604 devices?

User training or education can help in minimizing data loss incidents on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS6400DN1604 devices in the following ways:

1. Proper Setup and Configuration: Educating users about the correct setup and configuration process of the NAS device can help prevent data loss incidents. Users should be trained on how to properly configure RAID levels, backup schedules, and user access permissions to ensure data redundancy and security.
2. Backup and Recovery: Users should be educated about the importance of regular backups and the available backup options on the TeraStation device. They should be trained on how to set up and schedule automated backups to an external device or cloud storage. Additionally, users should be aware of the recovery process in case of data loss, including how to restore data from backups.
3. User Access Management: Training users on proper user access management can help prevent unauthorized access and accidental deletion of data. Users should be educated on creating strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication (if available), and restricting access to sensitive data to only authorized individuals.
4. Firmware Updates and Security: Users should be educated about the importance of keeping the TeraStation firmware up to date. Regular firmware updates often include bug fixes, security patches, and performance improvements that can help minimize data loss incidents caused by vulnerabilities.
5. Best Practices and Data Handling: Users should be trained on best practices for data handling, including proper file organization, avoiding unnecessary file duplication, and avoiding actions that may lead to data corruption or loss. This can include educating users on safely ejecting external drives, avoiding sudden power loss, and following proper shutdown procedures.
6. Troubleshooting and Support: Users should be educated on basic troubleshooting techniques and when to seek support from IT or Buffalo support services. This can help them identify and resolve potential issues before they escalate into data loss incidents.

By providing comprehensive user training and education, organizations can empower users to take proactive measures to prevent data loss incidents and ensure the safety and availability of their data on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS6400DN1604 devices.

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

Although NAS TeraStation TS6400DN1604 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 TS6400DN1604. 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 TS6400DN1604 has 4 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;

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 TS6400DN1604 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