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

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS6400DN1604
• 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 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 Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC

Although the NAS TeraStation TS6400DN1604 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 TS6400DN1604. 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 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;

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 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.

RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison