- 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?
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.
Can the use of specific backup and recovery strategies help reduce potential data loss risks on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS6400RN4804 devices?
Yes, the use of specific backup and recovery strategies can help reduce potential data loss risks on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS6400RN4804 devices. Here are some strategies that can be implemented:
- Regular backups: Implement a regular backup schedule to ensure that important data is backed up frequently. This can be done using built-in backup features of the TeraStation or by using third-party backup software.
- Offsite backups: Keep a copy of the backup data offsite to protect against physical damage or theft of the NAS device. This can be achieved by using cloud storage services or by manually transferring backups to an external storage device stored in a different location.
- RAID configuration: Configure the TeraStation with RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) to provide data redundancy and protection against drive failures. RAID levels such as RAID 1 or RAID 5 can be used depending on the desired balance between performance and redundancy.
- Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): Connect the TeraStation to a UPS to protect against power outages and ensure that the device has enough time to safely shut down in case of a power failure. Sudden power loss can result in data corruption or loss.
- Regular firmware updates: Keep the TeraStation's firmware up to date to ensure that any security vulnerabilities or bugs are patched. This helps protect against potential data loss risks caused by software vulnerabilities.
- Disaster recovery plan: Develop a comprehensive disaster recovery plan that outlines the steps to be taken in case of data loss or system failure. This plan should include procedures for recovering data from backups, rebuilding RAID arrays, and restoring the TeraStation to its normal operation.
By implementing these backup and recovery strategies, the risk of data loss on NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS6400RN4804 devices can be significantly reduced.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS TeraStation TS6400RN4804 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:
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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.
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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.
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Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.
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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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Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Buffalo TeraStation TS6400RN4804. 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.
TeraStation TS6400RN4804 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:
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Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.
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Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.
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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.
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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 TS6400RN4804 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
Product | Operating system | License type | RAID controller support | Supported file systems | Virtual RAID controller support | Data recovery from damaged RAID | File preview |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hetman RAID Recovery | Windows | Paid | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
DiskInternals RAID Recovery | Windows | Paid | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
R-Studio | Windows, Mac, Linux | Paid | Yes, over 200 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
UFS Explorer RAID Recovery | Windows, Mac, Linux | Paid | Yes, over 1,000 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
EaseUS Data Recovery | Windows | Paid | Yes, over 20 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery | Windows | Free | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Data recovery from a NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS6400RN4804 device can be possible even if the device is showing signs of disk or storage media errors. However, the success of the data recovery process will depend on the severity of the errors and the condition of the storage media.
If the errors are minor or logical in nature, such as file system corruption or accidental deletion, data recovery software or tools may be able to recover the lost data. In such cases, it is important to immediately stop using the device and avoid any further write operations to prevent data overwriting.
However, if the errors are more severe, such as physical damage to the hard drives or RAID array failure, professional data recovery services may be required. These services specialize in recovering data from faulty storage devices and have the necessary tools and expertise to handle complex cases.
It is important to note that data recovery can be a time-consuming and costly process, especially in cases of severe damage. Therefore, it is always recommended to regularly backup your important data to avoid such situations and ensure that you have a copy of your data in case of any unforeseen issues.