
- Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
- Key Information About the NAS Buffalo TeraStation TS6400RN4804
- How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
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.
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 Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
Although the NAS TeraStation TS6400RN4804 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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
Label each hard disk according to its position inside the NAS. The order of the drives is crucial for correct RAID reconstruction.
-
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.
Go to view
Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Buffalo TeraStation TS6400RN4804. 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.
How to recover data from a Buffalo
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;
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:
-
Ensure you have enough free space to store the image. Its size will typically match the size of the original disk.
-
In the main window, select the target disk and choose Tools - Save Disk. You can also select multiple disks if needed.
-
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.

-
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 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.
RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison
| Product | Operating system | RAID controller support | Supported file systems | Virtual RAID controller support | Data recovery from damaged RAID | File preview |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hetman RAID Recovery | Windows, Linux, MacOS | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, exFAT, NTFS, ReFS, APFS, HFS+, Ext4, Ext3, Ext2, ReiserFS, Btrfs, VMFS, Hikvision, XFS, UFS, ZFS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DiskInternals RAID Recovery | Windows | Yes, over 10 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
| R-Studio | Windows, Mac, Linux | Yes, over 20 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| UFS Explorer RAID Recovery | Windows, Mac, Linux | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| EaseUS Data Recovery | Windows | Yes, over 20 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
| ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery | Windows | 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.