Step-by-Step Guide to Recover NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS-Q4.0TL/R5 Data with RAID Array

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 guidelines for configuring security settings on NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS-Q4.0TL/R5 devices to prevent unauthorized access and potential data loss?

Yes, there are several guidelines you can follow to configure security settings on NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS-Q4.0TL/R5 devices and prevent unauthorized access and potential data loss. Here are some best practices:

1. Change the default administrator password: The first step is to change the default administrator password to a strong and unique password. This will prevent unauthorized access to the device's settings.
2. Enable and configure firewall settings: The TeraStation comes with a built-in firewall. Ensure that the firewall is enabled and properly configured to only allow necessary network traffic and block any unauthorized access attempts.
3. Update firmware and software: Regularly check for firmware and software updates from Buffalo and apply them to ensure that any security vulnerabilities are patched.
4. Create strong user passwords: Encourage users to create strong passwords for their user accounts on the TeraStation. Passwords should be unique, complex, and not easily guessable.
5. Implement user access controls: Assign appropriate user access rights and permissions to prevent unauthorized users from accessing sensitive data. Only grant access to necessary folders and files.
6. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): If supported, enable two-factor authentication for user logins. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide a second form of identification, such as a code from a mobile app or a physical token.
7. Regularly backup data: Implement a regular backup strategy to ensure that critical data is regularly backed up and can be restored in case of data loss or ransomware attacks.
8. Disable unnecessary services: Disable any unnecessary services or features that are not being used. This reduces the attack surface and potential vulnerabilities.
9. Monitor and log activities: Enable logging and monitoring features on the TeraStation to track any suspicious activities or unauthorized access attempts. Regularly review logs for any potential security incidents.
10. Physical security: Ensure that the TeraStation is physically secured in a locked room or cabinet to prevent unauthorized physical access.

Remember, these guidelines are general recommendations, and it's always recommended to consult the official documentation and user manual for the specific model of your TeraStation device for detailed instructions.

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

Although NAS TeraStation WS-Q4.0TL/R5 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 WS-Q4.0TL/R5. 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 WS-Q4.0TL/R5 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 WS-Q4.0TL/R5 network-attached storage keeps Windows Storage Server 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