NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS-QV4.0TL/R5 Data Recovery: Complete 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.

Are there any preventive measures to minimize the risk of data loss on NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS-QV4.0TL/R5 devices?

Yes, there are several preventive measures you can take to minimize the risk of data loss on NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS-QV4.0TL/R5 devices. Here are some recommendations:

1. Regular backups: Implement a backup strategy to regularly back up the data on your TeraStation device. This can be done using built-in backup features or third-party backup software. Ensure that backups are stored on separate devices or off-site to protect against physical damage or theft.
2. RAID configuration: Set up your TeraStation device in a RAID configuration that suits your needs. RAID provides redundancy by distributing data across multiple drives, so if one drive fails, your data remains intact. The TeraStation WS-QV4.0TL/R5 supports RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, and JBOD.
3. Regular firmware updates: Keep your TeraStation device's firmware up to date. Buffalo periodically releases firmware updates that address security vulnerabilities, stability issues, and add new features. Regularly check for updates and apply them as recommended by the manufacturer.
4. Power protection: Connect your TeraStation device to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to protect it from power surges, outages, and fluctuations. Sudden power loss can lead to data corruption or drive failure.
5. Network security: Ensure that your TeraStation device is protected by a strong password and that remote access is secured using encryption and secure protocols. Regularly review and update your network security settings to prevent unauthorized access.
6. Disk monitoring: Utilize the built-in disk monitoring tools provided by Buffalo to monitor the health of your hard drives. These tools can notify you of any potential issues or failures before they result in data loss.
7. Regular maintenance: Perform regular maintenance tasks such as cleaning the device, checking for firmware updates, and monitoring disk usage. This helps to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of your TeraStation device.

Remember, while these preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of data loss, it is still important to have a comprehensive backup strategy in place to safeguard your data.

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

Although NAS TeraStation WS-QV4.0TL/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-QV4.0TL/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-QV4.0TL/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-QV4.0TL/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