RAID Array Recovery from NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5200D0802WR2: In-Depth Data Recovery Guide

Has your NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5200D0802WR2 suddenly lost its network drive and you’re unsure what to do next? Did the RAID array collapse, making your files inaccessible? Is the device throwing errors during startup? Perhaps you accidentally rebuilt the RAID array or several hard drives failed at the same time?

RAID Array Recovery from NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5200D0802WR2: In-Depth Data Recovery Guide

Buffalo TeraStation WS5200D0802WR2 NAS Data Recovery in 2025

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from an TeraStation WS5200D0802WR2. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

RAID Array Recovery from NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5200D0802WR2: In-Depth Data Recovery Guide

RAID Recovery™ 2.8
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
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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 deduplication or compression technologies impact data loss risks on NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5200D0802WR2 devices?

Yes, the use of deduplication or compression technologies can impact data loss risks on NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5200D0802WR2 devices.

Deduplication technology eliminates redundant data by identifying and removing duplicate files or blocks, which can help reduce the amount of storage space required. By reducing the amount of data stored, deduplication can potentially lower the risk of data loss as there is less data to be affected in case of a failure or disaster.

Compression technology reduces the size of files or data by encoding them in a more compact form. This can also help in reducing storage requirements and potentially lower the risk of data loss. However, it's important to note that compression technology may introduce some level of data loss if the compression algorithm is lossy, meaning it discards some information to achieve higher compression ratios.

While deduplication and compression technologies can help mitigate data loss risks by reducing the amount of data stored and optimizing storage space, it's crucial to have proper backup and disaster recovery mechanisms in place. These technologies should not be relied upon as the sole means of data protection, as hardware failures, software glitches, or other unforeseen events can still lead to data loss. Regular backups and redundancy measures are still necessary to ensure data integrity and availability.

How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC

Although the NAS TeraStation WS5200D0802WR2 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.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Buffalo TeraStation WS5200D0802WR2. 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.

Go to view
How to recover data from a Buffalo

How to recover data from a Buffalo

TeraStation WS5200D0802WR2 has 1 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • RAID 0;
  • RAID 1;
  • 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.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Image Creation Wizard
  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.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Choose a disk or save the image via FTP

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The Buffalo TeraStation WS5200D0802WR2 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.

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

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We will be happy to answer your questions!

Comments (3)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 9.08.2022 12:31 #
    If you want to ask a question about data recovery, from NAS TeraStation WS5200D0802WR2, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Rogers Ayles
    Rogers Ayles 1.09.2023 03:50 #
    Can data recovery from a NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5200D0802WR2 device be done if the device is showing signs of network congestion or bandwidth issues?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 1.09.2023 04:59 #

      Data recovery from a NAS Buffalo TeraStation device can still be possible even if the device is experiencing network congestion or bandwidth issues. However, these issues may affect the speed and efficiency of the data recovery process.

      In such cases, it is recommended to take the following steps:

      1. Troubleshoot network congestion: Identify and resolve any network congestion or bandwidth issues that may be causing the problem. This may involve optimizing the network settings, upgrading network equipment, or resolving any issues with the network infrastructure.
      2. Ensure stable network connection: Ensure that the NAS device has a stable and uninterrupted network connection during the data recovery process. This may involve connecting the device directly to the network switch or router using a wired connection instead of relying on wireless connections.
      3. Use specialized data recovery software: Use specialized data recovery software that is designed to recover data from NAS devices. These software tools can often handle network congestion and bandwidth issues more effectively by optimizing the data transfer process.
      4. Seek professional assistance: If the data recovery process becomes too complex or challenging, it is recommended to seek professional assistance from a data recovery service provider. They have the expertise and resources to deal with network-related issues and can maximize the chances of successful data recovery.

      Remember to always have a backup of your important data to avoid data loss situations.

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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What are the steps involved in setting up the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5200D0802WR2 for connection to a home network?

    To set up the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5200D0802WR2 for connection to a home network, you can follow these steps:

    1. Unpack the TeraStation: Remove the device from its packaging and ensure that all the necessary components are included.
    2. Connect the TeraStation to the network: Use an Ethernet cable to connect the TeraStation to your home router or switch. Connect the cable to one of the LAN ports on the TeraStation and to an available LAN port on your router or switch.
    3. Power on the TeraStation: Connect the power adapter to the TeraStation and plug it into a power outlet. Turn on the device using the power switch located on the back.
    4. Access the TeraStation settings: Open a web browser on a computer connected to the same network as the TeraStation. Enter the default IP address of the TeraStation (usually 192.168.11.150) in the address bar and press Enter.
    5. Log in to the TeraStation: Enter the default username and password (admin and password, respectively) to log in to the TeraStation's web interface.
    6. Configure network settings: Once logged in, you can configure the network settings for the TeraStation. Set the IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS server according to your home network settings. You can also set up DHCP if desired.
    7. Create shared folders: Set up shared folders on the TeraStation to organize your files. You can create multiple folders and assign access permissions to different users or groups.
    8. Configure RAID settings (optional): If you want to use RAID for data redundancy or performance, you can configure the RAID settings. The TeraStation supports various RAID levels, such as RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, etc. Choose the appropriate RAID level based on your requirements.
    9. Set up user accounts: Create user accounts on the TeraStation to control access to the shared folders. Assign appropriate permissions to each user account.
    10. Enable remote access (optional): If you want to access your TeraStation remotely over the internet, you can set up remote access. Configure the necessary settings, such as port forwarding on your router, to enable remote access.
    11. Test the connection: Once you have completed the setup, test the connection by accessing the shared folders from other devices on your home network. Ensure that you can read and write files to the TeraStation.

    These steps should help you set up the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5200D0802WR2 for connection to your home network. Please note that the specific steps may vary slightly depending on the firmware version and configuration options available on your TeraStation.

  • What are the benefits of using the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5200D0802WR2 for home network storage and how does it enhance the overall network performance?

    The NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5200D0802WR2 offers several benefits for home network storage:

    1. Increased storage capacity: The TeraStation provides a large storage capacity of up to 8TB (terabytes) or more, allowing you to store and access a vast amount of data, including documents, multimedia files, and backups.
    2. Centralized storage: With the TeraStation, you can consolidate all your data into one centralized location, making it easier to manage and access files from any device connected to your home network.
    3. Data protection and redundancy: The NAS offers various RAID configurations (such as RAID 1 or RAID 5) that provide data redundancy, ensuring that your data remains safe even if one or more hard drives fail. This protects against data loss and enhances data reliability.
    4. Data sharing and collaboration: The TeraStation enables seamless file sharing and collaboration among multiple users on the network. It supports various file protocols like SMB, FTP, and NFS, allowing different devices and operating systems to access and share files.
    5. Remote access and cloud integration: The NAS supports remote access, enabling you to access your files and data from anywhere using a secure internet connection. Additionally, it often integrates with cloud storage services like Dropbox or Amazon S3, allowing you to synchronize and backup data to the cloud for added redundancy and accessibility.

    In terms of enhancing overall network performance, the TeraStation WS5200D0802WR2 can have the following impacts:

    1. Offloading network traffic: By providing a centralized storage solution, the NAS reduces the need for individual devices to maintain their own storage. This offloads network traffic, freeing up bandwidth for other network activities.
    2. Faster file access: The TeraStation utilizes high-performance hardware components and optimized software, resulting in faster file access and transfer speeds. This can enhance overall network performance by reducing latency and improving data transfer rates.
    3. Efficient data backups: The NAS often includes built-in backup features that can automatically schedule and perform backups of your data. This reduces the load on individual devices and ensures that backups are performed efficiently, enhancing network performance.
    4. Media streaming capabilities: The TeraStation is often capable of streaming media files directly to compatible devices like smart TVs or media players. By handling the media streaming process, the NAS reduces the workload on other devices, improving overall network performance.

    Overall, the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5200D0802WR2 offers numerous benefits for home network storage, including increased storage capacity, data protection, centralized storage, and enhanced network performance through offloading and optimized file access.

  • Are there any specific compatibility requirements or considerations to keep in mind when connecting the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5200D0802WR2 to a home network?

    When connecting the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5200D0802WR2 to a home network, there are a few compatibility requirements and considerations to keep in mind:

    1. Network Protocol: The TeraStation supports various network protocols, including TCP/IP, SMB/CIFS, AFP, FTP, and NFS. Ensure that your home network supports these protocols.
    2. Network Speed: The TeraStation supports Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps) for fast data transfer. Make sure your home network has a compatible Gigabit Ethernet infrastructure to take advantage of the NAS's speed.
    3. Operating System Compatibility: The TeraStation is compatible with multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. Ensure that your home computers are running an operating system that is supported by the NAS.
    4. Network Security: To protect your data, it is recommended to connect the TeraStation to a secure home network. This may include using encryption protocols (such as WPA2) for Wi-Fi connections and setting up strong passwords for network access.
    5. NAS Management: The TeraStation can be managed through a web-based interface. Ensure that you have a computer or device with a web browser to access and configure the NAS settings.
    6. Network Storage Capacity: Consider the storage capacity of the TeraStation based on your home network's requirements. The WS5200D0802WR2 model has 8TB of storage (4TB x 2 drives), but you can choose different models with varying capacities.
    7. Network Infrastructure: Ensure that your home network has sufficient bandwidth and stability to handle the data transfer and access requirements of the NAS. This may include using quality network switches, routers, and cabling.

    It is always recommended to consult the user manual or contact Buffalo customer support for specific compatibility requirements and guidance when setting up the TeraStation on your home network.