
- Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
- Key Information About the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5220DN08S9
- 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.
How can file system corruption impact data integrity on NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5220DN08S9 devices?
File system corruption can have a significant impact on data integrity on NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5220DN08S9 devices. Here are a few ways it can affect data integrity:
- Data Loss: File system corruption can lead to the loss of data stored on the NAS device. This can occur if the corruption affects critical system files or the metadata that keeps track of file locations and attributes. In some cases, the corrupted files may become inaccessible or completely lost.
- Data Inconsistency: Corruption in the file system can result in data inconsistencies, where the stored data does not match the expected values or is in an inconsistent state. This can lead to data errors and inaccuracies, making it challenging to rely on the integrity of the information stored on the NAS device.
- Data Access Issues: File system corruption can cause difficulties in accessing or retrieving data from the NAS device. It may result in slow read or write speeds, frequent errors, or even system crashes. These issues can disrupt normal operations and make it challenging to retrieve or modify data reliably.
- Data Integrity Verification: File system corruption can also impact the ability to verify data integrity using built-in mechanisms such as checksums or data redundancy techniques. If the corruption affects the integrity checks themselves, it can lead to false positives or negatives, making it difficult to identify and rectify data corruption.
- Data Recovery Challenges: In cases of severe file system corruption, data recovery can become a complex and time-consuming process. Depending on the extent of the corruption, specialized tools and techniques may be required to recover the data, and there is no guarantee of complete success.
To mitigate the impact of file system corruption on data integrity, it is essential to regularly back up data stored on the NAS device, implement proper data redundancy mechanisms, and regularly monitor the health of the file system. Additionally, promptly addressing any signs of file system corruption, such as unusual errors or slow performance, can help minimize the potential impact on data integrity.
How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
Although the NAS TeraStation WS5220DN08S9 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:
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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.
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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.
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Label each hard disk according to its position inside the NAS. The order of the drives is crucial for correct RAID reconstruction.
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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.
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Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Buffalo TeraStation WS5220DN08S9. 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 WS5220DN08S9 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:
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Ensure you have enough free space to store the image. Its size will typically match the size of the original disk.
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In the main window, select the target disk and choose Tools - Save Disk. You can also select multiple disks if needed.
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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.

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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 WS5220DN08S9 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 |


Yes, it is possible to recover data from a NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5220DN08S9 device that has been affected by a controller failure or disk array problem. However, data recovery from a failed NAS device can be complex and challenging, and it is recommended to seek professional data recovery services for the best chance of success.
Data recovery specialists have the expertise and specialized tools to diagnose and repair controller failures or disk array problems in NAS devices. They can also perform logical or physical data recovery techniques to retrieve data from the affected device.
It is important to note that attempting DIY data recovery methods without proper knowledge or experience may further damage the device or result in permanent data loss. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a professional data recovery service for the best possible outcome.