- 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?
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.
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 take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS TeraStation WS5220DN08S9 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:
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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.
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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.
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Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.
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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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Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Buffalo TeraStation WS5220DN08S9. 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.
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;
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:
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Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.
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Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.
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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.
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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 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.
Comparison of software for RAID recovery
Product | Operating system | License type | RAID controller support | Supported file systems | Virtual RAID controller support | Data recovery from damaged RAID | File preview |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hetman RAID Recovery | Windows | Paid | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
DiskInternals RAID Recovery | Windows | Paid | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
R-Studio | Windows, Mac, Linux | Paid | Yes, over 200 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
UFS Explorer RAID Recovery | Windows, Mac, Linux | Paid | Yes, over 1,000 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
EaseUS Data Recovery | Windows | Paid | Yes, over 20 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery | Windows | Free | 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.