NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400D0404 Data Recovery: Step-by-Step RAID Array Recovery Instructions

Has your NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400D0404 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?

NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400D0404 Data Recovery: Step-by-Step RAID Array Recovery Instructions

Buffalo TeraStation WS5400D0404 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 WS5400D0404. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400D0404 Data Recovery: Step-by-Step RAID Array Recovery Instructions

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 improper configuration of network settings or IP addresses result in data loss on NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400D0404 devices?

Yes, improper configuration of network settings or IP addresses can potentially result in data loss on NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400D0404 devices. If the network settings or IP addresses are not correctly configured, it can lead to connectivity issues or the device being inaccessible on the network. This can prevent users from accessing their data stored on the device, resulting in potential data loss. It is important to ensure that network settings and IP addresses are properly configured to avoid any such issues.

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

Although the NAS TeraStation WS5400D0404 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 WS5400D0404. 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 WS5400D0404 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;

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 WS5400D0404 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 WS5400D0404, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Flynn Neeve
    Flynn Neeve 1.09.2023 04:42 #
    Is it possible to recover data from a NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400D0404 device if the storage disks have been physically disconnected or damaged?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 1.09.2023 05:00 #

      If the storage disks of a NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400D0404 device have been physically disconnected or damaged, it may still be possible to recover the data, but it can be a complex and challenging process. Here are some potential options:

      1. Professional Data Recovery Services: You can contact professional data recovery services that specialize in NAS devices. They have specialized tools and techniques to recover data from damaged or disconnected disks. However, these services can be quite expensive.
      2. Disk Repair and Replacement: If the disks are physically damaged, you can try to repair or replace them. This may involve contacting the manufacturer or a professional technician who can assist with disk repair or replacement.
      3. Data Recovery Software: There are data recovery software tools available that can help recover data from damaged or disconnected disks. However, the success of data recovery using software depends on the extent of damage and the specific circumstances.

      It is important to note that in any data recovery scenario, it is recommended to immediately stop using the device and seek professional assistance to avoid further data loss.

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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 key features and protocols implemented in the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400D0404 to ensure data security?

    The NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400D0404 implements several key features and protocols to ensure data security. Some of these features include:

    1. RAID Protection: The TeraStation WS5400D0404 supports RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, and JBOD. RAID provides data redundancy and protection against drive failures. In case of a drive failure, the data can be rebuilt and accessed from the remaining drives.
    2. AES 256-bit Encryption: The NAS supports AES 256-bit hardware encryption, which ensures that data stored on the drives is encrypted and secure. This encryption helps protect sensitive data from unauthorized access.
    3. Active Directory Integration: The TeraStation WS5400D0404 can integrate with an existing Active Directory (AD) infrastructure. This allows for centralized user and group management, ensuring that only authorized users can access the NAS and its data.
    4. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)/TLS: The NAS supports SSL/TLS protocols for secure communication over the network. This ensures that data transmitted between the NAS and connected devices is encrypted and protected from interception or tampering.
    5. IP Security (IPsec): The TeraStation WS5400D0404 supports IPsec, a protocol suite that provides secure communication over IP networks. IPsec encrypts network traffic and authenticates the devices involved in the communication, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality.
    6. Anti-virus Integration: The NAS can be integrated with third-party anti-virus software to scan files and folders for malware or viruses. This helps prevent the storage and spread of infected files within the NAS.
    7. Scheduled Backup and Replication: The TeraStation WS5400D0404 allows for scheduled backups and replication to external storage devices or remote NAS units. This ensures that data is regularly backed up and can be quickly restored in case of data loss or system failure.
    8. User and Group Permissions: The NAS provides granular user and group permission settings, allowing administrators to control access to specific folders and files. This ensures that only authorized users can access sensitive data.
    9. Event Logging and Monitoring: The TeraStation WS5400D0404 logs events and activities, providing administrators with a record of user access, file modifications, and system events. This helps in detecting and investigating any potential security breaches or unauthorized access attempts.

    Overall, these features and protocols work together to provide a secure storage solution, protecting data from various threats and ensuring data integrity and confidentiality.

  • How does the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400D0404 handle encryption and secure data transfer to protect sensitive information?

    The NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400D0404 offers several features to handle encryption and secure data transfer to protect sensitive information:

    1. Encryption: The TeraStation supports AES 256-bit encryption, which is a strong encryption algorithm widely used for securing data. It ensures that data stored on the device is encrypted and can only be accessed with the correct encryption key.
    2. Secure Data Transfer: The TeraStation supports various secure data transfer protocols such as FTPS (FTP over SSL/TLS) and SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol). These protocols encrypt the data during transfer, preventing unauthorized access or interception of sensitive information.
    3. SSL/TLS Certificates: The TeraStation allows you to install SSL/TLS certificates, which enable secure communication between the NAS and other devices. This ensures that data transmitted over the network is encrypted and protected from eavesdropping or tampering.
    4. User Access Control: The TeraStation provides user access control features, allowing you to set permissions and restrictions for different users or groups. This ensures that only authorized individuals can access sensitive data stored on the NAS.
    5. Active Directory Integration: The TeraStation can integrate with an existing Active Directory (AD) infrastructure, enabling centralized user management and authentication. This ensures that only authorized users with valid AD credentials can access the NAS and its data.
    6. Data Backup and Replication: The TeraStation supports various backup and replication methods, allowing you to create redundant copies of your data. This ensures that even if one copy is compromised, the encrypted backup can be used to restore the data securely.

    By combining these features, the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400D0404 provides a comprehensive solution for handling encryption and secure data transfer, ensuring the protection of sensitive information.

  • Can you explain the backup and disaster recovery options available on the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400D0404 to safeguard data against potential threats or system failures?

    The NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400D0404 offers several backup and disaster recovery options to protect your data against potential threats or system failures. Here are some of the key features:

    1. RAID Configuration: The TeraStation supports various RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, and JBOD. RAID provides redundancy by distributing data across multiple drives, ensuring data availability even if one drive fails.
    2. Hot Spare: The TeraStation supports hot spare functionality, allowing you to designate a spare drive that automatically replaces a failed drive in a RAID array. This feature minimizes downtime and ensures continuous data protection.
    3. Replication: The TeraStation supports replication between multiple TeraStations, both locally and remotely. You can set up scheduled or real-time replication to create a duplicate copy of your data on another TeraStation, providing an additional layer of protection against data loss.
    4. Snapshot: The TeraStation offers snapshot functionality, allowing you to take point-in-time copies of your data. Snapshots capture the state of files and folders at a specific moment, enabling you to restore previous versions of files or recover from accidental deletions or modifications.
    5. Cloud Backup: With the TeraStation, you can integrate cloud backup services such as Amazon S3 or Dropbox. This allows you to create offsite backups of your critical data, protecting it from physical disasters like fire or theft.
    6. USB Backup: The TeraStation has USB ports that support external hard drives or USB flash drives. You can schedule automatic backups to these devices, providing an additional layer of data protection.
    7. Active Directory Integration: The TeraStation can integrate with your existing Active Directory infrastructure, enabling seamless user authentication and access control. This ensures that only authorized users can access and modify data on the NAS.
    8. UPS Support: The TeraStation supports connection to an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). In the event of a power outage, the UPS can provide temporary power to the NAS, allowing it to shut down gracefully and prevent data corruption.

    Overall, the TeraStation WS5400D0404 offers a range of backup and disaster recovery options, including RAID configurations, replication, snapshots, cloud backup integration, USB backup, Active Directory integration, and UPS support. These features help safeguard your data against potential threats or system failures, ensuring data availability and minimizing downtime.