What are the steps involved in connecting the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0404W2 to the router?

To connect the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0404W2 to the router, follow these steps:Place the NAS device near the router: Ensure that the NAS device is placed close to the router for a stable and reliable connection.Power on the NAS device: Connect the power cable to the NAS device and plug it into a power outlet. Turn on the device using the power button.Connect the NAS device to the router: Use an Ethernet cable to connect one end to the LAN port on the back of the NAS device and the other end to an available LAN port on the router. Make sure the cable is securely plugged in.Check the network settings: Once the NAS device is connected to the router, check the network settings on the NAS. You can usually access the settings through a web interface or software provided by Buffalo. Ensure that the NAS is set to obtain an IP address automatically (DHCP) or assign a static IP address if required.Configure the NAS device: Access the NAS device's web interface or software to configure the desired settings. This may include creating user accounts, setting up shared folders, configuring RAID levels, and enabling any desired features or services.Test the connection: After configuring the NAS, test the connection by accessing the NAS device from a computer on the same network. Use the NAS device's IP address or hostname to access it via a file explorer or web browser. If the connection is successful, you should be able to access the NAS and its shared folders.Secure the NAS device: Set up appropriate security measures on the NAS device, such as creating strong passwords, enabling encryption, and configuring user permissions to ensure data protection.By following these steps, you should be able to successfully connect the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0404W2 to your router and access its features and storage capabilities.

Are there any specific network settings or configurations required to ensure successful connection between the NAS Buffalo TeraStation and the router?

Yes, there are specific network settings and configurations required to ensure a successful connection between the NAS Buffalo TeraStation and the router. Here are some key steps to follow:Assign a static IP address to the Buffalo TeraStation: By default, the TeraStation is set to obtain an IP address automatically using DHCP. However, for a stable connection, it is recommended to assign a static IP address to the TeraStation within the same IP subnet as the router.Configure the network settings on the TeraStation: Access the TeraStation's web-based administration interface by entering its IP address in a web browser. From there, you can set the network settings, including the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server addresses.Ensure the router's DHCP server is enabled: If you choose to use DHCP to assign IP addresses to devices on your network, make sure the router's DHCP server is enabled and has an available IP address range that includes the static IP assigned to the TeraStation.Port forwarding: If you want to access the TeraStation remotely over the internet, you may need to configure port forwarding on your router. This involves forwarding specific ports (such as TCP port 9000 for the TeraStation's web interface) to the TeraStation's IP address.Check firewall settings: Ensure that any firewall or security software on your router or computer is not blocking the TeraStation's IP address or the required ports for communication.Verify network connectivity: Once the network settings are configured, verify that the TeraStation can successfully connect to the router by pinging its IP address from a computer on the same network. If the ping is successful, it indicates a successful connection.It is important to consult the TeraStation's user manual or Buffalo's support documentation for detailed instructions specific to your model, as the configuration steps may vary slightly.

Can you provide troubleshooting tips or common issues that may arise when connecting the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0404W2 to the router?

When connecting the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0404W2 to a router, there are a few common issues that may arise. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help resolve these issues:Ensure proper physical connections: Double-check that all cables are securely connected between the NAS and the router. Make sure the Ethernet cable is firmly plugged into both devices.Verify IP address settings: By default, the NAS should obtain an IP address automatically from the router using DHCP. However, if there are IP conflicts or issues with DHCP, you may need to manually assign an IP address to the NAS within the same subnet as the router. Check the NAS user manual for instructions on how to set a static IP address.Check network settings: Access the NAS management interface using the assigned IP address (or hostname) and verify that the network settings are correct. Ensure the NAS is set to use the correct gateway and DNS server addresses provided by the router.Disable firewall or security software: Temporarily disable any firewall or security software on your computer to see if it is causing any interference with the NAS connection. If the connection works after disabling the software, adjust the settings to allow the NAS access.Power cycle the devices: Sometimes, a simple power cycle can resolve connectivity issues. Turn off the NAS, router, and computer. Then, power them back on in the following order: router, NAS, and finally, the computer.Update firmware: Check if there are any firmware updates available for the NAS. Updating the firmware can often resolve compatibility issues and improve performance.Test with a different cable or port: If possible, try connecting the NAS to the router using a different Ethernet cable or a different port on the router. This can help determine if the issue is with the cable or port.Check router settings: Ensure that the router is not blocking the NAS's access to the network. Some routers have settings like MAC address filtering or access control that may need to be adjusted to allow the NAS to connect.Reset NAS to factory defaults: As a last resort, you can try resetting the NAS to its factory defaults. This will erase any customized settings, so make sure to backup important data before attempting this step. Refer to the user manual for instructions on how to perform a factory reset.If the above troubleshooting steps do not resolve the issue, it may be helpful to contact Buffalo support for further assistance.

Step-by-Step Guide to NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0404W2 Data Recovery with RAID Array

Name: How to recover data from a Buffalo
Uploaded: 2025-10-16T08:53:56+03:00
Description: How to recover data from a Buffalo

Has your NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0404W2 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?

Step-by-Step Guide to NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0404W2 Data Recovery with RAID Array

Data Recovery Tool

Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0404W2 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 WS5400DN0404W2. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

Contents

Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
Key Information About the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0404W2
How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC

RAID Recovery™ 2.8

Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.

Download

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.

Are there any known issues or limitations when using NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0404W2 devices with virtualization platforms such as VMware or Hyper-V?

There are a few known limitations when using NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0404W2 devices with virtualization platforms such as VMware or Hyper-V:

Limited CPU and RAM: The TeraStation WS5400DN0404W2 devices are designed primarily as network-attached storage (NAS) devices and may have limited processing power and memory compared to dedicated virtualization servers. This can impact the performance and scalability of virtual machines running on these devices.
Lack of advanced virtualization features: The TeraStation WS5400DN0404W2 devices may lack advanced virtualization features commonly found in dedicated virtualization servers. These features include live migration, high availability, and advanced storage management capabilities.
Limited storage performance: While the TeraStation WS5400DN0404W2 devices offer ample storage capacity, they may have limitations in terms of storage performance. This can affect the overall performance of virtual machines, especially those that require high I/O throughput.
Compatibility issues: There may be compatibility issues between the TeraStation WS5400DN0404W2 devices and certain virtualization platforms. It is important to check the compatibility matrix provided by Buffalo and the virtualization platform vendor to ensure proper integration and support.
Lack of dedicated management tools: The TeraStation WS5400DN0404W2 devices may not have dedicated management tools specifically designed for virtualization environments. This can make it more challenging to manage and monitor virtual machines running on these devices.

It is recommended to consult the product documentation and contact Buffalo support for specific details and limitations when using TeraStation WS5400DN0404W2 devices with virtualization platforms.

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

Although the NAS TeraStation WS5400DN0404W2 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:

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.
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.
Label each hard disk according to its position inside the NAS. The order of the drives is crucial for correct RAID reconstruction.
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

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0404W2. 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

TeraStation WS5400DN0404W2 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:

Ensure you have enough free space to store the image. Its size will typically match the size of the original disk.
In the main window, select the target disk and choose Tools - Save Disk. You can also select multiple disks if needed.
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.
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 WS5400DN0404W2 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

Feedback

We will be happy to answer your questions!

Comments (3)

Hetman Software: Data Recovery 9.08.2022 12:31 #

If you want to ask a question about data recovery, from NAS TeraStation WS5400DN0404W2, feel free to leave a comment!

Reply
Linus Wise 31.08.2023 20:56 #

Is it possible to recover data from a physically damaged NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0404W2 device?

Reply
- Hetman Software 31.08.2023 21:59 #
  Recovering data from a physically damaged NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0404W2 device is possible, but it can be challenging and may require professional assistance. Here are a few steps you can take:
  Assess the damage: Determine the extent of the physical damage to the device. If it's a minor issue like a faulty power supply or damaged cables, you may be able to fix it yourself. However, if there is severe damage to the internal components, it's best to seek professional help.
  Contact Buffalo support: Reach out to Buffalo customer support for guidance. They may be able to provide troubleshooting steps or recommend a certified data recovery service.
  Professional data recovery service: If the device has significant physical damage, it's advisable to contact a professional data recovery service. These companies specialize in recovering data from damaged storage devices and have the necessary tools and expertise to handle such situations.
  Backup and restore: If you have a backup of the data stored on the NAS, you can restore it to a new device once the physical issues are resolved. Regular backups are crucial to prevent data loss in case of hardware failure.
  Remember, attempting DIY repairs on a physically damaged device can further worsen the situation and potentially cause permanent data loss. It's best to seek professional help to ensure the highest chances of successful data recovery.
  Reply

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Updated:
16.10.2025 8:53

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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.

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.

Questions and answers

What are the steps involved in connecting the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0404W2 to the router?
To connect the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0404W2 to the router, follow these steps:
1. Place the NAS device near the router: Ensure that the NAS device is placed close to the router for a stable and reliable connection.
2. Power on the NAS device: Connect the power cable to the NAS device and plug it into a power outlet. Turn on the device using the power button.
3. Connect the NAS device to the router: Use an Ethernet cable to connect one end to the LAN port on the back of the NAS device and the other end to an available LAN port on the router. Make sure the cable is securely plugged in.
4. Check the network settings: Once the NAS device is connected to the router, check the network settings on the NAS. You can usually access the settings through a web interface or software provided by Buffalo. Ensure that the NAS is set to obtain an IP address automatically (DHCP) or assign a static IP address if required.
5. Configure the NAS device: Access the NAS device's web interface or software to configure the desired settings. This may include creating user accounts, setting up shared folders, configuring RAID levels, and enabling any desired features or services.
6. Test the connection: After configuring the NAS, test the connection by accessing the NAS device from a computer on the same network. Use the NAS device's IP address or hostname to access it via a file explorer or web browser. If the connection is successful, you should be able to access the NAS and its shared folders.
7. Secure the NAS device: Set up appropriate security measures on the NAS device, such as creating strong passwords, enabling encryption, and configuring user permissions to ensure data protection.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully connect the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0404W2 to your router and access its features and storage capabilities.
Are there any specific network settings or configurations required to ensure successful connection between the NAS Buffalo TeraStation and the router?
Yes, there are specific network settings and configurations required to ensure a successful connection between the NAS Buffalo TeraStation and the router. Here are some key steps to follow:
1. Assign a static IP address to the Buffalo TeraStation: By default, the TeraStation is set to obtain an IP address automatically using DHCP. However, for a stable connection, it is recommended to assign a static IP address to the TeraStation within the same IP subnet as the router.
2. Configure the network settings on the TeraStation: Access the TeraStation's web-based administration interface by entering its IP address in a web browser. From there, you can set the network settings, including the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server addresses.
3. Ensure the router's DHCP server is enabled: If you choose to use DHCP to assign IP addresses to devices on your network, make sure the router's DHCP server is enabled and has an available IP address range that includes the static IP assigned to the TeraStation.
4. Port forwarding: If you want to access the TeraStation remotely over the internet, you may need to configure port forwarding on your router. This involves forwarding specific ports (such as TCP port 9000 for the TeraStation's web interface) to the TeraStation's IP address.
5. Check firewall settings: Ensure that any firewall or security software on your router or computer is not blocking the TeraStation's IP address or the required ports for communication.
6. Verify network connectivity: Once the network settings are configured, verify that the TeraStation can successfully connect to the router by pinging its IP address from a computer on the same network. If the ping is successful, it indicates a successful connection.
It is important to consult the TeraStation's user manual or Buffalo's support documentation for detailed instructions specific to your model, as the configuration steps may vary slightly.
Can you provide troubleshooting tips or common issues that may arise when connecting the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0404W2 to the router?
When connecting the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0404W2 to a router, there are a few common issues that may arise. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help resolve these issues:
1. Ensure proper physical connections: Double-check that all cables are securely connected between the NAS and the router. Make sure the Ethernet cable is firmly plugged into both devices.
2. Verify IP address settings: By default, the NAS should obtain an IP address automatically from the router using DHCP. However, if there are IP conflicts or issues with DHCP, you may need to manually assign an IP address to the NAS within the same subnet as the router. Check the NAS user manual for instructions on how to set a static IP address.
3. Check network settings: Access the NAS management interface using the assigned IP address (or hostname) and verify that the network settings are correct. Ensure the NAS is set to use the correct gateway and DNS server addresses provided by the router.
4. Disable firewall or security software: Temporarily disable any firewall or security software on your computer to see if it is causing any interference with the NAS connection. If the connection works after disabling the software, adjust the settings to allow the NAS access.
5. Power cycle the devices: Sometimes, a simple power cycle can resolve connectivity issues. Turn off the NAS, router, and computer. Then, power them back on in the following order: router, NAS, and finally, the computer.
6. Update firmware: Check if there are any firmware updates available for the NAS. Updating the firmware can often resolve compatibility issues and improve performance.
7. Test with a different cable or port: If possible, try connecting the NAS to the router using a different Ethernet cable or a different port on the router. This can help determine if the issue is with the cable or port.
8. Check router settings: Ensure that the router is not blocking the NAS's access to the network. Some routers have settings like MAC address filtering or access control that may need to be adjusted to allow the NAS to connect.
9. Reset NAS to factory defaults: As a last resort, you can try resetting the NAS to its factory defaults. This will erase any customized settings, so make sure to backup important data before attempting this step. Refer to the user manual for instructions on how to perform a factory reset.
If the above troubleshooting steps do not resolve the issue, it may be helpful to contact Buffalo support for further assistance.