How to recover data from Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0804W2 NAS

Is your network drive gone, and you are wondering what to do? Has a RAID system crashed, and your files are no longer accessible? Does your device display an error while booting? Have you accidentally rebuilt your RAID system? Are several hard disks out of order?

How to recover data from NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0804W2

Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0804W2 NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from TeraStation WS5400DN0804W2.

How to recover data from NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0804W2

Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.

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 the number of drives in a NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0804W2 device's RAID array impact data recovery and potential loss?

The number of drives in a NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0804W2 device's RAID array can have an impact on data recovery and potential loss in the following ways:

  1. Data Redundancy: RAID arrays provide data redundancy by distributing data across multiple drives. The more drives in the array, the higher the level of redundancy, which means a lower risk of data loss. For example, a RAID 5 array with more drives can withstand the failure of multiple drives and still maintain data integrity.
  2. Rebuild Time: When a drive fails in a RAID array, the data needs to be rebuilt onto a replacement drive. The larger the RAID array, the longer it takes to rebuild the data onto a new drive. During this rebuild process, there is a higher risk of another drive failing, which could result in data loss.
  3. Failure Probability: With more drives in a RAID array, the probability of at least one drive failing increases. Each drive has its own failure rate, and as the number of drives increases, so does the likelihood of a failure occurring. If multiple drives fail simultaneously or in close succession, it can result in data loss.
  4. RAID Level: The number of drives can also impact the RAID level used in the array. Different RAID levels offer varying levels of data protection and recovery options. For example, RAID 0 offers no redundancy and is more susceptible to data loss, while RAID 6 provides dual parity and can tolerate the failure of two drives.

In summary, having more drives in a NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0804W2 device's RAID array generally increases data redundancy and protection against drive failures. However, it also increases the complexity of data recovery and the potential for data loss if multiple drives fail or the rebuild process encounters errors. It is essential to regularly back up data and ensure proper maintenance and monitoring of the RAID array to mitigate these risks.

How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?

Although NAS TeraStation WS5400DN0804W2 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:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.

  4. 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.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0804W2. 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.

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How to recover data from a Buffalo

How to recover data from a Buffalo

TeraStation WS5400DN0804W2 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;

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:

  1. Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.

  2. Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu ToolsSave Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.

  3. 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.

    Hetman Raid Recovery: Image Creation Wizard
  4. 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.

    Hetman Raid Recovery: hoose any disk connected to this PC, or save the image by FTP

Where are user’s files stored?

The Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0804W2 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

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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 WS5400DN0804W2, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Wilmon Hollingsworth
    Wilmon Hollingsworth 31.08.2023 20:55 #
    Can data recovery from a NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0804W2 device be done if the device is showing signs of network congestion or bandwidth issues?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 31.08.2023 22:00 #

      Yes, data recovery from a NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0804W2 device can still be possible even if the device is experiencing network congestion or bandwidth issues. In such cases, it is recommended to troubleshoot and resolve the network issues first to ensure a stable and reliable connection to the NAS device.

      Once the network issues are resolved, data recovery can be attempted using various methods. One common approach is to connect directly to the NAS device using a computer or another device via Ethernet cable. This bypasses the network congestion and allows direct access to the data stored on the NAS.

      If direct connection is not possible or does not resolve the issue, another option is to remove the hard drives from the NAS device and connect them to a computer using a compatible interface (e.g., SATA or USB). In this scenario, specialized data recovery software or services can be used to recover the data from the individual hard drives.

      It is important to note that data recovery from a NAS device can be a complex process, and it is recommended to seek professional assistance from data recovery experts if the data is critical and valuable.

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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 is SSH and how does it work?

    SSH stands for Secure Shell. It is a cryptographic network protocol used for secure communication over an unsecured network. SSH is commonly used for remote administration of servers and secure file transfers.

    SSH works by establishing a secure encrypted connection between a client and a server. The client and server negotiate encryption algorithms and exchange encryption keys during the initial handshake process. This ensures that the communication between the client and server is secure and protected from eavesdropping or tampering.

    Once the secure connection is established, SSH provides several features:

    1. Authentication: SSH supports various authentication methods, such as password-based authentication, public key authentication, or certificate-based authentication. This ensures that only authorized users can access the server.
    2. Encryption: All communication between the client and server is encrypted, including the transmitted data and commands. This prevents unauthorized access to sensitive information.
    3. Port Forwarding: SSH allows for secure tunneling of network connections. This means that you can forward network traffic from a local port on the client to a remote port on the server, providing secure access to services running on the server.
    4. Secure File Transfer: SSH includes the ability to securely transfer files between the client and server using the Secure Copy (SCP) or Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) protocols.

    Overall, SSH provides a secure and reliable way to access and manage remote systems, ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of the communication.

  • How does the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0804W2 utilize SSH for remote access and secure file transfers?

    The NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0804W2 utilizes SSH (Secure Shell) for remote access and secure file transfers by implementing the SSH protocol.

    SSH is a cryptographic network protocol that provides secure communication over an unsecured network. It allows users to establish a secure and encrypted connection to the NAS device, ensuring that data transmitted between the client and the server is protected from eavesdropping, tampering, and other security threats.

    To utilize SSH for remote access and secure file transfers on the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0804W2, you would typically follow these steps:

    1. Enable SSH on the TeraStation: Access the NAS device's web interface and navigate to the settings or configuration section. Locate the SSH settings and enable it.
    2. Generate SSH keys: The NAS device will generate a pair of SSH keys, a public key, and a private key. The public key is stored on the NAS device, while the private key is securely stored on the client machine that you will use to connect to the NAS.
    3. Configure SSH client: On the client machine, configure the SSH client software (e.g., PuTTY, OpenSSH) to use the private key for authentication. This ensures that only clients with the corresponding private key can establish a connection to the NAS.
    4. Connect to the NAS: Using the SSH client, initiate a connection to the NAS device by specifying its IP address or hostname. The client will authenticate using the private key, and if successful, a secure SSH session will be established.
    5. Secure file transfers: Once connected via SSH, you can securely transfer files between the client and the NAS using various SSH file transfer protocols such as SCP (Secure Copy) or SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol). These protocols ensure that the file transfers are encrypted and secure.

    By utilizing SSH, the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0804W2 ensures that remote access to the device and file transfers are protected, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.

  • What are the benefits of using SSH in the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0804W2, and how does it enhance the security and functionality of the device?

    Using SSH (Secure Shell) in the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0804W2 offers several benefits that enhance both the security and functionality of the device:

    1. Secure Remote Access: SSH provides a secure way to remotely access the TeraStation. It encrypts the communication between the client and the server, preventing unauthorized access and eavesdropping. This ensures that sensitive data and credentials are protected during remote management or file transfers.
    2. Encrypted File Transfers: SSH allows for secure file transfers between the TeraStation and other devices. It uses encryption algorithms to protect the integrity and confidentiality of the transferred data. This is particularly important when transferring sensitive or confidential files over the network.
    3. Authentication and Authorization: SSH employs strong authentication mechanisms, such as public-key cryptography, to verify the identity of the user or device connecting to the TeraStation. This ensures that only authorized users can access and manage the device, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches.
    4. Secure Configuration and Management: SSH provides a secure command-line interface (CLI) for configuring and managing the TeraStation. It allows administrators to remotely execute commands and perform administrative tasks securely, without the need for physical access to the device. This enhances the functionality and flexibility of managing the NAS.
    5. Firewall Friendliness: SSH uses a single port (usually port 22) for communication, making it firewall-friendly. This simplifies the network configuration and allows SSH traffic to pass through firewalls without any additional port forwarding or complex setups.
    6. Secure Tunneling: SSH supports tunneling, also known as port forwarding, which allows users to securely access services running on the TeraStation through an encrypted connection. This can be useful for accessing web interfaces, databases, or other services hosted on the device without exposing them directly to the network.

    Overall, SSH enhances the security of the Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0804W2 by providing secure remote access, encrypted file transfers, strong authentication, and secure configuration. It also improves the functionality of the device by enabling remote management and secure tunneling capabilities.

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