Complete RAID Array Recovery Guide for NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0804W2 Data

Has your NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0804W2 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?

Complete RAID Array Recovery Guide for NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0804W2 Data

Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0804W2 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 WS5400DN0804W2. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

Complete RAID Array Recovery Guide for NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN0804W2 Data

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.

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

Although the NAS TeraStation WS5400DN0804W2 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 WS5400DN0804W2. 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 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;

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 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.

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 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.