NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN1204W2 Data Recovery: Detailed Step-by-Step RAID Array Guide

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN1204W2
• How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
  • Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images
  • Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?
  • RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison

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 hardware failure lead to data loss in NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN1204W2 devices?

Hardware failure in NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN1204W2 devices can lead to data loss in several ways:

1. Hard Drive Failure: The most common type of hardware failure in NAS devices is the failure of hard drives. If one or more hard drives fail in a RAID configuration, it can result in data loss. The data stored on the failed drive(s) may become inaccessible, and in some cases, the entire RAID array may become unusable.
2. Power Supply Failure: If the power supply unit (PSU) of the NAS device fails, it can cause sudden power outages or fluctuations, which may result in data corruption or loss. Power surges or spikes can damage the internal components of the NAS, including the hard drives, leading to data loss.
3. Controller Failure: The controller board in the NAS device manages the communication between the hard drives and the rest of the system. If the controller fails, it can prevent the NAS from accessing the data stored on the hard drives, resulting in data loss.
4. Firmware or Software Corruption: If the firmware or software of the NAS device becomes corrupted due to a hardware failure, it can lead to data loss. Corrupted firmware may cause the NAS to malfunction or become unresponsive, preventing access to the stored data.
5. Network Interface Failure: NAS devices rely on network connectivity to access and share data. If the network interface card (NIC) or other network-related components fail, it can result in the NAS becoming inaccessible, leading to potential data loss.
6. Overheating: NAS devices generate heat during operation, and if the cooling system fails or becomes inadequate, it can lead to overheating. Excessive heat can cause damage to internal components, including hard drives, which may result in data loss.

To mitigate the risk of data loss due to hardware failure, it is essential to regularly back up the data stored on the NAS device to an external location. Additionally, implementing RAID configurations with redundancy can help protect against data loss caused by hard drive failures.

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

Although the NAS TeraStation WS5400DN1204W2 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.

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   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 WS5400DN1204W2. 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.

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How to recover data from a Buffalo

TeraStation WS5400DN1204W2 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.

   

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.

   

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The Buffalo TeraStation WS5400DN1204W2 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