RAID Array Recovery from NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400R1604: Ultimate Data Recovery Guide

Has your NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400R1604 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?

RAID Array Recovery from NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400R1604: Ultimate Data Recovery Guide

Buffalo TeraStation WS5400R1604 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 WS5400R1604. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

RAID Array Recovery from NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400R1604: Ultimate Data Recovery Guide

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.

Is there a risk of data loss if a NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400R1604 device is physically damaged or stolen?

Yes, there is a risk of data loss if a NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400R1604 device is physically damaged or stolen. If the device is physically damaged, the hard drives inside may become inaccessible or corrupted, resulting in data loss. Similarly, if the device is stolen, the data stored on the NAS can be compromised or lost entirely. It is important to have proper backup strategies in place to mitigate the risk of data loss in such situations.

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

Although the NAS TeraStation WS5400R1604 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 WS5400R1604. 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 WS5400R1604 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 WS5400R1604 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 WS5400R1604, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Truman Birtwistle
    Truman Birtwistle 31.08.2023 22:47 #
    Can deleted files be recovered from a NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400R1604 device?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 31.08.2023 23:00 #

      It is possible to recover deleted files from a NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400R1604 device, but it depends on several factors.

      If the files were recently deleted, there is a higher chance of successful recovery. When a file is deleted, it is typically marked as "deleted" in the file system, but the actual data may still exist on the storage device until it is overwritten by new data. Therefore, if the device has not been used much since the deletion, there is a greater possibility of recovering the files.

      However, if the files were deleted a long time ago or if the device has been heavily used since then, the chances of recovery decrease significantly. Over time, the deleted files may have been partially or completely overwritten by new data, making recovery more difficult or even impossible.

      To attempt file recovery, it is recommended to use specialized data recovery software or consult professional data recovery services. It is important to note that attempting recovery on your own may carry some risks, such as further data loss or damage to the device.

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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, or Secure Shell, is a cryptographic network protocol that provides a secure way to access and manage remote systems over an unsecured network. It allows users to securely log in to a remote system, execute commands, transfer files, and forward network traffic.

    SSH works by establishing an encrypted connection between a client and a server. The client initiates a connection request to the server, and both parties negotiate encryption algorithms and keys to establish a secure channel. This encryption ensures that the data exchanged between the client and server remains confidential and protected from eavesdropping or tampering.

    Once the secure channel is established, SSH provides authentication methods to verify the identity of the client. This can be done using passwords, public key cryptography, or other authentication mechanisms. The server then grants access to the client based on the authentication result.

    After successful authentication, the client can execute commands on the remote system or transfer files securely. The SSH protocol also supports port forwarding, allowing users to securely access services running on the remote server through encrypted tunnels.

    Overall, SSH provides a secure and encrypted method for remote access, making it widely used for remote administration, secure file transfers, and secure communication between networked systems.

  • How does the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400R1604 utilize SSH protocol for secure remote access?

    The NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400R1604 utilizes the SSH (Secure Shell) protocol for secure remote access by providing a secure and encrypted channel for communication between the client and the server.

    Here's how it works:

    1. SSH Server: The TeraStation NAS has an SSH server component installed that allows it to accept incoming SSH connections.
    2. Authentication: When a client wants to establish an SSH connection to the TeraStation NAS, it initiates a connection request and provides its credentials (username and password or SSH key) for authentication.
    3. Encryption: Once the client's credentials are verified, an encrypted channel is established between the client and the NAS. This encryption ensures that the data transmitted over the network cannot be intercepted or deciphered by unauthorized parties.
    4. Secure Remote Access: With the SSH connection established, the client can now securely access the TeraStation NAS remotely. It can perform various operations such as file transfers, remote command execution, and management tasks.

    Benefits of using SSH for remote access on the TeraStation NAS:

    1. Security: SSH provides strong encryption and authentication mechanisms, ensuring that the remote access to the NAS is secure and protected from unauthorized access.
    2. Data Integrity: The encrypted channel provided by SSH ensures that the data transmitted between the client and the NAS remains intact and unaltered during transit.
    3. Flexibility: SSH allows for secure remote access from various client devices and operating systems, making it a versatile solution for accessing the TeraStation NAS remotely.

    Overall, the utilization of SSH protocol on the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400R1604 ensures secure and encrypted remote access, protecting the confidentiality and integrity of the data transferred between the client and the NAS.

  • Can you explain the benefits and features of SSH in relation to the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400R1604?

    Sure! SSH (Secure Shell) is a network protocol that allows secure remote access to a device or server. In relation to the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400R1604, here are the benefits and features of SSH:

    1. Secure remote access: SSH provides a secure encrypted connection between a client and the NAS device. This ensures that data transmitted over the network is protected from unauthorized access or interception.
    2. Command-line interface (CLI): SSH allows you to access the NAS device's command-line interface remotely. This gives you more control and flexibility in managing and configuring the device compared to a graphical user interface (GUI).
    3. Secure file transfer: SSH includes the ability to securely transfer files between the client and the NAS device using the SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) or SCP (Secure Copy) protocols. This ensures that files are transferred securely without the need for additional encryption methods.
    4. Remote administration: SSH enables remote administration of the NAS device, allowing you to perform various administrative tasks such as managing users, configuring network settings, monitoring system performance, and more, from a remote location.
    5. Security and authentication: SSH uses strong encryption algorithms and authentication methods to ensure the security of the remote connection. It supports various authentication mechanisms, including password-based authentication, public-key authentication, and two-factor authentication, enhancing the overall security of the NAS device.
    6. Portability and interoperability: SSH is a widely supported protocol and is available on various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. This ensures that you can access and manage the NAS device from different platforms, making it highly portable and interoperable.
    7. Tunneling and forwarding: SSH allows you to create secure tunnels or forward ports between the client and the NAS device. This can be useful for accessing other services or resources on the NAS device's network securely, even if they are not directly accessible from the client's location.

    Overall, SSH provides a secure and efficient way to remotely access, manage, and transfer files to and from the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5400R1604, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of your data.