How to recover data from Buffalo TeraStation WS5420DN32S9 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 WS5420DN32S9

Buffalo TeraStation WS5420DN32S9 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 WS5420DN32S9.

How to recover data from NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5420DN32S9

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.

Can data be lost during the process of upgrading or updating the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5420DN32S9 device's firmware?

Yes, data can potentially be lost during the process of upgrading or updating the firmware on a NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5420DN32S9 device. It is always recommended to back up any important data before performing any firmware updates or upgrades to avoid potential data loss or corruption.

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

Although NAS TeraStation WS5420DN32S9 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 WS5420DN32S9. 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 WS5420DN32S9 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 WS5420DN32S9 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 WS5420DN32S9, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Kian Trimble
    Kian Trimble 1.09.2023 02:58 #
    Can data recovery from a NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5420DN32S9 device be done if the device is showing signs of overheating or cooling fan failure?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 1.09.2023 03:00 #

      If a NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5420DN32S9 device is showing signs of overheating or cooling fan failure, it is important to address these issues first before attempting data recovery. Overheating can cause further damage to the device and potentially result in permanent data loss.

      Here are a few steps to consider:

      1. Ensure proper ventilation: Make sure the NAS device is placed in a well-ventilated area with sufficient airflow. Remove any obstructions that may be blocking the cooling vents.
      2. Replace or repair cooling fans: If the cooling fans are not functioning properly, they should be replaced or repaired. Contact the manufacturer or a professional technician for assistance with fan replacement.
      3. Monitor temperature: Use the NAS device's built-in temperature monitoring tools, if available, to keep an eye on the temperature. If it continues to rise even after addressing the cooling fan issue, consider contacting the manufacturer or a professional for further assistance.
      4. Backup data: If the device is still operational, it is crucial to back up the data immediately. Transfer the important files to a separate storage device or cloud backup service to ensure data safety.

      If the device is not functioning properly or the data is already inaccessible due to the overheating or cooling fan failure, it is recommended to contact a professional data recovery service. They have specialized tools and expertise to recover data from damaged or malfunctioning NAS devices.

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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 as a protocol for secure remote access to network devices?

    SSH, which stands for Secure Shell, is a cryptographic network protocol used to establish a secure and encrypted connection between a client and a server. It provides a secure channel over an unsecured network, allowing users to securely access and manage network devices remotely.

    The SSH protocol works by using a client-server model. When a user initiates an SSH connection, the client software (such as PuTTY or OpenSSH) sends a request to connect to the server. The server, which has SSH server software installed, verifies the client's identity and grants access if the credentials are valid.

    Here's a high-level overview of how SSH works:

    1. Connection initiation: The client sends a request to connect to the server, specifying the SSH protocol version and encryption algorithms it supports.
    2. Server authentication: Upon receiving the connection request, the server sends its public key to the client to verify its identity. The client checks the key against its list of trusted keys and, if valid, generates a session key.
    3. Encryption and session key exchange: The client and server negotiate encryption algorithms and exchange encryption keys using the Diffie-Hellman key exchange algorithm. This ensures that the subsequent communication is encrypted and secure.
    4. User authentication: The client presents the user's credentials (username and password or public key) to the server for authentication. The server verifies the credentials and grants access if valid.
    5. Secure communication: Once authenticated, the client and server use the session key to encrypt the data exchanged during the SSH session. This ensures that the communication between the client and server remains confidential and protected from eavesdropping or tampering.

    SSH also supports various features like port forwarding, X11 forwarding, and file transfer, enabling users to securely access network devices and perform tasks remotely.

    Overall, SSH provides a secure method for remote access to network devices by encrypting the communication and authenticating both the client and server, thereby preventing unauthorized access and protecting sensitive data.

  • How does the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5420DN32S9 utilize SSH for secure file transfers and remote management?

    The NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5420DN32S9 utilizes SSH (Secure Shell) for secure file transfers and remote management by implementing the SSH protocol.

    SSH is a cryptographic network protocol that provides a secure channel for remote login, file transfer, and other network services. It uses encryption to ensure secure communication between the client and the server.

    To utilize SSH for secure file transfers, the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5420DN32S9 allows users to connect to the device using SSH client software. Once connected, users can securely transfer files to and from the NAS by using commands such as SCP (Secure Copy) or SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol).

    For remote management, the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5420DN32S9 provides a command-line interface (CLI) that can be accessed through an SSH connection. This allows administrators to remotely manage and configure the NAS using SSH commands. They can perform tasks such as configuring network settings, creating and managing user accounts, setting up file sharing, and monitoring system performance.

    By utilizing SSH, the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5420DN32S9 ensures that file transfers and remote management sessions are encrypted and secure, protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access or interception.

  • What are the advantages and benefits of using SSH in the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5420DN32S9 compared to other remote access protocols?

    Using SSH (Secure Shell) in the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5420DN32S9 offers several advantages and benefits compared to other remote access protocols:

    1. Enhanced security: SSH provides secure encrypted communication between the client and the server, protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access and potential eavesdropping. It uses strong cryptographic algorithms to ensure data integrity and confidentiality.
    2. Authentication options: SSH supports various authentication methods, including password-based authentication, public key authentication, and two-factor authentication. This allows for flexible and robust authentication mechanisms, enhancing the overall security of remote access.
    3. Portability: SSH is a widely supported protocol and is available on multiple operating systems, making it highly portable. This means you can access the NAS from different devices and platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices.
    4. Command-line access: SSH provides a command-line interface (CLI) that allows for powerful remote management capabilities. It enables administrators to execute commands, perform administrative tasks, and automate processes remotely, providing greater control and flexibility.
    5. Secure file transfer: SSH includes the Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP), which allows for secure file transfers between the client and the server. SFTP ensures data integrity and confidentiality during file transfers, making it a safer alternative to other file transfer protocols like FTP.
    6. Firewall-friendly: SSH can traverse firewalls and network address translation (NAT) devices easily. It uses a single port (typically port 22) for communication, simplifying network configuration and enabling remote access even in restrictive network environments.
    7. Auditability and logging: SSH provides detailed logging capabilities, allowing administrators to track and monitor remote access activities. This helps in auditing and troubleshooting, ensuring accountability and providing a record of actions performed on the NAS.
    8. Community support and documentation: SSH is a well-established and widely used protocol, resulting in a large community of users and developers. This means there is extensive documentation, tutorials, and support available, making it easier to troubleshoot issues and find solutions.

    Overall, using SSH in the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5420DN32S9 offers a secure, flexible, and efficient method for remote access and management, with robust authentication, encryption, and administrative capabilities.

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