How to Recover Data from NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5420DN32W6: Complete RAID Array Recovery Guide

Learn how to effectively recover data from ⭐ NAS and fix RAID arrays with our guide.

How to Recover Data from NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5420DN32W6: Complete RAID Array Recovery Guide

Buffalo TeraStation WS5420DN32W6 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 WS5420DN32W6.

How to Recover Data from NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5420DN32W6: Complete RAID Array Recovery Guide

RAID Recovery™ 2.6
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
Download

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.

Are there any known limitations or performance bottlenecks that can increase data loss risks for NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5420DN32W6 devices?

There are a few known limitations and performance bottlenecks that can potentially increase data loss risks for NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5420DN32W6 devices. Some of these include:

  1. Drive failure: Like any storage device, the TeraStation is susceptible to drive failures. If a drive fails in a RAID array, it can lead to data loss if there is no redundancy or if the failed drive is not replaced in a timely manner.
  2. RAID rebuild time: When a drive fails in a RAID array, the TeraStation needs to rebuild the data onto a new drive. The rebuild process can take a significant amount of time, during which the array is vulnerable to further drive failures. If another drive fails during the rebuild, it can result in data loss.
  3. Network congestion: If the network connection to the TeraStation is congested or unreliable, it can lead to data loss. This can occur if there are too many devices accessing the NAS simultaneously or if there are issues with the network infrastructure.
  4. Insufficient backup strategy: The TeraStation should not be considered a backup solution on its own. If data is only stored on the TeraStation without any additional backup strategy, there is a risk of data loss in case of hardware failure, natural disasters, or other unforeseen events.
  5. Lack of firmware updates: It is important to keep the TeraStation's firmware up to date to ensure optimal performance and security. Failure to update the firmware may lead to performance issues or vulnerabilities that could increase the risk of data loss.

To mitigate these risks, it is recommended to implement a RAID configuration with redundancy, regularly backup data to an off-site location, ensure a reliable and fast network connection, and keep the device's firmware up to date.

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

Although NAS TeraStation WS5420DN32W6 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 WS5420DN32W6. 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.

Go to view
How to recover data from a Buffalo

How to recover data from a Buffalo

TeraStation WS5420DN32W6 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 WS5420DN32W6 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

Feedback

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 WS5420DN32W6, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Julius Cudworth
    Julius Cudworth 1.09.2023 08:57 #
    Is it possible to recover data from a NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5420DN32W6 device that has been affected by a natural disaster such as flooding or earthquake?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 1.09.2023 09:59 #

      Recovering data from a NAS device that has been affected by a natural disaster such as flooding or earthquake can be challenging. The chances of successful data recovery depend on the extent of damage caused to the device and the severity of the disaster.

      Here are a few factors to consider:

      1. Physical Damage: If the NAS device has been submerged in water or exposed to extreme conditions, the internal components may be damaged. In such cases, data recovery becomes more difficult, and professional assistance may be required.
      2. Data Storage Medium: The Buffalo TeraStation WS5420DN32W6 typically uses hard drives to store data. If the hard drives are undamaged, there is a higher chance of successful data recovery. However, if the drives have been physically damaged, the recovery process becomes more complex.
      3. Backup and Redundancy: If you have a backup of your data stored in a separate location or on a cloud service, it may be easier to recover your data. Redundancy features like RAID configurations can also improve the chances of data recovery.
      4. Professional Data Recovery Services: In cases of severe damage, it is recommended to seek professional data recovery services. These experts have specialized tools and techniques to recover data from damaged devices. However, keep in mind that data recovery can be expensive and not always guaranteed.

      To maximize the chances of data recovery after a natural disaster, it is essential to take immediate action. Disconnect the affected NAS device from power and contact a professional data recovery service as soon as possible.

Post comment
User
Leave a reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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.

Share

Questions and answers

  • What are the steps involved in streaming audio files to a NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5420DN32W6?

    To stream audio files to a NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5420DN32W6, you can follow these steps:

    1. Set up the NAS: Connect the NAS to your network and configure it according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure it has enough storage space for your audio files.
    2. Create a shared folder: Access the NAS administration interface (usually through a web browser) and create a shared folder specifically for your audio files. Note down the network path or name of the shared folder.
    3. Upload audio files: Copy or upload your audio files to the shared folder on the NAS. You can do this by mapping the NAS drive on your computer or using the NAS interface's file upload feature.
    4. Install a media server software: On the NAS administration interface, check if your NAS model supports a built-in media server software like Twonky, Plex, or DLNA. If not, you may need to install a third-party media server software compatible with your NAS model.
    5. Configure the media server: Access the media server software settings and configure it to scan the shared folder containing your audio files. This will allow the media server to index and organize the audio files for streaming.
    6. Set up user access permissions: If you want to restrict access to the audio files, configure user access permissions on the NAS administration interface. This ensures only authorized users can stream the audio files.
    7. Connect and stream: On your audio streaming device (e.g., smartphone, computer, smart TV), install a media player or app that supports network streaming. Open the media player and navigate to the media server section. You should see the NAS as an available media server. Select it and browse to the shared folder where your audio files are located.
    8. Start streaming: Browse through the audio files on your media player and select the desired file to start streaming. The audio file should now play directly from the NAS, and you can enjoy streaming your audio files.

    Note: The specific steps may vary slightly depending on the NAS model and media server software used. Refer to the user manual or online documentation provided by Buffalo for detailed instructions tailored to your NAS model.

  • What are the supported audio file formats for streaming to the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5420DN32W6?

    The Buffalo TeraStation WS5420DN32W6 supports the following audio file formats for streaming:

    1. MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer 3)
    2. WAV (Waveform Audio File Format)
    3. AAC (Advanced Audio Coding)
    4. FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec)
    5. OGG (Ogg Vorbis)
    6. WMA (Windows Media Audio)

    These formats are commonly used for streaming and can be played back by the NAS device.

  • Are there any specific settings or configurations required on the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5420DN32W6 to enable smooth streaming of audio files?

    To enable smooth streaming of audio files on the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5420DN32W6, there are a few settings and configurations you can check:

    1. Network Configuration: Ensure that your NAS is connected to a stable and high-speed network. Use a wired Ethernet connection for optimal performance.
    2. RAID Configuration: Set up a RAID configuration that suits your needs. RAID 0 or RAID 5 can provide better performance for streaming large audio files.
    3. File System: Format the drives with a file system that supports streaming, such as NTFS or ext4.
    4. Media Server: Enable the built-in media server on the TeraStation, such as DLNA or UPnP, which allows you to stream audio files to supported devices on your network. Configure the media server settings to optimize streaming performance.
    5. Bandwidth Allocation: If you have multiple devices accessing the NAS simultaneously, you can prioritize the bandwidth allocation for streaming applications or devices to ensure smooth audio playback.
    6. Transcoding: If your audio files are in a format that may not be directly supported by your playback devices, enable transcoding on the media server. This will convert the audio files on-the-fly to a compatible format for smooth streaming.
    7. Network Quality of Service (QoS): If your router supports QoS, configure it to prioritize network traffic for your NAS and streaming devices, ensuring a smooth streaming experience.
    8. Network Buffering: Some media servers or streaming applications allow you to adjust the network buffering settings. Increase the buffer size to compensate for network fluctuations and ensure uninterrupted audio playback.

    Remember to consult the user manual or support documentation provided by Buffalo for specific instructions on configuring the TeraStation WS5420DN32W6 for optimal audio streaming performance.

Hello! This is AI-based Hetman Software virtual assistant, and it will answer any of your questions right away.
Start Chat