Step-by-Step Guide to RAID Array Recovery for NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5420RN16S9 Data

Has your NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5420RN16S9 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?

Step-by-Step Guide to RAID Array Recovery for NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5420RN16S9 Data
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Buffalo TeraStation WS5420RN16S9 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 WS5420RN16S9. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

Step-by-Step Guide to RAID Array Recovery for NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5420RN16S9 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 a NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5420RN16S9 device's power management settings impact data availability and potential loss?

The power management settings of a NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5420RN16S9 device can impact data availability and potential loss in the following ways:

  1. Sleep Mode: If the NAS device is set to enter sleep mode after a certain period of inactivity, it can lead to slower response times when accessing data. This can impact data availability as users may experience delays in accessing files and folders.
  2. Disk Spin-down: Some NAS devices offer the option to spin down idle hard drives to conserve power. While this can reduce energy consumption, it can also result in a delay when accessing data as the drives need to spin up before they can be accessed. If a drive fails to spin up properly, it can lead to potential data loss or corruption.
  3. Scheduled Power Off: NAS devices often provide the option to schedule automatic power off during specific times, such as outside office hours. While this can save power, it means that data will not be accessible during those periods, potentially impacting data availability.
  4. Power Interruptions: In regions with unstable power supply or frequent power outages, the NAS device's power management settings can impact data availability and potential loss. If the device is not configured to handle power interruptions properly, it may result in data corruption or loss due to improper shutdowns.

To mitigate these risks, it is essential to carefully configure the power management settings of the NAS device. It is recommended to strike a balance between power savings and data availability by setting appropriate sleep mode timers, disk spin-down settings, and scheduled power off periods. Additionally, implementing an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) can help protect the NAS device from sudden power outages, ensuring proper shutdown procedures are followed to minimize the risk of data loss or corruption.

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

Although the NAS TeraStation WS5420RN16S9 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 WS5420RN16S9. 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 WS5420RN16S9 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 WS5420RN16S9 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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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 WS5420RN16S9, feel free to leave a comment!
    Reply
  • Mel Soward
    Mel Soward 1.09.2023 09:41 #
    Are there any recommended data recovery service providers for NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5420RN16S9 devices?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 1.09.2023 10:00 #

      There are several reputable data recovery service providers that specialize in NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5420RN16S9 devices. Some of the recommended options include:

      1. DriveSavers Data Recovery: DriveSavers is a well-known data recovery company that offers services for various storage devices, including NAS systems. They have a high success rate and provide professional services.
      2. ACE Data Recovery: ACE Data Recovery has expertise in recovering data from various NAS devices, including Buffalo TeraStation models. They offer both in-lab and remote recovery options.
      3. Gillware Data Recovery: Gillware is another reliable data recovery company that provides services for Buffalo TeraStation NAS devices. They have a team of experienced technicians and offer free evaluations.
      4. Secure Data Recovery: Secure Data Recovery is a trusted provider that offers data recovery services for Buffalo TeraStation NAS devices. They have certified engineers and provide 24/7 customer support.

      It is recommended to contact these service providers directly to discuss your specific data recovery needs and get a quote for their services.

      Reply
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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 are the key features and specifications of the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5420RN16S9 that make it suitable for use as central storage?

    The NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5420RN16S9 is suitable for use as central storage due to its key features and specifications, which include:

    1. High storage capacity: It comes with a total storage capacity of 64TB, which can be expanded up to 128TB by connecting additional external drives. This ample storage space allows for centralizing and organizing large amounts of data.
    2. RAID support: The NAS supports RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, and 50, providing data redundancy and protection against drive failures. This feature ensures that your data remains safe and accessible even in the event of a disk failure.
    3. Dual 10GbE ports: With two built-in 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports, the TeraStation offers high-speed connectivity, enabling fast data transfer rates and efficient access to centralized storage for multiple users simultaneously.
    4. Powerful hardware: It is equipped with a quad-core Annapurna Labs Alpine AL314 processor and 8GB of DDR4 RAM. This hardware configuration ensures smooth performance and efficient handling of multiple tasks and users accessing the central storage.
    5. Hot-swappable drive bays: The NAS features 16 hot-swappable drive bays, allowing for easy drive replacement and maintenance without interrupting the system's operation. This feature simplifies the management and expansion of the storage capacity.
    6. Data protection and backup: The TeraStation supports various backup options, including scheduled backups, replication to other TeraStations, and integration with cloud storage services like Amazon S3. These features ensure data protection and redundancy, minimizing the risk of data loss.
    7. Advanced security features: It offers multiple security measures, including AES 256-bit encryption for data protection, secure remote access through VPN, and Active Directory integration for centralized user authentication and access control.
    8. Scalability: The NAS supports daisy-chaining, allowing for the connection of additional TeraStations to expand the storage capacity without the need for additional network infrastructure.

    Overall, the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5420RN16S9 provides high storage capacity, fast connectivity, data protection, and advanced features, making it an ideal choice for central storage in small to medium-sized businesses or home offices.

  • How does the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5420RN16S9 enhance data management and accessibility for businesses or organizations?

    The NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5420RN16S9 enhances data management and accessibility for businesses or organizations in several ways:

    1. High storage capacity: The TeraStation WS5420RN16S9 provides a large storage capacity, allowing businesses to store and manage vast amounts of data. With up to 64TB of storage, it can accommodate the growing data needs of organizations.
    2. RAID support: It offers support for various RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, and 50. RAID technology helps improve data redundancy and protection against drive failures, ensuring data integrity and minimizing the risk of data loss.
    3. Scalability: The TeraStation WS5420RN16S9 is designed to be scalable, allowing businesses to expand their storage capacity as their data requirements increase. It supports up to 16 hard drives, providing flexibility and room for future growth.
    4. Data protection and security: The NAS device offers features like secure data encryption and access controls, ensuring that sensitive data is protected from unauthorized access. It also supports Active Directory integration, enabling centralized user and group management for enhanced security.
    5. Remote accessibility: The TeraStation WS5420RN16S9 enables remote access to data, allowing employees to access files and collaborate from anywhere. This feature is particularly useful for businesses with multiple locations or remote workers, as it facilitates seamless data sharing and collaboration.
    6. Backup and disaster recovery: The NAS device supports various backup options, including scheduled backups, replication, and cloud integration. It helps organizations create reliable backup strategies to safeguard critical data and enables quick disaster recovery in case of data loss or system failure.
    7. File sharing and collaboration: With its built-in file sharing capabilities, the TeraStation WS5420RN16S9 enables easy and secure sharing of files and folders within the organization. It promotes collaboration among team members, improving productivity and efficiency.
    8. Centralized management: The TeraStation WS5420RN16S9 can be managed centrally through a web-based interface, allowing administrators to monitor and control the NAS device from a single location. This simplifies the management and maintenance of data, reducing administrative overhead.

    Overall, the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5420RN16S9 enhances data management and accessibility for businesses or organizations by providing ample storage capacity, data protection, remote accessibility, collaboration features, and centralized management capabilities.

  • What are some potential challenges or considerations to keep in mind when implementing the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5420RN16S9 as central storage in a network environment?
    1. Compatibility: Ensure that the NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5420RN16S9 is compatible with the existing network infrastructure, including routers, switches, and other network devices.
    2. Capacity planning: Determine the required storage capacity based on the current and future needs of the network. Consider factors such as the number of users, types of files, and anticipated growth.
    3. Data security: Implement appropriate security measures to protect the data stored on the NAS. This may include setting up user access controls, encryption, and regular backups.
    4. Network bandwidth: Consider the network bandwidth requirements for accessing and transferring data to and from the NAS. If the network is already heavily utilized, it may be necessary to upgrade network equipment to ensure optimal performance.
    5. Redundancy and backup: Implement a backup strategy to ensure data redundancy and protection against hardware failures or data loss. This may involve setting up RAID configurations or implementing regular backups to an external storage device.
    6. Scalability: Consider the scalability options of the NAS to accommodate future growth. Determine if additional storage units can be added easily to expand the storage capacity.
    7. Network performance: Evaluate the impact of adding the NAS to the network on overall network performance. Consider factors such as data transfer speeds, latency, and potential bottlenecks.
    8. User training and support: Provide adequate training and support to users who will be accessing and managing the NAS. This may involve educating them on proper file organization, access controls, and troubleshooting common issues.
    9. Maintenance and updates: Regularly update the firmware and software of the NAS to ensure it remains secure and up-to-date. Consider the availability of technical support and maintenance services from the manufacturer or vendor.
    10. Cost: Evaluate the cost of implementing the NAS, including the initial investment, ongoing maintenance, and any additional software or licenses required. Consider the long-term cost implications of scaling up the storage capacity if needed.
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