How to Recover Data from NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5600D2406SR2: Step-by-Step RAID Array Instructions

Contents

• Why can’t ordinary software tools restore files from RAID?
• How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
  • Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • Safe recovery from disk images
  • Where are user’s files stored?
  • Comparison of software for RAID recovery

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.

How can hardware failure lead to data loss in NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5600D2406SR2 devices?

Hardware failure in NAS Buffalo TeraStation WS5600D2406SR2 devices can lead to data loss in several ways:

1. Disk Drive Failure: The TeraStation device consists of multiple disk drives configured in a RAID array. If one or more drives fail, it can result in data loss or corruption. The RAID configuration provides redundancy to protect against drive failures, but if multiple drives fail simultaneously or during the rebuilding process, data loss can occur.
2. Power Supply Failure: A faulty power supply can cause sudden power outages or fluctuations, leading to data corruption or loss. Abrupt power interruptions during data read/write operations can result in incomplete or damaged files.
3. Controller Failure: The NAS device's controller manages the data flow between the disks and the network. If the controller fails, it can result in data loss or inaccessibility. The data may become inaccessible or corrupted due to the inability to read or write to the disks.
4. Fan Failure: The TeraStation device has cooling fans to prevent overheating of the components. If the fans fail, the internal temperature can rise, potentially causing damage to the hard drives and other components. Overheating can lead to data loss or hardware failure.
5. Network Interface Failure: The network interface card (NIC) in the NAS device allows it to connect to the network. If the NIC fails, the device may become inaccessible, preventing access to the stored data.
6. Firmware or Software Corruption: Hardware failures can sometimes cause firmware or software corruption, resulting in the inability to access or retrieve data. This can occur if the device's firmware becomes corrupted due to a hardware malfunction.

To mitigate the risk of data loss due to hardware failure, it is important to regularly back up the data stored on the NAS device to an external storage device or a cloud-based backup service. Additionally, monitoring the health of the hardware components and promptly replacing any failing components can help prevent data loss.

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

Although NAS TeraStation WS5600D2406SR2 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.

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   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Buffalo TeraStation WS5600D2406SR2. 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

TeraStation WS5600D2406SR2 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 Tools – Save 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.

   

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.

   

Where are user’s files stored?

The Buffalo TeraStation WS5600D2406SR2 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