- 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?
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 D-Link also introduce some modifications to this process, and that is why data can be written to hard disk in a wide variety of ways.
What are the risks of data loss due to firmware or software malfunctions in NAS D-Link DNS-1200-05 devices?
There are several risks of data loss due to firmware or software malfunctions in NAS D-Link DNS-1200-05 devices:
- Incomplete or failed firmware updates: If a firmware update is interrupted or fails to install properly, it can result in the NAS device becoming unresponsive or unstable. This can lead to data corruption or loss.
- Software bugs or glitches: NAS devices rely on complex software systems to manage data storage and retrieval. If there are bugs or glitches in the software, it can cause data corruption, file system errors, or even complete data loss.
- Hardware compatibility issues: Firmware updates or software upgrades may not be fully compatible with the hardware components of the NAS device. This can result in malfunctioning or unstable behavior, leading to potential data loss.
- Security vulnerabilities: Firmware or software malfunctions can expose the NAS device to security vulnerabilities, making it susceptible to unauthorized access, data breaches, or malware attacks. These security incidents can lead to data loss or compromise.
- User errors: NAS devices typically have complex configurations and settings that need to be properly managed by users. If users make mistakes while configuring or managing the device, it can result in data loss or accidental deletion of important files.
- Power outages or hardware failures during operations: Firmware or software malfunctions can increase the risk of power outages or hardware failures during critical operations, such as data transfers or disk synchronization. These events can cause data loss or corruption.
It is important to regularly update the firmware of NAS devices, follow best practices for data backup and redundancy, and implement appropriate security measures to minimize the risks of data loss due to firmware or software malfunctions.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS DNS-1200-05 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:
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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.
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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.
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Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.
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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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Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with D-Link DNS-1200-05. 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.
How to recover data from a D-Link
DNS-1200-05 has 5 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:
- RAID 0;
- RAID 1;
- RAID 5;
- RAID 6;
- JBOD;
- Standard;
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:
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Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.
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Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.
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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.
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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 D-Link DNS-1200-05 network-attached storage keeps OS Linux 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 |
Yes, data recovery from a NAS D-Link DNS-1200-05 device can be performed even if there are issues with the storage pool or configurations. However, the success of the recovery process will depend on the specific issue and the extent of the damage.
If there are issues with the storage pool or configurations, it is recommended to contact a professional data recovery service or a specialist in NAS devices. They will have the expertise and tools required to diagnose and recover data from the device.
It is important to note that attempting to recover data without proper knowledge and experience can potentially worsen the situation and result in permanent data loss. Therefore, it is advisable to seek professional assistance for data recovery from a NAS device.