Avoiding Data Loss on NAS D-Link DNS-300 and Recovering Deleted Files: Insider Guide

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 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.

Are there any recommended best practices for securely storing usernames and passwords on NAS D-Link DNS-300 devices?

Yes, there are several best practices for securely storing usernames and passwords on NAS (Network Attached Storage) devices like the D-Link DNS-300. Here are some recommendations:

1. Change default credentials: Immediately change the default username and password provided by the manufacturer. Use strong, unique passwords that are not easily guessable.
2. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA if supported by the NAS device. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of authentication, such as a code from a mobile app or a physical token.
3. Regularly update firmware: Keep the NAS device's firmware up to date with the latest security patches. Manufacturers often release updates to fix vulnerabilities, so regularly check for updates and apply them promptly.
4. Use strong passwords: Ensure that passwords used for accessing the NAS device are strong and complex. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable passwords, such as common words or personal information.
5. Limit access: Only provide access to the NAS device to authorized users. Create individual user accounts with unique usernames and passwords for each user. Grant appropriate access privileges based on the user's role and responsibilities.
6. Implement network segmentation: Consider placing the NAS device on a separate network segment or VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) to isolate it from other devices. This helps prevent unauthorized access to the NAS device from compromised devices on the network.
7. Regular backups: Ensure that regular backups of the NAS device's data are performed. This helps protect against data loss due to hardware failure, accidental deletion, or ransomware attacks. Store backups in a secure location, preferably offsite or in the cloud.
8. Disable unnecessary services: Disable any unused or unnecessary services on the NAS device. This reduces the attack surface and minimizes the risk of exploitation.
9. Use encryption: Enable encryption for data stored on the NAS device. This helps protect sensitive information in case of unauthorized access or theft of the device.
10. Monitor and log activity: Enable logging and monitoring features on the NAS device to track and identify any suspicious or unauthorized activity. Regularly review the logs to detect potential security incidents.

Remember, these best practices are general recommendations, and it's important to refer to the specific documentation and guidelines provided by D-Link for the DNS-300 device to ensure proper security measures are implemented.

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

Although NAS DNS-300 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 D-Link DNS-300. 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 D-Link

DNS-300 has 1 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

• None;

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 D-Link DNS-300 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