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

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS D-Link DNS-300
• How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
  • Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images
  • Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?
  • RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison

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 D-Link 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.

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

Although the NAS DNS-300 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.

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   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with D-Link DNS-300. 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.

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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;

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.

   

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.

   

Where Are the User’s Files Actually 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.

RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison