How to recover data from D-Link DNS-340L NAS

Is your network drive gone, and you are wondering what to do? Has a RAID system crashed, and your files are no longer accessible? Does your device display an error while booting? Have you accidentally rebuilt your RAID system? Are several hard disks out of order?

How to recover data from NAS D-Link DNS-340L

D-Link DNS-340L NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from DNS-340L.

How to recover data from NAS D-Link DNS-340L

Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.

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 known limitations or performance issues related to specific RAID levels in NAS D-Link DNS-340L devices?

There are some known limitations and performance issues related to specific RAID levels in D-Link DNS-340L devices. Here are a few:

  1. RAID 5: The DNS-340L uses software-based RAID 5, which can result in reduced performance compared to hardware-based RAID. The CPU of the device may become a bottleneck when performing RAID calculations, leading to slower write speeds.
  2. Rebuilding RAID 5: Rebuilding a RAID 5 array on the DNS-340L can take a significant amount of time, especially when dealing with larger capacity drives. During the rebuild process, the overall performance of the NAS may be affected.
  3. RAID 1: While RAID 1 (mirroring) provides data redundancy, it may not offer the best performance. Write speeds can be slower compared to other RAID levels since data needs to be written to multiple drives simultaneously.
  4. RAID 0: RAID 0 (striping) provides improved performance by spreading data across multiple drives, but it lacks data redundancy. If one drive fails, all data is lost. Additionally, the DNS-340L's CPU may struggle to handle the increased workload, impacting overall performance.
  5. Limited RAID options: The DNS-340L only supports RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 5. It does not offer more advanced RAID levels like RAID 6 or RAID 10, which provide higher levels of data redundancy and performance.

It's important to consider these limitations and performance issues when configuring RAID on a D-Link DNS-340L device.

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

Although NAS DNS-340L 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.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with D-Link DNS-340L. 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.

Go to view
How to recover data from a D-Link

How to recover data from a D-Link

DNS-340L has 4 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • RAID 0;
  • RAID 1;
  • RAID 5;
  • RAID 6;
  • RAID 10;
  • 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 ToolsSave 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.

    Hetman Raid Recovery: Image Creation Wizard
  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.

    Hetman Raid Recovery: hoose any disk connected to this PC, or save the image by FTP

Where are user’s files stored?

The D-Link DNS-340L 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

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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 DNS-340L, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Matt Makins
    Matt Makins 12.09.2023 17:39 #
    How can data recovery from a NAS D-Link DNS-340L device be prevented in the future?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 12.09.2023 17:59 #

      To prevent data recovery from a NAS D-Link DNS-340L device in the future, you can take the following measures:

      1. Implement strong access controls: Ensure that only authorized individuals have access to the NAS device. Use strong passwords and consider enabling two-factor authentication for added security.
      2. Regularly update firmware: Keep the NAS device's firmware up to date to ensure that any security vulnerabilities are patched.
      3. Enable encryption: Most modern NAS devices support data encryption. Enable encryption on the device to protect the stored data from unauthorized access even if the physical device is stolen.
      4. Implement network security measures: Secure your network to prevent unauthorized access to the NAS device. Use firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and other security measures to protect the network infrastructure.
      5. Regularly backup data: Maintain regular backups of the data stored on the NAS device. This will help you recover the data in case of any data loss or device failure.
      6. Use strong encryption for backups: If you store backups on external devices or cloud storage, ensure that the backup data is encrypted using strong encryption algorithms.
      7. Physically secure the NAS device: Place the NAS device in a physically secure location to prevent unauthorized physical access. Consider using locked server rooms or cabinets.
      8. Regularly monitor and audit access: Keep track of who accesses the NAS device and when. Regularly review the access logs and audit trails to identify any suspicious activities.
      9. Educate users: Train users on best practices for data security, including the importance of strong passwords, avoiding phishing attempts, and not sharing sensitive information.
      10. Consider additional security measures: Depending on your specific needs and requirements, you may want to explore additional security measures such as data loss prevention (DLP) solutions, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), or network segmentation to further enhance the security of your NAS device.
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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 is SSH and how does it work?

    SSH stands for Secure Shell, and it is a cryptographic network protocol used for secure remote access to systems and secure file transfers. It provides a secure channel over an unsecured network by encrypting the data during transmission.

    SSH works by establishing a secure connection between a client and a server. Here's a simplified overview of the process:

    1. Client initiates a connection: The client (e.g., a computer or a mobile device) sends a request to connect to the server using SSH.
    2. Server responds: The server receives the connection request and responds by sending its public key to the client.
    3. Key exchange: The client verifies the server's public key and generates a session key. This session key will be used to encrypt the data during the SSH session.
    4. Encryption: The client encrypts the session key using the server's public key and sends it back to the server.
    5. Authentication: The server decrypts the session key using its private key. This step ensures that the client is connecting to the correct server.
    6. Secure channel established: Once the authentication is successful, both the client and server use the session key to encrypt and decrypt the data transmitted between them. This ensures that the data remains confidential and secure.

    Throughout the SSH session, the client and server can securely exchange commands, execute remote operations, and transfer files without the risk of interception or tampering by malicious entities.

    SSH is widely used for remote administration of servers, secure file transfers, and secure tunneling of network connections. It provides a secure alternative to protocols like Telnet and FTP, which transmit data in plain text, making them vulnerable to eavesdropping and unauthorized access.

  • How does the NAS D-Link DNS-340L utilize SSH protocol for remote access and management?

    The NAS D-Link DNS-340L utilizes the SSH (Secure Shell) protocol for remote access and management by providing a secure and encrypted channel for communication between the user and the NAS device.

    Here's how the NAS D-Link DNS-340L utilizes SSH protocol for remote access and management:

    1. Secure Connection: SSH protocol ensures a secure connection between the user's computer and the NAS device. It encrypts the data transmitted over the network, preventing unauthorized access or interception of sensitive information.
    2. Remote Access: By enabling SSH on the NAS device, users can remotely access their NAS device from any location with an internet connection. They can use SSH clients like PuTTY (for Windows) or Terminal (for Mac/Linux) to establish a secure SSH session with the NAS.
    3. Command Line Interface (CLI): Once connected via SSH, users can access the NAS's command line interface (CLI) remotely. This allows them to execute various commands and perform administrative tasks on the NAS device, such as configuring settings, managing files, and monitoring system performance.
    4. File Transfer: SSH protocol also supports secure file transfer between the user's computer and the NAS device. Users can use Secure Copy Protocol (SCP) or Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) to securely transfer files to and from the NAS device over the SSH connection.
    5. Enhanced Security: The use of SSH protocol adds an extra layer of security to remote access and management of the NAS device. It protects against potential security threats, such as unauthorized access, eavesdropping, or data tampering.

    Overall, the NAS D-Link DNS-340L leverages SSH protocol to provide a secure and encrypted remote access and management solution, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of data transmission between the user and the NAS device.

  • What are the security benefits and features of using SSH in the NAS D-Link DNS-340L?

    Using SSH (Secure Shell) in the NAS D-Link DNS-340L provides several security benefits and features:

    1. Secure Remote Access: SSH allows you to securely access the NAS remotely over an encrypted connection. This ensures that your data and login credentials are protected from eavesdropping and interception.
    2. Authentication: SSH uses strong cryptographic algorithms to authenticate both the client and the server. It ensures that only authorized users can access the NAS, preventing unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
    3. Encryption: SSH encrypts the data transmitted between the client and the server, making it unreadable to anyone who may intercept the communication. This protects your sensitive data from being accessed by malicious actors.
    4. Secure File Transfer: SSH provides secure file transfer capabilities, allowing you to transfer files to and from the NAS securely. This ensures the integrity and confidentiality of your data during the transfer process.
    5. Secure Configuration: SSH enables secure configuration of the NAS by providing a command-line interface. This allows administrators to remotely manage and configure the NAS securely, reducing the need for physical access to the device.
    6. Firewall Bypass: SSH can be used to bypass firewalls and access the NAS from outside the local network. By tunneling the SSH connection through the firewall, you can securely access the NAS even when traditional network ports are blocked.
    7. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Some NAS devices, including the D-Link DNS-340L, support 2FA for SSH. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second authentication factor, such as a one-time password generated by a mobile app, in addition to the usual username and password.
    8. Auditing and Logging: SSH provides detailed logging and auditing capabilities, allowing administrators to monitor and track SSH sessions. This helps in detecting any suspicious activities or unauthorized access attempts.

    Overall, SSH enhances the security of the D-Link DNS-340L NAS by providing secure remote access, encrypted communication, secure file transfers, and strong authentication mechanisms.

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