How to Prevent Data Loss on NAS D-Link DNS-346 and Recover Data That Was Deleted

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS D-Link DNS-346
• 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 practices for off-site backup storage to prevent complete data loss in the event of a disaster?

Yes, there are several recommended practices for off-site backup storage to prevent complete data loss in the event of a disaster. Here are some key practices:

1. Regular backups: Perform regular backups of all critical data and systems. Automated backup solutions can help ensure consistency and minimize human error.
2. Multiple backup locations: Store backups in multiple off-site locations to minimize the risk of losing data in a single location. This can include physical locations or cloud-based storage.
3. Encryption: Encrypt the backup data to protect it from unauthorized access during storage and transmission. This ensures that even if the data is compromised, it remains secure.
4. Test backups regularly: Regularly test the backup and recovery process to ensure data integrity and the ability to restore systems effectively. This helps identify any issues or gaps in the backup strategy.
5. Versioning and retention: Implement versioning and retention policies to store multiple versions of backups over time. This allows for recovery from different points in time and protects against data corruption or accidental deletion.
6. Redundancy and replication: Use redundant storage systems and replication techniques to ensure data is stored in multiple locations simultaneously. This provides additional protection against hardware failures and increases data availability.
7. Disaster recovery plan: Develop a comprehensive disaster recovery plan that outlines the steps to be taken in the event of a disaster. This plan should include details on data restoration, system recovery, and the roles and responsibilities of individuals involved.
8. Regular monitoring and maintenance: Continuously monitor the backup systems and storage infrastructure to ensure they are functioning properly. Regular maintenance and updates help prevent issues and ensure the readiness of the backup environment.
9. Off-site backup rotation: Rotate backup media regularly, especially for physical backups. This ensures that multiple copies of data are stored off-site and reduces the risk of losing all backups in case of a localized disaster.
10. Documented procedures: Document all backup and recovery procedures, including step-by-step instructions, contact information, and any necessary credentials. This helps ensure that the recovery process can be executed efficiently and effectively.

By following these recommended practices, organizations can significantly enhance their ability to recover data and systems in the event of a disaster, minimizing the risk of complete data loss.

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

Although the NAS DNS-346 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.

   Go to view

   

   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-346. 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.

Go to view

How to recover data from a D-Link

DNS-346 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;

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-346 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