How to Prevent Data Loss on NAS D-Link DNS-6040 and Retrieve Lost Files

Has your NAS D-Link DNS-6040 suddenly lost its network drive and you’re unsure what to do next? Did the RAID array collapse, making your files inaccessible? Is the device throwing errors during startup? Perhaps you accidentally rebuilt the RAID array or several hard drives failed at the same time?

How to Prevent Data Loss on NAS D-Link DNS-6040 and Retrieve Lost Files
Data Recovery Tool

D-Link DNS-6040 NAS Data Recovery in 2025

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from an DNS-6040. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

How to Prevent Data Loss on NAS D-Link DNS-6040 and Retrieve Lost Files

RAID Recovery™ 2.8
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
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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.

Can natural disasters such as floods or fires result in data loss for NAS D-Link DNS-6040 devices?

Yes, natural disasters such as floods or fires can potentially result in data loss for NAS (Network Attached Storage) devices like the D-Link DNS-6040. NAS devices are physical hardware units that store and manage data, so if they are damaged or destroyed in a natural disaster, the data stored on them can be lost.

Floods can cause water damage to the NAS device, leading to hardware failure and data loss. Similarly, fires can destroy the NAS device, making data recovery difficult or impossible.

To mitigate the risk of data loss in such situations, it is recommended to implement proper disaster recovery and backup strategies. This involves regularly backing up the data stored on the NAS device to an off-site location or cloud storage. By keeping backups in a separate location, the risk of losing all data in the event of a natural disaster is significantly reduced.

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

Although the NAS DNS-6040 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

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with D-Link DNS-6040. 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

How to recover data from a D-Link

DNS-6040 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.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Image Creation Wizard

  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.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Choose a disk or save the image via FTP

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The D-Link DNS-6040 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

Product Operating system RAID controller support Supported file systems Virtual RAID controller support Data recovery from damaged RAID File preview
Hetman RAID Recovery Windows, Linux, MacOS Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, exFAT, NTFS, ReFS, APFS, HFS+, Ext4, Ext3, Ext2, ReiserFS, Btrfs, VMFS, Hikvision, XFS, UFS, ZFS Yes Yes Yes
DiskInternals RAID Recovery Windows Yes, over 10 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
R-Studio Windows, Mac, Linux Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
UFS Explorer RAID Recovery Windows, Mac, Linux Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
EaseUS Data Recovery Windows Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery Windows 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-6040, feel free to leave a comment!
    Reply
  • Grant Robinson
    Grant Robinson 12.09.2023 15:46 #
    Is it possible to recover data from a NAS D-Link DNS-6040 device that has been infected by malware or viruses?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 12.09.2023 15:59 #

      Yes, it is possible to recover data from a NAS device that has been infected by malware or viruses. However, the process can be complex and may require technical expertise. Here are some general steps you can take:

      1. Disconnect the infected NAS device from the network to prevent further spread of the malware.
      2. Consult with a professional IT expert or a data recovery specialist who has experience with NAS devices and malware infections.
      3. If possible, make a backup of the infected NAS device before attempting any recovery. This will help ensure that you have a copy of the data in case something goes wrong during the recovery process.
      4. Depending on the severity of the infection, you may need to reformat or reinstall the operating system on the NAS device. This will remove the malware but also erase any stored data.
      5. Once the NAS device is clean, you can attempt to recover the data from the backup or use specialized data recovery software or services to retrieve the files.
      6. It's important to note that the success of data recovery depends on various factors such as the extent of the infection, the type of malware, and the condition of the data on the NAS device.

      Remember to regularly update your NAS device's firmware and antivirus software to minimize the risk of future infections.

      Reply
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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 are the main features and benefits of the D-Link DNS-6040 NAS device for home network connections?

    The D-Link DNS-6040 NAS (Network Attached Storage) device offers several features and benefits for home network connections. Some of the main features and benefits include:

    1. Storage and Backup: The DNS-6040 provides a centralized storage solution for all your digital files, allowing you to easily access and share them across your home network. It offers multiple drive bays, allowing you to expand the storage capacity as per your needs. The device also supports various RAID configurations for data redundancy and protection.
    2. Media Streaming: The NAS device supports media streaming, allowing you to stream your music, videos, and photos to various devices in your home network, such as smart TVs, gaming consoles, and mobile devices. It eliminates the need for storing media files on individual devices, freeing up storage space.
    3. Remote Access and File Sharing: With the DNS-6040, you can access your files remotely from anywhere using the internet. It provides secure remote access, allowing you to download, upload, and share files with others. This feature is particularly useful when you are away from home and need to access important files.
    4. Easy Setup and Configuration: The device is designed to be user-friendly, with a simple setup process and intuitive web-based interface. It allows you to easily configure various settings, such as user access permissions, network protocols, and security features.
    5. Data Protection and Security: The DNS-6040 offers various security features to protect your data. It supports encryption protocols, such as SSL/TLS, ensuring secure communication between the device and connected devices. Additionally, it provides backup options, including scheduled backups and cloud backup integration, ensuring your data is protected against loss or damage.
    6. Expandability and Compatibility: The NAS device is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. It also supports a wide range of third-party applications and services, allowing you to expand its functionality as per your requirements.

    Overall, the D-Link DNS-6040 NAS device provides a reliable and versatile storage solution for home networks. It offers easy file sharing, media streaming, remote access, and data protection features, making it an ideal choice for individuals and families looking to centralize their digital files and enhance their home network capabilities.

  • How does the D-Link DNS-6040 NAS device ensure secure and reliable data storage and access within a home network?

    The D-Link DNS-6040 NAS device ensures secure and reliable data storage and access within a home network through several mechanisms:

    1. User authentication: The device supports user authentication, requiring users to enter a username and password to access the stored data. This helps prevent unauthorized access to the NAS device.
    2. Access control: The NAS device allows the administrator to set access controls and permissions for different users or groups. This ensures that only authorized individuals can access specific files or folders, adding an extra layer of security.
    3. Data encryption: The DNS-6040 NAS device supports data encryption, allowing users to encrypt their sensitive data stored on the device. This ensures that even if the physical device is compromised, the data remains secure.
    4. RAID technology: The device supports RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) technology, which allows for data redundancy and increased reliability. By storing data across multiple hard drives, the NAS device can withstand drive failures without losing any data.
    5. Backup and synchronization: The DNS-6040 NAS device offers backup and synchronization capabilities, allowing users to automatically back up their important files or synchronize data across multiple devices. This ensures that data is protected and readily available in case of accidental deletion or device failure.
    6. Firewall and network security: The device may have built-in firewall features to protect against external threats. It may also support various network security protocols, such as VPN (Virtual Private Network), to establish secure connections between remote devices and the NAS device.
    7. Firmware updates: D-Link regularly releases firmware updates for its NAS devices to address any security vulnerabilities and improve overall performance. Keeping the device's firmware up to date ensures that security patches are applied and any potential issues are resolved.

    By combining these security measures, the D-Link DNS-6040 NAS device provides secure and reliable data storage and access within a home network, protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access and ensuring data integrity.

  • Can the D-Link DNS-6040 NAS device be easily integrated into an existing home network setup, and what steps are involved in setting it up for optimal performance?

    Yes, the D-Link DNS-6040 NAS device can be easily integrated into an existing home network setup. Here are the steps involved in setting it up for optimal performance:

    1. Connect the NAS device to your home network using an Ethernet cable.
    2. Power on the NAS device and wait for it to boot up.
    3. Install any necessary hard drives into the NAS device, following the manufacturer's instructions.
    4. Access the NAS device's web interface by entering its IP address into a web browser on a computer connected to the same network.
    5. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the basic network settings, such as IP address, subnet mask, and gateway.
    6. Create user accounts and set up access permissions for different users if needed.
    7. Configure the network shares and folders on the NAS device, specifying access rights and permissions for each share.
    8. Enable any additional features or services provided by the NAS device, such as media streaming, cloud backup, or remote access.
    9. Set up scheduled backups or RAID configurations if desired.
    10. Test the performance of the NAS device by transferring files to and from it, and make any necessary adjustments to optimize performance, such as adjusting network settings or enabling link aggregation if supported.

    It's important to consult the user manual or documentation provided by D-Link for specific instructions related to the DNS-6040 NAS device.
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