How to Avoid Data Loss on NAS D-Link DNS-6040M and Restore Files That Were Deleted

Has your NAS D-Link DNS-6040M 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 Avoid Data Loss on NAS D-Link DNS-6040M and Restore Files That Were Deleted

D-Link DNS-6040M 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-6040M. 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 Avoid Data Loss on NAS D-Link DNS-6040M and Restore Files That Were Deleted

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.

Are there any compatibility issues or limitations when connecting NAS D-Link DNS-6040M devices to different operating systems or platforms?

When connecting D-Link DNS-6040M NAS devices to different operating systems or platforms, there may be some compatibility issues or limitations to consider:

  1. File System Compatibility: The D-Link DNS-6040M NAS device typically supports multiple file systems such as NTFS, FAT32, HFS+, and exFAT. However, certain operating systems may have limitations or lack support for specific file systems. For example, Windows-based systems may not natively support HFS+ (Mac OS Extended) file system, requiring additional software or drivers to access the NAS.
  2. Network Protocol Support: The DNS-6040M NAS device supports various network protocols like SMB/CIFS, AFP, FTP, and NFS. While most operating systems provide support for standard protocols like SMB/CIFS, AFP (Apple Filing Protocol) may have limited support on non-Apple platforms. Similarly, NFS (Network File System) support may vary across different operating systems.
  3. Software and Firmware Updates: The compatibility of the NAS device may depend on the software or firmware version it runs. It is essential to check for updates and ensure that the device firmware is up to date to ensure compatibility with the latest operating systems or platforms.
  4. Third-Party Applications: Some NAS devices, including the DNS-6040M, offer additional features and functionality through third-party applications or add-ons. The availability and compatibility of these applications may vary across different operating systems or platforms. It is recommended to check the compatibility of specific applications with the intended operating system before installation.
  5. User Interface: The DNS-6040M NAS device typically provides a web-based user interface for configuration and management. While this interface is usually accessible from any operating system or platform with a compatible web browser, there may be slight differences in the user experience or interface responsiveness across different systems.

To ensure compatibility and avoid limitations, it is advisable to consult the product documentation, check for any specific compatibility requirements or recommendations, and verify the compatibility with the intended operating system or platform before purchasing or connecting the D-Link DNS-6040M NAS device.

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

Although the NAS DNS-6040M 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-6040M. 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-6040M 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-6040M 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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We will be happy to answer your questions!

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-6040M, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Norm Cooper
    Norm Cooper 12.09.2023 11:51 #
    Are there any specific techniques used in data recovery from NAS D-Link DNS-6040M devices with RAID configurations?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 12.09.2023 12:00 #

      There are several techniques that can be used for data recovery from NAS D-Link DNS-6040M devices with RAID configurations. Here are a few commonly employed methods:

      1. Rebuilding RAID array: If the RAID array is still intact but experiencing issues, the first step is to rebuild the array. This involves identifying and resolving any hardware or software problems that may be causing the RAID failure. Once the array is rebuilt, the data can be accessed again.
      2. RAID data recovery software: There are specialized data recovery software tools available that can help recover data from RAID configurations. These tools can analyze the RAID structure, identify missing or corrupted data, and reconstruct the data to recover as much information as possible.
      3. Professional data recovery services: In cases where the RAID array has suffered significant damage or multiple drive failures, it may be necessary to seek professional data recovery services. These experts have specialized hardware and software tools that can recover data from even the most complex RAID configurations. They can disassemble the NAS device, repair any hardware issues, and use advanced techniques to retrieve the data.

      It's important to note that data recovery from RAID configurations can be complex and challenging. It is recommended to consult with a professional data recovery service or an experienced IT specialist to ensure the best chances of successful data retrieval.

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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 key security features and protocols implemented on the NAS D-Link DNS-6040M to ensure data protection?

    The NAS D-Link DNS-6040M implements several key security features and protocols to ensure data protection. Some of these include:

    1. RAID Support: The NAS supports RAID configurations (RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, and JBOD), which provide data redundancy and protection against drive failures.
    2. Access Control: The NAS allows administrators to set up user accounts and access controls, ensuring that only authorized users can access the data stored on the device.
    3. Encryption: The NAS supports AES 256-bit encryption, which ensures that data is encrypted both during transmission and while stored on the device.
    4. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS): The NAS supports SSL/TLS protocols for secure communication between clients and the NAS, preventing unauthorized access or interception of data.
    5. Network Security: The NAS supports various network security protocols like IP filtering, firewall, and network access protection mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access from external networks.
    6. Backup and Disaster Recovery: The NAS supports scheduled backups, incremental backups, and replication to ensure data integrity and availability in case of data loss or system failure.
    7. Antivirus Integration: The NAS can integrate with antivirus software to scan files for malware and viruses, preventing the spread of infected files within the network.
    8. Secure Remote Access: The NAS supports secure remote access protocols like Secure Shell (SSH) and Virtual Private Network (VPN), allowing users to securely access their data from outside the local network.
    9. Data Integrity Checks: The NAS performs data integrity checks using checksums or cyclic redundancy checks (CRC) to detect and correct data corruption or tampering.
    10. Audit Logs and Alerts: The NAS keeps detailed logs of user activities, providing an audit trail for security analysis. It can also generate alerts or notifications for suspicious activities or potential security breaches.

    These security features and protocols help ensure data protection on the NAS D-Link DNS-6040M, safeguarding the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of the stored data.

  • Can you explain the authentication and access control mechanisms used on the NAS D-Link DNS-6040M to prevent unauthorized access to data?

    The D-Link DNS-6040M Network Attached Storage (NAS) device employs several authentication and access control mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access to data. These mechanisms include:

    1. User Authentication: The NAS requires users to authenticate themselves before granting access to data. It supports various authentication methods such as local user accounts, Windows Active Directory integration, and LDAP authentication.
    2. User Access Control: The NAS allows administrators to define user access permissions and privileges. This includes determining which folders or files each user can access, read, write, or modify. Access control lists (ACLs) can be configured to provide granular control over user permissions.
    3. Secure Password Policies: The NAS enforces strong password policies to ensure that users set secure passwords. This may include requirements for minimum password length, complexity, and regular password changes.
    4. Encryption: The NAS supports encryption protocols such as SSL/TLS to secure data transmission over the network. This prevents unauthorized users from intercepting and accessing data packets.
    5. IP Filtering: The NAS can be configured to allow or deny access based on IP addresses or IP ranges. This restricts access to specific trusted networks or devices, preventing unauthorized access from external sources.
    6. Network Share Permissions: The NAS allows administrators to set permissions for network shares, determining which users or groups can access specific shared folders or files. This ensures that only authorized individuals can access the data stored on the NAS.
    7. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Some NAS devices, including certain D-Link models, support 2FA. This adds an additional layer of security by requiring users to provide a second form of authentication, such as a unique code generated by a mobile app or a physical token.
    8. Audit Logs and Alerts: The NAS can generate audit logs that record user activities, including login attempts, file access, and modifications. Administrators can monitor these logs to identify any suspicious or unauthorized activities. Additionally, the NAS can send alerts or notifications to administrators when certain events occur, such as failed login attempts.

    By implementing these authentication and access control mechanisms, the D-Link DNS-6040M NAS device helps ensure that only authorized users can access and manage the stored data, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches.

  • How does the NAS D-Link DNS-6040M handle data encryption and what encryption algorithms are supported to ensure the confidentiality of stored data?

    The NAS D-Link DNS-6040M supports various data encryption methods to ensure the confidentiality of stored data. It uses industry-standard encryption algorithms to protect the data. The specific encryption algorithms supported by the device may vary depending on the firmware version and configuration, but typically include:

    1. AES (Advanced Encryption Standard): AES is a widely used symmetric encryption algorithm that provides strong security and is commonly used for data encryption.
    2. 3DES (Triple Data Encryption Standard): 3DES is a symmetric encryption algorithm that applies the Data Encryption Standard (DES) algorithm three times to each data block, providing enhanced security compared to DES alone.
    3. RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman): RSA is an asymmetric encryption algorithm used for secure key exchange and digital signatures. It is commonly used in conjunction with symmetric encryption algorithms.
    4. SSL/TLS (Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security): SSL/TLS protocols provide secure communication over a network. They use a combination of symmetric and asymmetric encryption algorithms for data encryption and secure communication between client and server.

    These encryption algorithms ensure that the data stored on the NAS device remains confidential and protected from unauthorized access. It is recommended to review the product documentation or consult the manufacturer for specific details on encryption algorithms supported by the NAS D-Link DNS-6040M.