Preventing Data Loss on NAS D-Link DNS-722-4 and Recovering Deleted Files: Complete Guide

Has your NAS D-Link DNS-722-4 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?

Preventing Data Loss on NAS D-Link DNS-722-4 and Recovering Deleted Files: Complete Guide

D-Link DNS-722-4 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-722-4. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

Preventing Data Loss on NAS D-Link DNS-722-4 and Recovering Deleted Files: Complete Guide

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 hardware upgrades or modifications lead to data loss if not properly executed on NAS D-Link DNS-722-4 devices?

Yes, hardware upgrades or modifications can potentially lead to data loss if not properly executed on NAS D-Link DNS-722-4 devices. When performing hardware upgrades or modifications, there is always a risk of accidentally damaging the storage drives or other components, which could result in data loss. It is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and ensure that backups of important data are made before attempting any hardware changes.

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

Although the NAS DNS-722-4 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-722-4. 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-722-4 has 2 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • RAID 0;
  • RAID 1;
  • 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-722-4 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-722-4, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Alec Bollin
    Alec Bollin 12.09.2023 10:54 #
    Will data recovery from a NAS D-Link DNS-722-4 device affect the existing data?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 12.09.2023 11:59 #

      No, performing data recovery on a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device like the D-Link DNS-722-4 should not affect the existing data. Data recovery processes typically involve scanning the storage media for lost or deleted files and then copying them to a separate location. As long as the recovery process is done correctly, it should not modify or overwrite any existing data on the device. However, it is always recommended to consult with a professional data recovery service or follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure the safety of your data during the recovery process.

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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 (Secure Shell) and how does it work to provide secure remote access to a network device like the NAS D-Link DNS-722-4?

    SSH (Secure Shell) is a cryptographic network protocol that provides secure remote access to network devices. It allows users to securely log in to a remote device over an unsecured network, such as the internet, and perform various tasks.

    When it comes to the NAS D-Link DNS-722-4, SSH enables users to access and manage the device remotely while ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of the data being transmitted. Here's how it works:

    1. Authentication: SSH uses public-key cryptography to authenticate the remote device and the user. The user generates a pair of cryptographic keys: a public key and a private key. The public key is stored on the NAS device, while the private key is kept securely on the user's computer.
    2. Secure Connection Establishment: Once the user initiates an SSH connection to the NAS device, the device sends its public key to the user's SSH client. The client then verifies the authenticity of the device using the stored public key. If the verification is successful, the client generates a random session key for encryption.
    3. Encryption: SSH uses encryption algorithms to secure the communication between the client and the NAS device. All data transmitted over the SSH connection is encrypted, making it difficult for attackers to intercept and understand the information.
    4. Secure Remote Access: Once the SSH connection is established and encrypted, the user can remotely access the NAS device's command-line interface (CLI) or execute specific commands. The user can perform tasks such as file transfers, configuration changes, and system administration.

    Overall, SSH ensures secure remote access to the NAS D-Link DNS-722-4 by employing encryption, authentication, and secure connection establishment protocols. This helps protect sensitive information and prevents unauthorized access to the network device.

  • Can you explain the key features and benefits of using SSH protocol for accessing and managing the NAS D-Link DNS-722-4?

    The SSH (Secure Shell) protocol is a secure method for accessing and managing network devices like the D-Link DNS-722-4 NAS (Network Attached Storage). Here are the key features and benefits of using SSH for this purpose:

    1. Secure Remote Access: SSH provides a secure encrypted connection between your computer and the NAS device, ensuring that your data and credentials are protected from unauthorized access.
    2. Authentication and Encryption: SSH uses public-key cryptography to authenticate the NAS device and the user, preventing unauthorized access. It also encrypts the data transmission, making it difficult for anyone to intercept and interpret the data.
    3. Command-Line Interface (CLI): SSH provides a command-line interface to access and manage the NAS device. This allows advanced users to perform various administrative tasks efficiently and quickly.
    4. Remote File Transfer: SSH supports secure file transfer between your computer and the NAS device. You can securely transfer files to and from the NAS, ensuring the privacy and integrity of your data.
    5. Port Forwarding: SSH allows you to set up port forwarding, which enables you to securely access services running on the NAS device from your computer or other devices on the network. This is useful for accessing web interfaces or other services hosted on the NAS.
    6. Secure Configuration and Management: With SSH, you can securely configure and manage various settings of the NAS device, such as network settings, user accounts, shared folders, and access permissions. This ensures that your NAS is properly configured and protected.
    7. Scripting and Automation: SSH can be used in scripting and automation workflows to perform repetitive tasks on the NAS device. This saves time and effort by automating tasks like backups, synchronization, or data transfers.

    Overall, using SSH protocol for accessing and managing the D-Link DNS-722-4 NAS provides a secure and efficient way to control and configure the device, ensuring the privacy and integrity of your data.

  • How does the NAS D-Link DNS-722-4 utilize SSH protocol to enhance security and protect sensitive data during remote management and file transfers?

    The NAS D-Link DNS-722-4 utilizes the SSH (Secure Shell) protocol to enhance security and protect sensitive data during remote management and file transfers in the following ways:

    1. Encrypted Communication: SSH provides secure, encrypted communication between the NAS device and the remote client. It ensures that data transmitted between the two endpoints cannot be intercepted or tampered with by unauthorized parties.
    2. Authentication: SSH uses public-key cryptography or password-based authentication to verify the identity of the remote client. This prevents unauthorized access to the NAS device and ensures that only authenticated users can remotely manage or transfer files.
    3. Secure File Transfers: SSH enables secure file transfers through protocols like SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) or SCP (Secure Copy). These protocols encrypt the data being transferred, preventing eavesdropping or data interception during file transfers.
    4. Port Forwarding: SSH allows for secure port forwarding, which enables remote access to services running on the NAS device without exposing them directly to the internet. This adds an extra layer of security by keeping the NAS device hidden behind the SSH connection.
    5. Secure Remote Management: By using SSH, the NAS device can be remotely managed through a secure command-line interface (CLI). This allows administrators to securely execute commands, configure settings, and perform maintenance tasks on the device without compromising security.

    Overall, the NAS D-Link DNS-722-4 utilizes the SSH protocol to establish a secure and encrypted connection, authenticate users, protect data during file transfers, and enable secure remote management, thereby enhancing security and safeguarding sensitive data.