NAS Digiever DFS-16332-RM Data Recovery: How to Handle RAID Arrays

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Digiever DFS-16332-RM
• 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 Digiever 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 Digiever DFS-16332-RM devices to different operating systems or platforms?

The Digiever DFS-16332-RM NAS devices are compatible with various operating systems and platforms, but there may be some limitations and compatibility issues depending on the specific requirements and configurations. Here are a few points to consider:

1. File System Compatibility: The Digiever DFS-16332-RM NAS devices typically support multiple file systems such as NTFS, FAT32, and exFAT. While NTFS is the most commonly used file system in Windows, it may have limited compatibility with some non-Windows platforms like macOS or Linux. Compatibility with different file systems may vary, so it is recommended to check the device's documentation for specific details.
2. Network Protocols: The Digiever NAS devices support various network protocols such as SMB/CIFS, NFS, FTP, and WebDAV. These protocols are widely supported across different operating systems and platforms. However, it is essential to ensure that the specific operating system or platform you are using supports the network protocol required for accessing the NAS device.
3. Access Control and Authentication: The Digiever NAS devices offer various authentication methods like local user accounts, Active Directory, LDAP, etc. While most operating systems and platforms can connect to NAS devices using standard authentication methods, there might be some limitations or configuration requirements when integrating with specific authentication systems.
4. Software and Firmware Updates: To ensure compatibility and optimal performance, it is crucial to keep the NAS device's software and firmware up to date. Regularly check for updates provided by Digiever and follow the recommended upgrade procedures.
5. Third-Party Software and Applications: If you plan to use third-party software or applications to access or manage the NAS device, ensure that they are compatible with the operating system and platform you are using. Some software or applications may have specific requirements or limitations when connecting to NAS devices.

It is always recommended to consult the official documentation or contact Digiever support for detailed information about compatibility and limitations specific to your operating system or platform.

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

Although the NAS DFS-16332-RM 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.

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   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 Digiever DFS-16332-RM. 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.

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How to recover data from a Digiever

DFS-16332-RM has 16 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

• RAID 0;
• RAID 1;
• RAID 5;
• RAID 6;
• RAID 50;
• RAID 60;
• 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 Digiever DFS-16332-RM 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