Optimizing RAID Arrays for NAS Digiever DFS-4164 Data Recovery

Has your NAS Digiever DFS-4164 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?

Optimizing RAID Arrays for NAS Digiever DFS-4164 Data Recovery

Digiever DFS-4164 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 DFS-4164. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

Optimizing RAID Arrays for NAS Digiever DFS-4164 Data Recovery

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

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.

Can encryption safeguard data stored on NAS Digiever DFS-4164 devices?

Yes, encryption can safeguard data stored on NAS Digiever DFS-4164 devices. The Digiever DFS-4164 devices support various encryption methods, such as AES 256-bit encryption, to protect the data stored on the NAS. This encryption ensures that even if unauthorized access occurs, the data remains encrypted and unreadable without the proper encryption key. It adds an extra layer of security to prevent data breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information stored on the NAS device.

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

Although the NAS DFS-4164 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 Digiever DFS-4164. 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 Digiever

How to recover data from a Digiever

DFS-4164 has 4 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • RAID 0;
  • RAID 1;
  • RAID 5;
  • RAID 6;
  • 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 Digiever DFS-4164 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

Feedback

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 DFS-4164, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Flint Rogers
    Flint Rogers 24.08.2023 08:52 #
    Is it possible to recover data from a physically damaged NAS Digiever DFS-4164 device?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 24.08.2023 10:00 #

      It is possible to recover data from a physically damaged NAS Digiever DFS-4164 device, but it can be challenging and may require the assistance of a professional data recovery service.

      Here are a few steps you can take to attempt data recovery from a physically damaged NAS device:

      1. Assess the damage: Determine the extent of the physical damage to the device. If the damage is severe, such as a broken or damaged circuit board, it may require professional help.
      2. Replace damaged parts: If you have technical expertise, you may be able to replace damaged parts, such as the power supply or hard drives, with compatible components. This can potentially allow the device to power on and access the data.
      3. Connect the drives to another system: If the hard drives are undamaged, you can remove them from the damaged NAS device and connect them to another computer or NAS device to attempt data recovery. Ensure you use compatible connectors and take proper precautions to avoid further damage.
      4. Use data recovery software: Once the drives are connected to a working system, you can try using data recovery software to scan and recover data from the damaged drives. There are several data recovery software options available, both free and paid, that can help with this process.
      5. Seek professional help: If the above steps do not yield satisfactory results or if you are not comfortable performing the recovery yourself, it is recommended to seek the assistance of a professional data recovery service. They have specialized tools and expertise to deal with physically damaged devices and can increase the chances of successful data recovery.

      Remember, data recovery from physically damaged devices can be complex and success is not guaranteed. It is always advisable to have regular backups of your important data to avoid such situations.

Post comment
User
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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.

Share

Questions and answers

  • What are the key features and capabilities of the NAS Digiever DFS-4164 that make it suitable for surveillance system applications?

    The NAS Digiever DFS-4164 is designed specifically for surveillance system applications and offers several key features and capabilities that make it suitable for such use. Some of these features include:

    1. High Capacity Storage: The DFS-4164 offers up to 64TB of storage capacity, allowing for the storage of large amounts of surveillance footage.
    2. RAID Support: It supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10 configurations, providing data redundancy and protection against drive failures.
    3. Advanced Video Analytics: The DFS-4164 supports advanced video analytics, such as motion detection, tampering detection, and people counting, enabling more efficient and effective surveillance monitoring.
    4. Multiple Camera Support: It can support up to 64 IP cameras, allowing for a comprehensive surveillance system with multiple camera feeds.
    5. Remote Access and Monitoring: The NAS can be accessed and monitored remotely through a web browser or mobile app, providing flexibility and convenience for surveillance system management.
    6. Intelligent Search and Playback: The DFS-4164 offers intelligent search and playback capabilities, allowing users to quickly find specific video footage based on time, date, or event.
    7. Scalability: The NAS can be easily expanded by adding additional storage units, allowing for scalability as surveillance needs grow.
    8. Data Backup and Archiving: It supports various backup and archiving options, including local backup, remote backup, and cloud backup, ensuring the safety and availability of surveillance footage.
    9. Integration with VMS: The DFS-4164 seamlessly integrates with various video management software (VMS) platforms, providing a unified and centralized surveillance system management interface.
    10. Data Protection and Security: The NAS offers data encryption, user access controls, and other security features to protect the integrity and privacy of surveillance data.

    Overall, the key features and capabilities of the NAS Digiever DFS-4164 make it a reliable and efficient solution for surveillance system applications, providing ample storage, advanced analytics, remote access, scalability, and data protection.

  • How does the NAS Digiever DFS-4164 ensure data security and reliability for surveillance footage storage?

    The NAS Digiever DFS-4164 ensures data security and reliability for surveillance footage storage through several mechanisms:

    1. RAID Technology: The DFS-4164 supports various RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60. RAID provides data redundancy by distributing data across multiple hard drives, ensuring that even if one drive fails, the data can still be accessed and reconstructed from the remaining drives.
    2. Data Encryption: The DFS-4164 supports AES-256 bit encryption for data stored on the NAS. This encryption ensures that even if someone gains unauthorized access to the NAS, they cannot read or access the stored surveillance footage without the encryption key.
    3. User Access Control: The NAS has robust user access control mechanisms, allowing administrators to create multiple user accounts with different levels of access privileges. This ensures that only authorized personnel can access and manage the surveillance footage stored on the NAS.
    4. Network Security: The DFS-4164 supports various network security protocols, including HTTPS, SSH, and SSL/TLS encryption. These protocols ensure secure communication between the NAS and client devices, preventing unauthorized interception or tampering of data during transmission.
    5. Redundant Power Supply and Cooling: The NAS is equipped with redundant power supplies and cooling systems to ensure uninterrupted operation and prevent hardware failures due to power or thermal issues.
    6. Data Integrity and Verification: The DFS-4164 supports features like data scrubbing and checksum verification. Data scrubbing regularly checks the data stored on the NAS for errors and corrects them if detected. Checksum verification ensures data integrity by verifying the integrity of data during read and write operations.
    7. Backup and Snapshot: The NAS supports various backup and snapshot mechanisms, allowing administrators to create regular backups of surveillance footage. Snapshots enable point-in-time recovery, allowing users to restore the NAS to a previous state in case of accidental data deletion or corruption.
    8. Surveillance-specific Features: The DFS-4164 is designed specifically for surveillance applications, providing features like video analytics, motion detection, and event-based recording. These features help optimize storage usage and ensure that only relevant footage is stored, reducing the risk of data loss or unauthorized access.

    Overall, the NAS Digiever DFS-4164 employs a combination of hardware and software features to ensure data security, reliability, and integrity for surveillance footage storage.

  • Can the NAS Digiever DFS-4164 be easily integrated with existing surveillance cameras and management software? If so, what are the recommended steps and compatibility requirements?

    Yes, the NAS Digiever DFS-4164 can be easily integrated with existing surveillance cameras and management software. Here are the recommended steps and compatibility requirements:

    1. Camera Compatibility: Ensure that your existing surveillance cameras are compatible with the Digiever DFS-4164 NAS. The NAS supports a wide range of IP cameras from various manufacturers. You can check the compatibility list provided by Digiever to verify if your cameras are supported.
    2. Network Configuration: Connect the Digiever DFS-4164 NAS to your existing network infrastructure. Ensure that the NAS and cameras are on the same network subnet for seamless integration.
    3. Camera Configuration: Configure the IP cameras to stream video to the Digiever NAS. This typically involves setting up the camera's IP address, port, and video stream settings. Refer to the camera's documentation for specific instructions.
    4. NAS Configuration: Access the Digiever NAS web interface and configure the camera settings. Add each camera to the NAS by entering the camera's IP address, port, and authentication credentials. The NAS should automatically detect the camera and start receiving video streams.
    5. Management Software Integration: If you have existing surveillance management software, check if it is compatible with the Digiever NAS. The NAS supports various VMS (Video Management Software) platforms, including Digiever CMS, Digiever NVR+, Milestone XProtect, and more. Install the necessary plugins or software components to integrate the Digiever NAS with your chosen management software.
    6. Testing and Verification: Once the integration is complete, test the connectivity and functionality of the cameras through the management software. Verify that you can view live video feeds, record video, and access other features provided by the management software.

    It is recommended to consult the Digiever DFS-4164 NAS documentation and support resources for detailed instructions specific to your setup.