- Why can’t ordinary software tools restore files from RAID?
- How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Why can’t ordinary software tools restore files from RAID?
Conventional hard disks keep user’s data by writing it to their surface in a consecutive way, and this is how an entire file is stored on a single hard disk. However, when data is written to a RAID system, a file is divided into several parts. Then these parts are written consecutively to all hard disks within such array. The size of such parts may range from 2 KB to 2 MB, so each file is stored on several hard disks at the same time.
Such approach helps to speed up read and write operations, and it is evident that saving two parts of a file having the size of 1 GB to two hard disks simultaneously is much faster than saving the same 1 GB of data to one hard disk. However, this peculiarity makes file recovery more complicated.
Various RAID levels store information in different ways. Additionally, manufacturers like Digiever also introduce some modifications to this process, and that is why data can be written to hard disk in a wide variety of ways.
Are there any known issues or limitations when using NAS Digiever DS-16356-RM Pro+ devices with virtualization platforms such as VMware or Hyper-V?
There are a few known issues and limitations when using NAS Digiever DS-16356-RM Pro+ devices with virtualization platforms like VMware or Hyper-V. Some of these include:
- Limited storage capacity: The DS-16356-RM Pro+ has a maximum storage capacity, so you may need to consider additional storage options if your virtualization environment requires more space.
- Limited scalability: The DS-16356-RM Pro+ has a fixed number of drive bays, which limits its scalability. If you need to expand your storage capacity in the future, you may need to consider other NAS models.
- Performance limitations: The DS-16356-RM Pro+ may have performance limitations when running virtual machines, especially if you have multiple VMs running simultaneously. It's important to consider the workload and performance requirements of your virtualization environment.
- Compatibility issues: While the DS-16356-RM Pro+ is compatible with VMware and Hyper-V, there may be compatibility issues with specific versions or features of these virtualization platforms. It's recommended to check the compatibility matrix provided by Digiever and the virtualization platform vendor.
- Limited support for advanced virtualization features: The DS-16356-RM Pro+ may not support advanced virtualization features such as live migration, high availability, or advanced storage features offered by VMware or Hyper-V. It's important to verify the supported features before implementing the NAS in your virtualization environment.
It's always recommended to consult the product documentation, support resources, and contact Digiever support for specific limitations and known issues related to your specific use case.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS DS-16356-RM Pro+ can be accessed over the network, you still need to take the hard disks out of the storage device and connect them to a Windows computer. Only in this case will the software be able to scan them properly. Here is what you should do:
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Turn off the storage and disconnect it from the power supply.
WARNING! Before you start taking hard disks out of your NAS device, read the manual carefully. Incorrect actions may damage your network-attached storage and/or the hard disks within the RAID system.
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Take the hard disks out of the NAS one by one, carefully removing them from their slots. Remember that the disks are extremely vulnerable: hitting or dropping them may result in serious physical damage.
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Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.
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Remove the hard disks and connect them to the computer. In this video, we have explored what ports are used to connect hard disks, and what to do if there are not enough ports or connectors.
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Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Digiever DS-16356-RM Pro+. The hard disks that make up the RAID contain technical information about the algorithm used to save files. When launched, Hetman RAID Recovery reads this information and puts the damaged array together. Then you can open the disk and save your files. Also, you can recover the files accidentally deleted from the network drive.
How to recover data from a Digiever
DS-16356-RM Pro+ 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;
Safe recovery from disk images
This utility lets you save an entire copy of the disk to file and then work with this image instead of the actual disk. Such feature helps to protect data on the disk from:
- Overwriting during the recovery process;
- Loss resulting from bad sectors;
- User mistakes.
To create an image, do the following:
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Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.
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Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.
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When the image creation wizard starts, you can choose to save the entire disk or select only a part of it. Specify the parameters and click Next.
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At this stage, you need to choose a directory where to save the image. Choose any disk connected to this PC, or save the image by FTP.
Where are user’s files stored?
The Digiever DS-16356-RM Pro+ 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.
Comparison of software for RAID recovery
| Product | Operating system | License type | RAID controller support | Supported file systems | Virtual RAID controller support | Data recovery from damaged RAID | File preview |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hetman RAID Recovery | Windows | Paid | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DiskInternals RAID Recovery | Windows | Paid | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
| R-Studio | Windows, Mac, Linux | Paid | Yes, over 200 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| UFS Explorer RAID Recovery | Windows, Mac, Linux | Paid | Yes, over 1,000 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| EaseUS Data Recovery | Windows | Paid | Yes, over 20 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
| ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery | Windows | Free | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
It is possible to recover data from a NAS Digiever DS-16356-RM Pro+ device even if it is experiencing frequent disconnections or network errors. However, the success of data recovery depends on the specific cause of the disconnections or errors.
If the disconnections or errors are due to hardware failures, such as a faulty network card or hard drive, it may be necessary to replace the faulty components before attempting data recovery. In such cases, it is recommended to contact Digiever support or a professional data recovery service for assistance.
If the disconnections or errors are due to network issues, such as unstable network connections or misconfiguration, it may be possible to resolve the issues and regain access to the data. Troubleshooting steps may include checking network cables, router settings, or contacting network administrators for assistance.
In any case, it is important to ensure that regular backups of the data stored on the NAS device are maintained to minimize the risk of data loss.