Key Techniques for RAID Array Recovery in NAS Digiever DS-16549-RM Pro+

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Digiever DS-16549-RM Pro+
• 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 recommended best practices for securely storing usernames and passwords on NAS Digiever DS-16549-RM Pro+ devices?

Yes, there are several recommended best practices for securely storing usernames and passwords on NAS Digiever DS-16549-RM Pro+ devices. Here are some of them:

1. Use strong and unique passwords: Ensure that you use strong passwords that are difficult to guess. Avoid using common passwords or easily guessable information like birthdates or names. Additionally, use a different password for each account to minimize the impact if one password is compromised.
2. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA whenever possible to add an extra layer of security. This requires users to provide an additional verification method, such as a code sent to their mobile device, in addition to their username and password.
3. Regularly update firmware and software: Keep your NAS device's firmware and software up to date. Manufacturers often release updates to address security vulnerabilities, so it's important to install these updates as soon as they become available.
4. Disable unnecessary services: Disable any unnecessary services or features on the NAS device to reduce the attack surface. Only enable the services that are required for your specific use case.
5. Use strong encryption: Ensure that your data is encrypted both at rest and in transit. Enable encryption options provided by the NAS device, such as AES-256 encryption, to protect your data from unauthorized access.
6. Implement proper access controls: Assign appropriate access permissions to users and groups. Only grant access to the necessary files and folders, and regularly review and update these permissions as needed.
7. Regularly backup your data: Implement a regular backup strategy to ensure that your data is protected in case of any unforeseen events, such as hardware failure or ransomware attacks. Store the backups in a secure location separate from the NAS device.
8. Physically secure the NAS device: Ensure that the NAS device is physically secured in a locked room or cabinet to prevent unauthorized physical access.
9. Educate users about security best practices: Train users on the importance of strong passwords, phishing awareness, and other security best practices. Regularly remind them to follow these practices to minimize the risk of security breaches.

It's important to note that these best practices are general recommendations and may need to be adapted based on your specific requirements and the capabilities of the NAS Digiever DS-16549-RM Pro+ device.

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

Although the NAS DS-16549-RM Pro+ 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 DS-16549-RM Pro+. 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

DS-16549-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;

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 DS-16549-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.

RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison