
- Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
- Key Information About the NAS Digiever DS-16596-RM Pro+
- How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
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 specific network security measures to implement for safeguarding NAS Digiever DS-16596-RM Pro+ devices against data loss?
Yes, there are several network security measures that can be implemented to safeguard NAS Digiever DS-16596-RM Pro+ devices against data loss. Here are some important measures to consider:
- Use strong passwords: Ensure that strong, unique passwords are set for all user accounts on the NAS device, including the administrator account. Avoid using default or easily guessable passwords.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Implement 2FA to add an extra layer of security to the device. This requires users to provide an additional verification code, usually sent to their mobile device, along with their password to log in.
- Regularly update firmware and software: Keep the NAS device's firmware and software up to date to patch any security vulnerabilities. Regularly check for updates and apply them promptly.
- Enable firewall and intrusion detection: Activate the built-in firewall on the NAS device to control incoming and outgoing network traffic. Additionally, consider enabling intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS) to detect and block any suspicious activities.
- Use VLANs or separate subnets: If your network supports it, consider isolating the NAS device on a separate VLAN or subnet. This helps to limit access and prevent unauthorized devices from reaching the NAS.
- Implement access controls: Use access control lists (ACLs) or permissions to restrict access to the NAS device. Only allow necessary users or devices to access specific folders or files.
- Regularly back up data: Implement a regular backup strategy to ensure that important data stored on the NAS device is regularly backed up to an off-site location. This helps to mitigate the impact of data loss in case of a security incident.
- Monitor and log activities: Enable logging and monitoring features on the NAS device to track and analyze user activities and system events. This can help identify any suspicious or unauthorized access attempts.
- Encrypt data in transit and at rest: Enable encryption protocols such as SSL/TLS for data transmission over the network. Additionally, consider enabling encryption for data stored on the NAS device to protect it from unauthorized access.
- Educate users: Train users on best practices for network security, such as avoiding suspicious email attachments, phishing attempts, and using secure connections when accessing the NAS device remotely.
It is important to note that these measures are general recommendations and may vary depending on the specific requirements and capabilities of the Digiever DS-16596-RM Pro+ device. Always refer to the manufacturer's documentation and security guidelines for the device for more specific recommendations.
How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
Although the NAS DS-16596-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:
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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.
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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.
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Label each hard disk according to its position inside the NAS. The order of the drives is crucial for correct RAID reconstruction.
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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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Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Digiever DS-16596-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.
How to recover data from a Digiever
DS-16596-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:
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Ensure you have enough free space to store the image. Its size will typically match the size of the original disk.
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In the main window, select the target disk and choose Tools - Save Disk. You can also select multiple disks if needed.
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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.

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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-16596-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
| 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 |


Yes, data recovery from a non-responsive or frequently freezing NAS Digiever DS-16596-RM Pro+ device can be attempted. However, it is important to note that the success of data recovery depends on the specific cause of the device's unresponsiveness or freezing.
Here are some steps you can take to attempt data recovery:
If the above steps do not resolve the issue, it is advisable to consult a professional data recovery service provider. They have specialized tools and expertise to recover data from malfunctioning NAS devices.