How to Troubleshoot and Recover a Faulty RAID Array from NAS Digiever DS-2012

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Digiever DS-2012
• 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-2012 devices?

Yes, there are several recommended best practices for securely storing usernames and passwords on NAS Digiever DS-2012 devices:

1. Change default credentials: The first and foremost step is to change the default username and password provided by the manufacturer. Use strong, unique passwords that are not easily guessable.
2. Use complex passwords: Ensure that the passwords used for accessing the device are strong and complex. They should include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using common passwords or easily guessable information such as birthdates or names.
3. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): If the device supports two-factor authentication, enable it. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step, such as a code sent to a mobile device, in addition to the username and password.
4. Regularly update firmware: Keep the device's firmware up to date with the latest security patches and updates provided by the manufacturer. This helps protect against known vulnerabilities and exploits.
5. Restrict access: Only provide access to authorized users who need it. Avoid sharing credentials with unnecessary individuals and regularly review and revoke access for users who no longer require it.
6. Use secure protocols: Whenever possible, use secure protocols such as HTTPS for remote access to the device's management interface. This encrypts the communication between the device and the user, making it harder for attackers to intercept sensitive information.
7. Implement network segmentation: Consider segregating the NAS device from the rest of the network using VLANs or other network segmentation techniques. This helps limit the potential impact of a security breach by restricting access to other network resources.
8. Regularly backup data: Create regular backups of the data stored on the NAS device and store them in a secure location. This ensures that even if the device is compromised, the data can be restored from a clean backup.
9. Monitor for suspicious activity: Implement logging and monitoring mechanisms to detect any suspicious activity or unauthorized access attempts. Regularly review logs for any signs of potential security breaches.
10. Educate users: Provide training and awareness programs to users on best practices for password security, phishing attacks, and other common security threats. This helps ensure that users are aware of the risks and take necessary precautions to protect their credentials.

It is important to note that these best practices are general recommendations and may not cover all specific security considerations for the Digiever DS-2012 device. It is advisable to consult the device's documentation and manufacturer's recommendations for any additional security measures specific to the device.

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

Although the NAS DS-2012 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

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Digiever DS-2012. 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

DS-2012 has 2 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

• RAID 0;
• RAID 1;
• 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-2012 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