NAS Digiever DS-4012 Data Recovery: Efficient RAID Array Methods

Has your NAS Digiever DS-4012 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?

NAS Digiever DS-4012 Data Recovery: Efficient RAID Array Methods
Data Recovery Tool

Digiever DS-4012 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 DS-4012. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

NAS Digiever DS-4012 Data Recovery: Efficient RAID Array Methods

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Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
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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.

How frequently should data be backed up to prevent loss on NAS Digiever DS-4012 devices?

To prevent loss of data on NAS Digiever DS-4012 devices, it is recommended to back up the data regularly. The frequency of backups depends on the importance of the data and the rate at which it is being updated or modified.

For critical data that is frequently changing, it is advisable to perform daily backups or even multiple backups throughout the day. This ensures that the most recent version of the data is always available in case of any unexpected issues or failures.

For less critical data that is not frequently updated, weekly or monthly backups may be sufficient. However, it is important to assess the value of the data and the impact of potential loss to determine the appropriate backup frequency.

In addition to regular backups, it is also recommended to test the backup process periodically to verify that the data can be successfully restored if needed.

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

Although the NAS DS-4012 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 DS-4012. 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

DS-4012 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 DS-4012 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

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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 DS-4012, feel free to leave a comment!
    Reply
  • Cyrus Chase
    Cyrus Chase 24.08.2023 12:51 #
    Can data recovery from a NAS Digiever DS-4012 device be performed if there are issues with the storage controller?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 24.08.2023 13:59 #

      Data recovery from a NAS Digiever DS-4012 device can be challenging if there are issues with the storage controller. The storage controller is responsible for managing the storage drives and data access, so if it is malfunctioning, it may prevent access to the data stored on the drives.

      In such cases, it is recommended to contact a professional data recovery service. They have specialized tools and expertise to deal with complex data recovery scenarios, including issues with storage controllers. They can assess the situation, diagnose the problem, and attempt to recover the data from the NAS device.

      It is important to note that data recovery from a faulty storage controller can be a time-consuming and expensive process. Therefore, it is crucial to have regular backups of important data to minimize the impact of such issues.

      Reply
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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.

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Questions and answers

  • What are the necessary steps to remotely access files on the NAS Digiever DS-4012?

    To remotely access files on the NAS Digiever DS-4012, you can follow these necessary steps:

    1. Connect the NAS to your local network: Ensure that the NAS is properly connected to your local network using an Ethernet cable.
    2. Configure the network settings: Access the NAS administration interface by typing its IP address in a web browser. Login with the administrator credentials and configure the network settings, including IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS server.
    3. Enable remote access: In the NAS administration interface, navigate to the remote access settings. Enable any necessary protocols like FTP, SMB, or NFS based on your requirements. Configure port forwarding on your router to forward the appropriate ports to the NAS's IP address.
    4. Set up user accounts and permissions: Create user accounts with appropriate permissions for accessing the files on the NAS. Assign read/write permissions to specific folders or shares as needed.
    5. Configure firewall settings: Ensure that your router or firewall allows incoming connections to the NAS on the configured ports. Set up any necessary port forwarding rules.
    6. Set up dynamic DNS (optional): If your ISP assigns a dynamic IP address to your network, consider setting up dynamic DNS (DDNS) to assign a domain name to your network. This allows you to access the NAS using a domain name instead of the changing IP address.
    7. Install and configure remote access software: Install the necessary software on your remote device (computer, smartphone, etc.) to access the NAS remotely. This could be a file explorer app, FTP client, or NAS-specific software provided by Digiever.
    8. Access the NAS remotely: Launch the remote access software on your device and enter the NAS's IP address or domain name. Authenticate with the user credentials you set up earlier. You should now be able to browse and access the files on the NAS remotely.

    Note: The exact steps may vary slightly depending on the firmware version of your Digiever DS-4012 NAS and the specific features it offers. It's recommended to consult the user manual or Digiever's support documentation for detailed instructions specific to your NAS model.

  • Can you explain the security measures in place to ensure safe access to files on the NAS Digiever DS-4012 from a remote location?

    The Digiever DS-4012 NAS (Network Attached Storage) device provides several security measures to ensure safe access to files from a remote location. Some of the key security features include:

    1. User Authentication: The DS-4012 supports various authentication methods such as username/password, LDAP, and Active Directory. This ensures that only authorized users can access the files remotely.
    2. Secure Network Protocols: The NAS supports secure network protocols like SSL/TLS for data encryption during transmission. This prevents unauthorized access or eavesdropping on the network.
    3. Access Control Lists (ACL): The DS-4012 allows administrators to set up access control lists, defining which users or groups have access to specific files or folders. This ensures that only authorized individuals can access sensitive data remotely.
    4. Firewall and IP Filtering: The NAS can be configured to restrict access based on IP addresses or IP ranges. This helps in preventing unauthorized access from unknown or suspicious sources.
    5. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): The DS-4012 supports two-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a unique code generated on a mobile device, in addition to the username/password.
    6. Data Encryption: The NAS supports data encryption at rest, ensuring that the files stored on the device are encrypted and protected from unauthorized access, even if the physical device is stolen.
    7. Intrusion Detection and Prevention: The NAS may have built-in intrusion detection and prevention systems that monitor and block any suspicious activities or attempts to breach the system's security.
    8. Regular Firmware Updates: The manufacturer regularly releases firmware updates to address any security vulnerabilities or issues. It is essential to keep the NAS firmware up to date to ensure the latest security features are in place.

    It is important to note that while the DS-4012 NAS provides several security measures, it is crucial for users to follow best practices such as using strong passwords, regularly updating firmware, and implementing additional security measures like VPNs for secure remote access.

  • Are there any limitations or specific requirements for accessing files on the NAS Digiever DS-4012 remotely, such as network configurations or software compatibility?

    Yes, there are certain limitations and requirements for accessing files on the Digiever DS-4012 NAS remotely. Here are some key points to consider:

    1. Network Configuration: To access the NAS remotely, you need to ensure that the NAS is connected to a network with internet connectivity. The NAS should have a valid IP address and be accessible from outside the local network. This may require appropriate network configurations, such as port forwarding on the router.
    2. Dynamic DNS or Static IP: If your internet connection has a dynamic IP address, it is recommended to use a Dynamic DNS (DDNS) service. DDNS allows you to access the NAS using a domain name, even if the IP address changes. Alternatively, you can use a static IP address provided by your internet service provider.
    3. Port Forwarding: You may need to configure port forwarding on your router to allow remote access to the NAS. Typically, you need to forward ports like 80 (HTTP) and 443 (HTTPS) for web access, and ports like 5000 (HTTP) and 5001 (HTTPS) for file access. The specific ports may vary depending on the NAS configuration.
    4. Firewall Settings: Ensure that your firewall settings do not block the required ports for remote access. You may need to allow incoming connections on the necessary ports to enable remote file access.
    5. Software Compatibility: To access files on the Digiever DS-4012 remotely, you can use various methods such as web browsers, FTP clients, or Digiever's own software. Ensure that the software or application you plan to use is compatible with the NAS model and its firmware version.
    6. User Permissions and Authentication: Set up appropriate user permissions and authentication methods on the NAS to control remote access. This ensures that only authorized users can access the files remotely.

    It is recommended to refer to the Digiever DS-4012 NAS user manual or consult the Digiever support team for specific instructions and guidelines related to remote file access.
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