- 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.
How can RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations impact data loss in NAS Digiever DS-4120-RM devices?
RAID configurations can have a significant impact on data loss in NAS Digiever DS-4120-RM devices. Here are a few ways RAID can affect data loss:
- Data Redundancy: RAID configurations, such as RAID 1 or RAID 5, provide data redundancy by storing multiple copies of data across multiple disks. In case of a disk failure, the redundant copies can be used to rebuild the data and prevent data loss.
- Fault Tolerance: RAID configurations with parity, such as RAID 5 or RAID 6, can tolerate the failure of one or more disks without losing data. The parity information stored across the disks allows for data reconstruction in case of disk failures.
- Hot Spare: Some RAID configurations support the use of a hot spare disk, which remains idle until a disk failure occurs. When a disk fails, the hot spare automatically replaces the failed disk, minimizing the downtime and reducing the risk of data loss.
- Performance Impact: RAID configurations can impact data loss indirectly by affecting performance. For example, RAID 0 offers improved performance by striping data across multiple disks but does not provide any redundancy. If one disk fails in RAID 0, all data on that disk is lost.
- Rebuild Process: When a disk fails in a RAID configuration, the system initiates a rebuild process to reconstruct the data on the failed disk. During this process, the system is vulnerable to additional disk failures, which can lead to data loss if there is no redundancy or backup.
It's important to note that while RAID configurations can provide some level of protection against data loss, they are not foolproof. Other factors such as human error, software issues, or natural disasters can still result in data loss. Therefore, it is recommended to have additional backup measures in place, such as regular off-site backups, to further mitigate the risk of data loss.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS DS-4120-RM 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-4120-RM. 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-4120-RM 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;
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-4120-RM 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 device like the Digiever DS-4120-RM even if it is not powering on. However, it depends on the specific cause of the power failure.
If the power issue is related to a hardware failure or a problem with the device itself, data recovery may require professional assistance. In such cases, you can contact a data recovery service provider who specializes in NAS devices.
If the power failure is due to a problem with the power supply or a loose connection, you may be able to resolve it by replacing the power supply or fixing the connection issue. Once the device powers on, you can access and recover your data.
It is important to note that attempting any DIY repairs or data recovery procedures may further damage the device or lead to data loss. Therefore, seeking professional help is recommended to ensure the best chance of successful data recovery.