RAID Array Strategies for Optimal NAS Digiever DS-4212 UHD Data Recovery

Contents

• 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?
  • Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • Safe recovery from disk images
  • Where are user’s files stored?
  • Comparison of software for RAID recovery

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.

Are there any compatibility issues or limitations when connecting NAS Digiever DS-4212 UHD devices to different operating systems or platforms?

The Digiever DS-4212 UHD NAS devices are compatible with various operating systems and platforms, but there may be some limitations or compatibility issues depending on the specific configuration and requirements. Here are a few factors to consider:

1. Network Protocol Support: The DS-4212 UHD NAS devices typically support standard network protocols such as SMB/CIFS, NFS, FTP, and HTTP. These protocols are widely supported by different operating systems and platforms. However, it is essential to ensure that the specific operating system or platform you are using supports the required network protocol for accessing the NAS.
2. File System Compatibility: The DS-4212 UHD NAS devices support different file systems such as EXT4, NTFS, and exFAT. While most operating systems can read and write to these file systems, there might be limitations or compatibility issues with certain file system features. For example, some advanced file system features may not be fully supported by older operating systems or platforms.
3. User Authentication and Access Control: The DS-4212 UHD NAS devices provide various user authentication and access control mechanisms, including local user accounts, LDAP, and Active Directory integration. While these mechanisms are generally compatible with different operating systems and platforms, there might be some configuration differences or limitations based on the specific authentication protocols and settings supported by the operating system or platform.
4. Software and Firmware Updates: To ensure compatibility and optimal performance, it is important to keep the NAS device's software and firmware up to date. Digiever regularly releases updates and patches to address compatibility issues and improve functionality. It is recommended to check for and apply these updates periodically.

In summary, while the Digiever DS-4212 UHD NAS devices are compatible with various operating systems and platforms, it is crucial to consider the specific requirements, network protocols, file systems, and authentication mechanisms to ensure seamless integration and functionality. Consulting the device's documentation or contacting Digiever support can provide more specific information based on your setup.

How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?

Although NAS DS-4212 UHD 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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.

4. 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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   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Digiever DS-4212 UHD. 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.

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How to recover data from a Digiever

DS-4212 UHD 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:

1. Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.

2. Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.

3. 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.

   

4. 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-4212 UHD 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