- 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 data fragmentation impact data availability and potential loss on NAS Digiever DS-483192-RM Pro+ devices?
Data fragmentation can impact data availability and potential loss on NAS Digiever DS-483192-RM Pro+ devices in the following ways:
- Performance degradation: Fragmentation occurs when files are stored in non-contiguous blocks on the storage device. This can lead to decreased read and write speeds, causing performance degradation. As a result, accessing and retrieving data from the NAS device may become slower, affecting data availability.
- Increased risk of data loss: Fragmentation can increase the risk of data loss because it makes the file system more susceptible to errors. When files are fragmented, it becomes harder for the NAS device to locate and retrieve all the necessary data blocks. This can result in data corruption or loss, especially if there are any issues with the storage device or file system.
- Reduced storage efficiency: Fragmentation can also reduce storage efficiency on the NAS device. When files are fragmented, they occupy more physical space on the storage device than necessary. This reduces the overall storage capacity available and can lead to premature storage device filling up, potentially causing data loss if there is no space to store new data.
- Difficulty in data recovery: In the event of data loss or corruption, fragmented data can make the recovery process more challenging. Data recovery software or techniques may struggle to piece together fragmented files, leading to incomplete or unsuccessful data recovery attempts.
To mitigate these impacts, regular defragmentation of the NAS device's storage should be performed. Defragmentation rearranges the fragmented data blocks into contiguous blocks, improving performance, reducing the risk of data loss, and optimizing storage efficiency. Additionally, implementing proper backup and disaster recovery strategies can help mitigate the impact of data loss caused by fragmentation or other issues.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS DS-483192-RM Pro+ 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-483192-RM Pro+. 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.
DS-483192-RM Pro+ has 48 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;
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-483192-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.
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 |
Yes, data recovery from a NAS Digiever DS-483192-RM Pro+ device can be done even in cases of RAID system failures. However, the process and success rate of data recovery will depend on the specific nature of the failure and the condition of the drives.
In cases of RAID system failures, it is recommended to contact a professional data recovery service provider with experience in handling RAID systems. They will have the necessary expertise, tools, and techniques to recover data from the failed RAID array.
It's important to note that attempting DIY data recovery or improper handling of the failed RAID system can potentially lead to further data loss or permanent damage. Therefore, it is advisable to seek professional assistance to maximize the chances of successful data recovery.