- 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.
Are there any recommended practices for regular testing and validation of data backups to prevent potential loss on NAS Digiever DS-484192-RM Pro+ devices?
Yes, there are recommended practices for regular testing and validation of data backups to prevent potential loss on NAS Digiever DS-484192-RM Pro+ devices. Here are some suggestions:
- Regularly schedule backup tests: Set up a regular backup testing schedule to ensure that backups are functioning correctly. This can be done weekly, monthly, or based on your organization's requirements.
- Perform test restores: Regularly restore a subset of backed-up data to ensure that the restore process is working properly. This will help identify any issues with the backup files or the restore process itself.
- Verify data integrity: Use tools or software provided by Digiever to verify the integrity of the backup data. This ensures that the data has not been corrupted or modified during the backup process.
- Monitor backup logs: Regularly review the backup logs provided by the Digiever DS-484192-RM Pro+ device to ensure that backups are completing successfully without errors or warnings. Investigate and resolve any issues identified in the logs.
- Test disaster recovery procedures: In addition to regular backup testing, periodically test your disaster recovery procedures. This involves simulating a complete system failure and restoring data from backups to ensure that you can recover data in case of a disaster.
- Keep backups off-site: It is recommended to keep a copy of backups off-site to protect against physical damage or loss of the primary NAS device. This can be done by replicating data to another Digiever NAS device located in a different location or by using cloud storage services.
- Regularly update firmware and software: Keep the Digiever DS-484192-RM Pro+ device firmware and backup software up to date to ensure that you have the latest bug fixes and security patches.
Remember, it is essential to document and maintain a backup and recovery plan that includes the above practices. Regularly review and update the plan as needed to adapt to changes in your organization's infrastructure and data protection requirements.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS DS-484192-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-484192-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.
How to recover data from a Digiever
DS-484192-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-484192-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 can still be performed from a NAS Digiever DS-484192-RM Pro+ device even if there are issues with the motherboard or system board. In such cases, the data recovery process typically involves removing the hard drives from the NAS device and connecting them to another system or using specialized data recovery equipment. By accessing the hard drives directly, the data can be recovered regardless of the condition of the motherboard or system board. However, it is recommended to consult with a professional data recovery service for assistance in such situations to ensure the best chances of successful recovery.