Optimizing NAS Digiever DS-8256-SRM Pro+ Data Recovery with RAID Array Tips

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 specific factors to consider when choosing a NAS Digiever DS-8256-SRM Pro+ device to minimize data loss risks?

Yes, there are several factors to consider when choosing a NAS Digiever DS-8256-SRM Pro+ device to minimize data loss risks. Here are some important factors:

1. Redundant Storage: Look for a NAS device that supports RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) technology. RAID configurations such as RAID 1, RAID 5, or RAID 6 provide redundancy by distributing data across multiple drives, ensuring that even if one drive fails, your data remains intact.
2. Backup Options: Check if the NAS device offers built-in backup features. Look for features like scheduled backups, remote replication, and cloud backup integration. These options can help create additional copies of your data, reducing the risk of data loss.
3. Scalability and Expansion: Consider the scalability of the NAS device. Ensure that it supports expansion by adding more drives or connecting additional external storage devices. This allows you to increase storage capacity as your data grows, minimizing the risk of running out of storage space.
4. Power Protection: Look for a NAS device that includes power protection features such as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) support. Power outages or surges can lead to data corruption or loss, so having power protection can help safeguard your data.
5. Data Encryption: If data security is a concern, choose a NAS device that supports data encryption. Encryption ensures that your data is protected even if unauthorized access occurs, reducing the risk of data loss due to theft or unauthorized access.
6. Data Recovery Options: Investigate the available data recovery options provided by the NAS device. Some devices offer features like snapshot technology, which allows you to restore previous versions of files or recover deleted files, minimizing the impact of accidental data loss.
7. Network Connectivity: Consider the network connectivity options provided by the NAS device. Ensure that it supports high-speed Ethernet connections (such as Gigabit Ethernet) to ensure fast and reliable data transfer, reducing the risk of data loss during file transfers.
8. Reliability and Support: Research the reputation and reliability of the NAS device manufacturer. Look for devices with good customer reviews and reliable technical support. A reliable device with good support can help minimize the risk of data loss and provide assistance in case of any issues.

By considering these factors, you can choose a NAS Digiever DS-8256-SRM Pro+ device that meets your data storage and protection requirements, minimizing the risks of data loss.

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

Although NAS DS-8256-SRM 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:

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-8256-SRM 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.

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How to recover data from a Digiever

DS-8256-SRM Pro+ has 8 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:

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-8256-SRM 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