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

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Digiever DS-8256-SRM Pro+
• How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
  • Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images
  • Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?
  • RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison

Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID

Conventional hard drives store user data by writing it sequentially across the disk surface, which means an entire file is typically located on a single drive. In contrast, when data is written to a RAID array, each file is split into multiple fragments. These fragments are then distributed and written in sequence across all the drives in the array. Depending on the configuration, fragment sizes can range from 2 KB to 2 MB, so every file is physically stored across several disks at once.

This approach significantly increases read and write performance — after all, writing two halves of a 1 GB file to two drives simultaneously is much faster than writing the full 1 GB to a single disk. However, this same mechanism makes file recovery far more complex.

Different RAID levels use different methods to distribute and protect data. On top of that, manufacturers like Digiever often add their own proprietary structures and variations. As a result, data can be written to disks in many different formats, and each requires a specific approach during recovery.

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 Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC

Although the NAS DS-8256-SRM Pro+ can be accessed over the network, you still need to remove its hard disks and connect them directly to a Windows PC. Only then can the recovery software properly scan and analyze the drives. Follow these steps:

1. Power off the NAS and disconnect it from the power source.

   WARNING! Before removing any drives, carefully read the device manual. Improper actions may damage both the NAS enclosure and the hard disks in the RAID array.

2. Remove the hard disks one by one, gently sliding each drive out of its slot. Remember that hard disks are highly sensitive: any impact or drop can cause serious physical damage.

3. Label each hard disk according to its position inside the NAS. The order of the drives is crucial for correct RAID reconstruction.

4. Connect the drives to your computer. In this video, we explain which ports you can use to connect hard disks and what to do if your PC does not have enough free connectors.

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   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Digiever DS-8256-SRM Pro+. Each hard disk in the array contains technical metadata describing how files were written. When launched, Hetman RAID Recovery analyzes this metadata, automatically reconstructs the damaged array, and provides access to its contents. After that, you can browse the recovered disk and save your files. The program can also restore files that were 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;

How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images

This utility allows you to create a complete copy of a disk and work with the disk image instead of the physical drive. This approach helps protect your data from:

• Overwriting during the recovery process;
• Additional data loss caused by bad sectors;
• User errors.

To create a disk image, follow these steps:

1. Ensure you have enough free space to store the image. Its size will typically match the size of the original disk.

2. In the main window, select the target disk and choose Tools - Save Disk. You can also select multiple disks if needed.

3. When the Image Creation Wizard opens, select whether you want to save the entire disk or only a specific region. Adjust the settings and click Next.

   

4. Choose the directory where the image will be saved. You may select any available disk connected to your PC or upload the image via FTP.

   

Where Are the User’s Files Actually 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.

RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison