- 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 specific precautions to take while migrating data between NAS Digiever MN-1105 Pro+ devices?
Yes, there are several precautions you should take while migrating data between NAS Digiever MN-1105 Pro+ devices:
- Backup your data: Before starting the migration process, it is crucial to create a backup of all your data. This ensures that in case of any data loss or corruption during the migration, you can restore your files from the backup.
- Check compatibility: Ensure that the target Digiever MN-1105 Pro+ device is compatible with the source device. Check the specifications and supported features to ensure a smooth migration process.
- Update firmware: Make sure that both the source and target devices are running the latest firmware version. Updating the firmware ensures that any known bugs or issues are fixed, which can prevent data loss or migration problems.
- Plan the migration process: Create a migration plan to outline the steps and order in which the data will be migrated. This includes deciding whether to migrate all data at once or in stages, depending on the size of the data and available resources.
- Allocate sufficient time: Migrating data can take time, especially if you have a large amount of data. Allocate sufficient time for the migration process to avoid rushing and potential errors.
- Test the migration process: Before migrating all your data, perform a test migration with a small subset of files. This allows you to identify any issues or errors that may occur during the migration process and make necessary adjustments.
- Monitor the migration progress: Keep a close eye on the migration progress to ensure that it is proceeding as expected. Monitor for any errors or failures and take appropriate action if required.
- Verify data integrity: Once the migration is complete, verify the integrity of the migrated data. Check that all files have been successfully transferred and are accessible on the target device.
By following these precautions, you can minimize the risk of data loss or corruption during the migration process and ensure a successful migration between NAS Digiever MN-1105 Pro+ devices.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS MN-1105 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 MN-1105 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
MN-1105 Pro+ has 1 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:
- None;
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 MN-1105 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 MN-1105 Pro+ device can be performed even if there are issues with the network router or switch. The NAS device itself stores the data on its hard drives, so as long as the drives are functioning properly, the data recovery can be done independently of the network infrastructure.
However, if the network issues are preventing access to the NAS device or its management interface, it may be necessary to troubleshoot or resolve those issues before attempting data recovery. This could involve fixing the router or switch problems, ensuring proper network connectivity, or connecting directly to the NAS device using a direct Ethernet connection.