How to Retrieve Data from a Faulty RAID Array in NAS Huawei OceanStor 18500 V5

Has your NAS Huawei OceanStor 18500 V5 suddenly lost its network drive and you’re unsure what to do next? Did the RAID array collapse, making your files inaccessible? Is the device throwing errors during startup? Perhaps you accidentally rebuilt the RAID array or several hard drives failed at the same time?

How to Retrieve Data from a Faulty RAID Array in NAS Huawei OceanStor 18500 V5

Huawei OceanStor 18500 V5 NAS Data Recovery in 2025

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from an OceanStor 18500 V5. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

How to Retrieve Data from a Faulty RAID Array in NAS Huawei OceanStor 18500 V5

RAID Recovery™ 2.8
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
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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 Huawei 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.

Can device firmware rollback or downgrading impact data loss risks for NAS Huawei OceanStor 18500 V5 devices?

Rolling back or downgrading the firmware on a NAS device like the Huawei OceanStor 18500 V5 can potentially impact data loss risks. Here are a few factors to consider:

  1. Compatibility: When downgrading firmware, there may be compatibility issues with the existing data on the NAS device. The older firmware may not support certain features or configurations, which could lead to data corruption or loss.
  2. Bug fixes and security patches: Firmware updates often include bug fixes and security patches that address vulnerabilities and improve system stability. Rolling back to an older firmware version may reintroduce known issues or security vulnerabilities, increasing the risk of data loss due to system instability or unauthorized access.
  3. Data migration: Downgrading firmware may require data migration or reconfiguration of the NAS device. Improper handling of data during this process can result in data loss or corruption.
  4. Lack of support: Older firmware versions may no longer be supported by the manufacturer, which means you won't receive updates or assistance in case of issues. This lack of support can increase the risk of data loss if problems arise.

To minimize the risk of data loss, it is recommended to thoroughly assess the need for firmware rollback/downgrade and consult with the manufacturer or technical support team for guidance. It's also crucial to have proper backups of your data before attempting any firmware changes on your NAS device.

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

Although the NAS OceanStor 18500 V5 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.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Huawei OceanStor 18500 V5. 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.

Go to view
How to recover data from a Huawei

How to recover data from a Huawei

OceanStor 18500 V5 has 6400 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.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Image Creation Wizard
  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.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Choose a disk or save the image via FTP

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The Huawei OceanStor 18500 V5 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

Product Operating system RAID controller support Supported file systems Virtual RAID controller support Data recovery from damaged RAID File preview
Hetman RAID Recovery Windows, Linux, MacOS Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, exFAT, NTFS, ReFS, APFS, HFS+, Ext4, Ext3, Ext2, ReiserFS, Btrfs, VMFS, Hikvision, XFS, UFS, ZFS Yes Yes Yes
DiskInternals RAID Recovery Windows Yes, over 10 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
R-Studio Windows, Mac, Linux Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
UFS Explorer RAID Recovery Windows, Mac, Linux Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
EaseUS Data Recovery Windows Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery Windows Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes

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We will be happy to answer your questions!

Comments (3)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 9.08.2022 12:31 #
    If you want to ask a question about data recovery, from NAS OceanStor 18500 V5, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Evan Patten
    Evan Patten 25.08.2023 14:49 #
    Can data recovery from a NAS Huawei OceanStor 18500 V5 device be done if the device is showing signs of overheating or cooling fan failure?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 25.08.2023 15:01 #

      Data recovery from a NAS Huawei OceanStor 18500 V5 device can be challenging if the device is showing signs of overheating or cooling fan failure. Overheating can cause damage to the internal components of the device, including the hard drives where the data is stored. If the cooling fan fails, it can further exacerbate the overheating issue.

      In such cases, it is important to address the overheating or cooling fan failure issue first to prevent any further damage to the device and the data stored on it. It is recommended to contact the manufacturer or a professional data recovery service provider who specializes in NAS devices to assess the situation and provide appropriate solutions.

      Attempting to recover data from a device experiencing overheating or cooling fan failure without addressing the underlying issue can lead to further data loss or permanent damage to the device.

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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What are the key advantages of using a NAS Huawei OceanStor 18500 V5 compared to regular external hard drives for data storage and management?

    There are several key advantages of using a NAS Huawei OceanStor 18500 V5 compared to regular external hard drives for data storage and management:

    1. Scalability: The Huawei OceanStor 18500 V5 NAS offers high scalability, allowing you to easily expand your storage capacity as your data needs grow. It supports the addition of multiple hard drives, allowing for flexible storage expansion without the need to replace the entire system.
    2. Performance: The OceanStor 18500 V5 NAS provides high-performance storage capabilities, including support for high-speed network connectivity such as 10GbE or even 100GbE. This allows for faster data transfer rates and improved access to stored data, making it ideal for environments with demanding workloads.
    3. Data protection and redundancy: The NAS offers advanced data protection features such as RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks), which helps to protect against data loss in case of disk failure. It also supports advanced data backup and disaster recovery solutions, ensuring the safety and availability of your data.
    4. Centralized management: The OceanStor 18500 V5 NAS provides centralized management capabilities, allowing you to easily configure, monitor, and manage your storage resources from a single interface. This simplifies storage administration and reduces the complexity of managing multiple external hard drives.
    5. Collaboration and sharing: The NAS supports file sharing and collaboration features, enabling multiple users to access and collaborate on shared files and documents simultaneously. It provides secure access controls, ensuring that only authorized users can access specific files or folders.
    6. Data accessibility: With a NAS, data can be accessed from multiple devices and platforms, including desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. This allows for seamless access to data from anywhere, enhancing productivity and facilitating remote work scenarios.
    7. Data services and applications: The Huawei OceanStor 18500 V5 NAS offers a wide range of data services and applications, such as data deduplication, compression, thin provisioning, and snapshot capabilities. These features help to optimize storage efficiency, reduce storage costs, and enhance data management capabilities.

    Overall, the Huawei OceanStor 18500 V5 NAS provides a robust and feature-rich storage solution compared to regular external hard drives, offering scalability, performance, data protection, centralized management, collaboration, and a wide range of data services.

  • How does the NAS Huawei OceanStor 18500 V5 provide enhanced data security and reliability compared to traditional external hard drives?

    The NAS Huawei OceanStor 18500 V5 provides enhanced data security and reliability compared to traditional external hard drives through several mechanisms:

    1. Redundancy and High Availability: The OceanStor 18500 V5 is built with redundant components such as power supplies, fans, and controllers, ensuring high availability and minimizing the risk of hardware failures. It also supports various RAID configurations to provide data redundancy and protection against drive failures.
    2. Data Protection Features: The NAS offers advanced data protection features such as snapshot and remote replication. Snapshots enable users to create point-in-time copies of data, allowing easy recovery from accidental deletions or corruptions. Remote replication enables data to be replicated to another OceanStor system at a remote location, providing disaster recovery capabilities.
    3. Encryption: The OceanStor 18500 V5 supports data encryption at rest, ensuring that data stored on the device is protected even if the physical drives are stolen or compromised. Encryption algorithms like AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) are used to secure the data.
    4. Access Control and Authentication: The NAS provides granular access control mechanisms, allowing administrators to define user permissions and restrict access to specific files or folders. It supports various authentication methods such as LDAP, Active Directory, and Kerberos, ensuring secure user authentication.
    5. Data Integrity and Verification: The OceanStor 18500 V5 employs data integrity checking mechanisms like checksums to detect and correct data corruption or errors. It verifies the integrity of data during read and write operations, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of stored data.
    6. Scalability and Expandability: The NAS is designed to scale and expand storage capacity seamlessly. It supports adding additional drives or expansion units without disrupting operations, providing flexibility and reliability in terms of storage capacity.

    Overall, the Huawei OceanStor 18500 V5 offers a comprehensive set of features and technologies to enhance data security and reliability compared to traditional external hard drives, making it an ideal choice for organizations that prioritize data protection and availability.

  • In what ways does the NAS Huawei OceanStor 18500 V5 offer superior scalability and flexibility over regular external hard drives for businesses or individuals with growing storage needs?

    The NAS Huawei OceanStor 18500 V5 offers superior scalability and flexibility over regular external hard drives in several ways:

    1. Storage Capacity: The OceanStor 18500 V5 is a network-attached storage (NAS) system that can support a significantly larger storage capacity compared to regular external hard drives. It offers high-density storage options with support for multiple hard drives, allowing businesses or individuals to scale up their storage capacity as needed.
    2. Expandability: The OceanStor 18500 V5 provides expandable storage options, allowing users to add more drives or expand existing drives without disrupting the system. This scalability enables businesses to easily accommodate their growing storage needs without the hassle of transferring data to new drives or systems.
    3. Data Management Features: The OceanStor 18500 V5 offers advanced data management features such as data deduplication, compression, and thin provisioning. These features optimize storage utilization and reduce the overall storage footprint, making it more efficient and cost-effective compared to regular external hard drives.
    4. High Availability: The OceanStor 18500 V5 is designed to provide high availability and data protection. It supports features like RAID (redundant array of independent disks) and data replication, ensuring data redundancy and minimizing the risk of data loss. Regular external hard drives do not typically offer such advanced data protection mechanisms.
    5. Performance: The OceanStor 18500 V5 is built for high-performance storage requirements. It utilizes technologies like solid-state drives (SSDs), caching, and tiered storage to deliver faster data access and retrieval compared to regular external hard drives. This is particularly beneficial for businesses or individuals with demanding storage workloads.
    6. Integration and Management: The OceanStor 18500 V5 can be easily integrated into existing IT infrastructures and managed through a centralized management interface. It supports various protocols and interfaces, making it compatible with different operating systems and applications. Regular external hard drives, on the other hand, may require manual management and lack the integration capabilities of a NAS system.

    Overall, the NAS Huawei OceanStor 18500 V5 offers superior scalability and flexibility over regular external hard drives by providing larger storage capacity, expandability, advanced data management features, high availability, improved performance, and seamless integration into existing IT environments.