Faulty RAID Array Solutions for NAS Huawei OceanStor 18510 Data Recovery

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Huawei OceanStor 18510
• 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 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.

Are there any precautions to take while replacing or upgrading hard drives in NAS Huawei OceanStor 18510 devices?

Yes, there are several precautions to take while replacing or upgrading hard drives in NAS Huawei OceanStor 18510 devices. Here are some important ones:

1. Backup Data: Before replacing or upgrading hard drives, it is crucial to back up all your data to ensure that no data loss occurs during the process. This can be done by creating a backup on an external storage device or using a network backup solution.
2. Shutdown Properly: Ensure that the NAS device is properly shut down before replacing or upgrading the hard drives. This will prevent any data corruption or damage to the system.
3. Use Compatible Drives: When replacing or upgrading hard drives, make sure to use drives that are compatible with the Huawei OceanStor 18510 device. Check the manufacturer's documentation or consult with their support team to ensure compatibility.
4. Follow Manufacturer's Guidelines: It is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and instructions provided in the user manual or documentation. This will ensure that the replacement or upgrade process is carried out correctly.
5. Handle Drives Carefully: Hard drives are sensitive to physical shocks and static electricity. Handle the drives carefully, avoiding any physical damage or electrostatic discharge. Use appropriate anti-static precautions, such as wearing an anti-static wrist strap, when handling the drives.
6. Install Drives Correctly: Ensure that the hard drives are installed correctly in the NAS device. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for the correct installation procedure. Improper installation can lead to drive failure or system errors.
7. Test and Verify: After replacing or upgrading the hard drives, test and verify that the new drives are functioning properly. Run diagnostic tests or check the system logs for any errors or issues. This will help ensure that the replacement or upgrade was successful.
8. Monitor Performance: After the replacement or upgrade, monitor the performance of the new drives. Keep an eye on any unusual behavior or performance degradation. This will help identify any potential issues early on.

Remember, if you are unsure about any step or lack experience in handling hardware components, it is recommended to seek assistance from a professional or contact Huawei support for guidance.

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

Although the NAS OceanStor 18510 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

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Huawei OceanStor 18510. 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

OceanStor 18510 has 576 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 Huawei OceanStor 18510 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