- 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 Huawei 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 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS OceanStor 18510 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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.
-
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.
Go to view
Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Huawei OceanStor 18510. 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 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;
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:
-
Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.
-
Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.
-
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.
-
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 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.
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 Huawei OceanStor 18510 device can be possible even if the device is showing signs of disk or storage media errors. However, the success of data recovery depends on the extent and nature of the errors.
If the errors are logical, such as file system corruption or accidental deletion, data recovery software or services can be used to recover the lost data. In such cases, it is recommended to immediately stop using the device and seek professional assistance to prevent further damage.
If the errors are physical, such as disk failure or hardware malfunctions, the recovery process becomes more complex. In such situations, it is important to contact a professional data recovery service provider with expertise in handling NAS devices. They may need to repair or replace the faulty hardware components before attempting data recovery.
It is crucial to note that data recovery from a failed NAS device can be a challenging and time-consuming process. It is always recommended to have regular backups of important data to avoid potential data loss situations.