Troubleshooting Faulty RAID Arrays in NAS Huawei OceanStor 5500 Recovery

Has your NAS Huawei OceanStor 5500 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?

Troubleshooting Faulty RAID Arrays in NAS Huawei OceanStor 5500 Recovery

Huawei OceanStor 5500 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 5500. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

Troubleshooting Faulty RAID Arrays in NAS Huawei OceanStor 5500 Recovery

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 excessive drive spin-down or power-saving settings impact data retrieval in case of failure on NAS Huawei OceanStor 5500 devices?

Excessive drive spin-down or power-saving settings can potentially impact data retrieval in case of failure on NAS Huawei OceanStor 5500 devices.

When drives are set to spin down or enter power-saving mode, they consume less power and generate less heat, which can prolong their lifespan. However, this setting also means that the drives take longer to spin up and become operational when they are needed.

In the event of a failure or a need to retrieve data from a failed drive, the delay caused by the spin-up process can impact the time it takes to access the data. This delay can be particularly problematic in situations where quick data recovery is crucial, such as during a system failure or a time-sensitive operation.

To mitigate this issue, it is recommended to balance power-saving settings with the need for quick data retrieval. This can be achieved by adjusting the spin-down timer or power-saving settings to minimize the delay without significantly impacting the drive's lifespan. Additionally, implementing a robust backup and disaster recovery strategy can help ensure data availability and minimize the impact of drive failures.

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

Although the NAS OceanStor 5500 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 5500. 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 5500 has 1600 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 5500 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 5500, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Eli Nix
    Eli Nix 25.08.2023 15:41 #
    Can data recovery from a NAS Huawei OceanStor 5500 device be done if the device is not powering on?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 25.08.2023 17:00 #

      If the Huawei OceanStor 5500 NAS device is not powering on, it can make data recovery more challenging. However, it is still possible to recover the data, but it may require professional assistance from a data recovery service.

      Here are a few steps you can try on your own before seeking professional help:

      1. Check the power supply: Ensure that the power cable is securely connected and try using a different power outlet. If possible, try using a different power cable as well.
      2. Check for physical damage: Inspect the device for any visible physical damage, such as a broken power button, loose connections, or burnt components. If you find any damage, it is recommended to contact a professional data recovery service.
      3. Remove and reconnect hard drives: If the device has multiple hard drives, try removing and reconnecting them one by one. Sometimes, a faulty hard drive can prevent the device from powering on.
      4. Consult the user manual: Refer to the user manual or manufacturer's documentation for troubleshooting steps specific to your device model. It may provide additional guidance on how to resolve power-related issues.

      If these steps do not resolve the issue, it is recommended to contact a professional data recovery service. They have specialized tools and expertise to diagnose and recover data from non-functioning NAS devices. Note that professional data recovery services can be expensive, so it's essential to weigh the value of your data against the cost of recovery.

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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

  • How does the NAS Huawei OceanStor 5500 enhance the functionality and efficiency of a smart home system?

    The NAS Huawei OceanStor 5500 can enhance the functionality and efficiency of a smart home system in several ways:

    1. Data storage and management: The OceanStor 5500 provides a large storage capacity, allowing the smart home system to store and manage a vast amount of data generated by various devices and sensors. This enables the system to analyze and process data efficiently, leading to better decision-making and automation.
    2. High-speed data processing: With its advanced hardware and software capabilities, the OceanStor 5500 can handle high-speed data processing, ensuring quick response times for smart home applications. This allows for seamless control and interaction between different devices and services within the smart home ecosystem.
    3. Data security and privacy: The OceanStor 5500 incorporates robust security features to protect the data stored within the system. This ensures that sensitive information, such as personal preferences, usage patterns, and security footage, remains secure and inaccessible to unauthorized individuals. It also facilitates compliance with data protection regulations.
    4. Scalability and flexibility: The OceanStor 5500 offers scalability, allowing the smart home system to expand as the number of connected devices and data volume increases. This ensures that the system can adapt to changing needs and accommodate future growth without compromising performance or efficiency.
    5. Integration with cloud services: The OceanStor 5500 can seamlessly integrate with cloud services, enabling the smart home system to leverage cloud-based resources and capabilities. This integration allows for remote access, backup, and synchronization of data, as well as the utilization of cloud-based AI and machine learning algorithms for advanced analytics and automation.

    Overall, the NAS Huawei OceanStor 5500 enhances the functionality and efficiency of a smart home system by providing reliable data storage, high-speed processing, data security, scalability, and integration with cloud services. These features contribute to a seamless and intelligent smart home experience for users.

  • What are the key features and capabilities of the NAS Huawei OceanStor 5500 that make it suitable for smart home applications?

    The Huawei OceanStor 5500 NAS (Network Attached Storage) system is designed to provide reliable and efficient storage solutions for various applications, including smart home applications. Some of the key features and capabilities of the NAS that make it suitable for smart home applications are:

    1. Scalability: The OceanStor 5500 NAS offers scalable storage capacity, allowing it to accommodate the growing data storage needs of smart home applications. It can be easily expanded by adding additional disk enclosures as required.
    2. High Performance: The NAS system is equipped with high-performance hardware components, including powerful processors and ample memory, enabling it to handle the data-intensive nature of smart home applications. It can deliver fast data access and processing speeds, ensuring smooth operation of smart home devices and applications.
    3. Data Protection: The OceanStor 5500 NAS incorporates advanced data protection mechanisms, such as RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) technology, to ensure data integrity and availability. It can withstand disk failures and provide data redundancy, minimizing the risk of data loss in smart home environments.
    4. Data Management: The NAS system offers comprehensive data management capabilities, including data backup, snapshot, and remote replication. These features enable smart home users to protect their valuable data and easily recover from any data loss or system failures.
    5. File Sharing and Collaboration: The OceanStor 5500 NAS supports various file sharing protocols, such as NFS (Network File System) and SMB (Server Message Block), allowing smart home users to access and share files seamlessly across different devices and platforms. It enables collaborative work and facilitates data exchange between smart home devices.
    6. Easy Integration: The NAS system is designed to integrate smoothly with other smart home devices and applications. It supports industry-standard protocols and interfaces, making it compatible with a wide range of smart home technologies and platforms.
    7. Energy Efficiency: The OceanStor 5500 NAS is built with energy-efficient components and features, helping to reduce power consumption and operating costs in smart home environments. It employs intelligent power management techniques to optimize energy usage without compromising performance.

    Overall, the key features and capabilities of the Huawei OceanStor 5500 NAS make it a suitable storage solution for smart home applications, providing reliable, scalable, and high-performance storage for managing and protecting data in smart home environments.

  • How does the NAS Huawei OceanStor 5500 ensure data security and privacy in a smart home environment?

    The NAS Huawei OceanStor 5500 is primarily a network-attached storage device that provides centralized storage and data management capabilities in a smart home environment. While it can contribute to data security and privacy to some extent, it is important to note that the responsibility for overall security in a smart home environment lies with multiple components and devices, including the NAS itself, as well as other connected devices and the network infrastructure.

    Here are a few ways in which the NAS Huawei OceanStor 5500 can ensure data security and privacy in a smart home environment:

    1. Access Control: The NAS offers robust access control mechanisms, allowing users to define permissions and restrictions for different individuals or devices accessing the stored data. This helps prevent unauthorized access and ensures that only authorized users can access sensitive information.
    2. Encryption: The OceanStor 5500 supports data encryption, which means that the stored data can be encrypted using encryption algorithms. This adds an additional layer of security to the data, making it unreadable and useless to unauthorized individuals even if they gain access to the storage device.
    3. User Authentication: The NAS supports various authentication methods, such as username/password, two-factor authentication, or integration with existing authentication systems like LDAP or Active Directory. These authentication mechanisms ensure that only authenticated users can access the data stored in the NAS.
    4. Backup and Disaster Recovery: The OceanStor 5500 allows for regular backups of the stored data, which can be crucial in case of data loss or system failure. By having a reliable backup strategy, users can ensure that their data remains secure and can be restored in case of any unforeseen events.
    5. Network Security: The NAS can integrate with network security measures like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, or virtual private networks (VPNs). These security measures help protect the network traffic and prevent unauthorized access to the NAS or other connected devices.

    While the NAS Huawei OceanStor 5500 provides several security features, it is important to remember that securing a smart home environment requires a holistic approach. Users should also consider implementing security measures for other devices, such as cameras, smart locks, or IoT devices, as well as ensuring the security of the home network itself.