How to Restore a RAID Array on NAS Idis DR-1308P with Multiple Disk Damage

Contents

• 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?
  • Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • Safe recovery from disk images
  • Where are user’s files stored?
  • Comparison of software for RAID recovery

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 Idis 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 Idis DR-1308P devices?

While migrating data between NAS Idis DR-1308P devices, there are a few precautions you can take to ensure a smooth and successful process:

1. Backup your data: Before starting the migration, it is essential to create a backup of all your data. This ensures that even if something goes wrong during the migration process, your data remains safe.
2. Check compatibility: Ensure that both the source and destination NAS devices are compatible with each other in terms of hardware and software. Check the specifications and requirements of both devices to ensure a seamless migration.
3. Update firmware: Make sure that both the source and destination NAS devices have the latest firmware updates installed. This helps in avoiding any compatibility issues and ensures optimal performance during the migration.
4. Plan the migration process: Create a detailed plan outlining the steps involved in the migration process. This includes identifying the data to be migrated, organizing it properly, and determining the order in which the data will be transferred.
5. Allocate sufficient time: Migrating data can take a considerable amount of time depending on the size and quantity of data. Plan accordingly and allocate sufficient time for the migration process to avoid any rush or interruptions.
6. Test the migration process: Before migrating all the data, perform a test migration with a small subset of data to ensure that everything works as expected. This helps in identifying any potential issues or errors that may arise during the migration.
7. Monitor the migration: During the data migration, keep a close eye on the process to ensure that it is progressing smoothly. Monitor the transfer rate, check for any errors or warnings, and verify that all the data is being transferred correctly.
8. Validate the migrated data: Once the migration is complete, validate the migrated data on the destination NAS device. Verify that all the files and folders have been transferred accurately and can be accessed without any issues.

By following these precautions, you can minimize the risk of data loss or corruption during the migration process and ensure a successful transition between NAS Idis DR-1308P devices.

How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?

Although NAS DR-1308P 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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.

4. 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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   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Idis DR-1308P. 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.

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How to recover data from a Idis

DR-1308P 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:

1. Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.

2. Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.

3. 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.

   

4. 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 Idis DR-1308P 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