
- Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
- Key Information About the NAS Idis DR-2104P
- How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
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 Idis 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 known limitations or performance bottlenecks that can increase data loss risks for NAS Idis DR-2104P devices?
There are several potential limitations and performance bottlenecks that can increase data loss risks for NAS Idis DR-2104P devices:
- Hardware limitations: The DR-2104P device may have certain hardware limitations, such as limited storage capacity or processing power. If the device runs out of storage space or becomes overwhelmed with data, it can lead to data loss.
- Network limitations: NAS devices rely on network connectivity to transfer and access data. If the network infrastructure is not robust or experiences frequent downtime, it can increase the risk of data loss. Additionally, slow network speeds can hinder data transfer and potentially increase the chances of data loss.
- RAID configuration: The DR-2104P device may use a RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configuration to provide data redundancy and protect against data loss. However, if the RAID configuration is not properly set up or maintained, it can become a performance bottleneck and increase the risk of data loss.
- Backup and recovery processes: The effectiveness of the backup and recovery processes implemented on the NAS device can impact data loss risks. If backups are not performed regularly or if the recovery processes are not reliable, it can lead to data loss in case of hardware failure or other issues.
- User error: Data loss can also occur due to user error, such as accidental deletion or overwriting of files. While this may not be specific to the DR-2104P device, it is still a risk that can lead to data loss.
To mitigate these risks and minimize data loss, it is important to regularly monitor the device's storage capacity, ensure a robust and reliable network infrastructure, properly configure and maintain the RAID setup, implement effective backup and recovery processes, and educate users on best practices to avoid user errors.
How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
Although the NAS DR-2104P 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:
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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.
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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.
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Label each hard disk according to its position inside the NAS. The order of the drives is crucial for correct RAID reconstruction.
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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.
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Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Idis DR-2104P. 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.
How to recover data from a Idis
DR-2104P has 2 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:
- RAID 0;
- RAID 1;
- 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:
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Ensure you have enough free space to store the image. Its size will typically match the size of the original disk.
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In the main window, select the target disk and choose Tools - Save Disk. You can also select multiple disks if needed.
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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.

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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 Idis DR-2104P 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 |


Data recovery from a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device like the Idis DR-2104P can be challenging if there are issues with the operating system or firmware. In such cases, the data recovery process may become more complex and require specialized expertise.
Here are a few points to consider:
Remember, it is crucial to have a backup strategy in place to prevent data loss. Regularly backing up your data to an external source or cloud storage can help mitigate the impact of any unforeseen issues with your NAS device.