How to Restore Data from a Faulty RAID Array on NAS Idis DR-2116P

Has your NAS Idis DR-2116P 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?

How to Restore Data from a Faulty RAID Array on NAS Idis DR-2116P

Idis DR-2116P 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 DR-2116P. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

How to Restore Data from a Faulty RAID Array on NAS Idis DR-2116P

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 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.

Can the use of multiple NAS Idis DR-2116P devices in a backup or replication configuration mitigate data loss risks?

Yes, the use of multiple NAS Idis DR-2116P devices in a backup or replication configuration can help mitigate data loss risks.

By setting up multiple devices in a backup or replication configuration, you create redundancy in your data storage system. This means that if one device fails or experiences data loss, you can still retrieve your data from the other devices.

Additionally, using multiple devices allows for distributed data storage, which can enhance data protection. You can store copies of your data on different devices, ensuring that even if one device is compromised, the data remains safe on the others.

Furthermore, NAS devices often provide features like RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) that can help protect against data loss. RAID configurations distribute data across multiple disks, providing redundancy and increasing the overall reliability of the storage system.

However, it's important to note that while using multiple NAS devices in a backup or replication configuration can mitigate data loss risks, it does not completely eliminate the possibility of data loss. Other factors such as hardware failures, natural disasters, or human errors can still pose risks to your data. Therefore, it's crucial to have a comprehensive backup strategy that includes offsite backups, regular data verification, and other best practices to ensure data protection.

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

Although the NAS DR-2116P 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 Idis DR-2116P. 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 Idis

How to recover data from a Idis

DR-2116P 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:

  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 Idis DR-2116P 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 DR-2116P, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Caden Cotes
    Caden Cotes 26.08.2023 13:58 #
    How to make backup for NAS Idis DR-2116P?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 26.08.2023 14:00 #

      To make a backup for NAS Idis DR-2116P, you can follow these steps:

      1. Connect an external hard drive or a USB drive to the NAS device.
      2. Log in to the NAS device using the administrator credentials.
      3. Open the NAS management software or web interface.
      4. Navigate to the backup settings or configuration section.
      5. Select the files or folders you want to back up. You can choose specific files or folders or opt for a full system backup.
      6. Choose the destination drive where you want to store the backup. Select the connected external hard drive or USB drive.
      7. Configure the backup schedule. You can choose to run the backup manually or set up an automated schedule for regular backups.
      8. Set up any additional backup options or preferences, such as encryption or compression, if available.
      9. Review the backup settings and click on the "Start Backup" or similar button to initiate the backup process.
      10. Wait for the backup process to complete. The time required will depend on the size of the data being backed up.
      11. Once the backup is finished, verify the backup files on the destination drive to ensure they are intact and accessible.

      It is recommended to periodically check and update the backup to ensure the data remains protected.

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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

  • What are the different file access levels available on the NAS Idis DR-2116P?

    The NAS Idis DR-2116P supports the following file access levels:

    1. Administrator: This is the highest level of access that allows full control over the NAS system, including creating and managing user accounts, modifying system settings, and accessing all files and folders.
    2. User: Users have limited access to the NAS system. They can create, modify, and delete files and folders within their designated folders, but they cannot access files or folders belonging to other users.
    3. Group: Users can be assigned to specific groups, and the group access level allows them to have shared access to certain files and folders. Group members can collaborate on shared files and folders, but they cannot access files or folders outside their group.
    4. Public: This access level provides unrestricted access to all files and folders on the NAS system. Any user can access and modify files and folders with public access.
    5. Guest: This access level allows anonymous access to specific files and folders without requiring user authentication. Guests can only access files and folders specifically designated for guest access.

    It is important to note that the specific access levels and their configurations may vary depending on the firmware and settings of the NAS device.

  • How can you configure file access levels on the NAS Idis DR-2116P?

    To configure file access levels on the NAS Idis DR-2116P, you can follow these steps:

    1. Connect to the NAS: Open a web browser on a computer connected to the same network as the NAS and enter the NAS IP address in the address bar.
    2. Login to the NAS: Enter your username and password to log in to the NAS administration interface.
    3. Navigate to the File Access settings: Once logged in, find and click on the "File Access" or "Shared Folders" option in the navigation menu. This will take you to the file access configuration page.
    4. Create shared folders: To configure file access levels, you first need to create shared folders. Click on the "Create" or "Add" button to create a new shared folder. Give it a name, set the desired access permissions (read-only, read-write, etc.), and specify the folder path.
    5. Assign user access: After creating the shared folders, you need to assign user access to them. Find the "User" or "User Access" section and select the users or user groups that you want to grant access to the shared folders. Set the appropriate access levels for each user or group.
    6. Apply changes: Once you have configured the file access levels for the shared folders and assigned user access, click on the "Apply" or "Save" button to save the changes.
    7. Test file access: To ensure that the file access levels are working as intended, try accessing the shared folders from a computer using the assigned user credentials. Verify that the appropriate access permissions are enforced.

    Note: The exact steps and options may vary slightly depending on the firmware version and configuration of your NAS. It is recommended to refer to the user manual or documentation provided by the manufacturer for detailed instructions specific to your device.

  • What are the security implications of different file access levels on the NAS Idis DR-2116P?

    The NAS Idis DR-2116P has different file access levels that can impact the security of the system. Here are some security implications associated with these levels:

    1. Administrator Access: Administrators have full control over the NAS system, including the ability to modify settings, create or delete user accounts, and access all files and folders. It is crucial to ensure that only trusted individuals have administrator access as they can potentially compromise the entire system if their credentials are compromised.
    2. User Access: Users typically have limited access to specific files and folders based on their assigned permissions. However, if a user's account is compromised, an attacker may gain access to the files and folders associated with that user. Therefore, it is important to regularly review and update user permissions to minimize the risk of unauthorized access.
    3. Guest Access: Some NAS systems offer a guest access option, allowing users to access specific files or folders without requiring authentication. While this can be convenient for sharing files, it also poses a security risk as anyone with knowledge of the guest access URL or credentials can potentially access sensitive data. It is advisable to disable guest access or restrict it to only non-sensitive data.
    4. Public Folder Access: NAS systems often have a public folder where users can store and share files. The security implications of public folder access depend on the sensitivity of the data stored within it. If sensitive information is stored in the public folder, it is recommended to restrict access to authorized users or consider encrypting the files to protect them from unauthorized access.
    5. Remote Access: NAS systems may provide remote access capabilities, allowing users to access files and folders from outside the local network. Enabling remote access introduces additional security considerations, such as ensuring secure communication protocols (e.g., SSL/TLS), using strong authentication methods, and regularly updating the NAS firmware to address any security vulnerabilities.

    Overall, it is essential to carefully configure and manage file access levels on the NAS Idis DR-2116P to ensure that only authorized users have appropriate access to files and folders, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches.