- 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 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 common mistakes or oversights made by users that can lead to data loss on NAS Idis DR-2308P devices?
While I couldn't find specific information on common mistakes or oversights specific to the NAS Idis DR-2308P devices, there are some general practices that users should be aware of to prevent data loss on any NAS device. Here are a few common mistakes or oversights that can lead to data loss:
- Lack of backup: One of the most common mistakes is not having a proper backup strategy in place. Users should regularly back up their important data to an external storage device or a cloud storage service to protect against data loss.
- Failure to update firmware: Neglecting to update the firmware of your NAS device can leave it vulnerable to security exploits or bugs that may lead to data loss. It is crucial to regularly check for firmware updates and apply them.
- Insufficient RAID configuration: RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) offers data redundancy and protection against drive failures. However, users often overlook configuring RAID properly or using the appropriate RAID level for their needs. It is essential to understand the different RAID levels and choose the one that suits your requirements.
- Inadequate security measures: Weak or default passwords, lack of access controls, or not enabling encryption can make your NAS device vulnerable to unauthorized access or data breaches. Implementing strong passwords, enabling encryption, and setting up proper access controls are crucial to safeguard your data.
- Power-related issues: Abrupt power loss or power surges can lead to data corruption or loss. It is advisable to use a reliable uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to protect your NAS device from sudden power interruptions.
- Neglecting hard drive health: Hard drives can fail over time, leading to potential data loss. Regularly monitoring the health of your hard drives, including checking for SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) errors, can help identify potential issues before they result in data loss.
To ensure data safety, it is always recommended to refer to the user manual or documentation specific to your NAS device, as it may provide device-specific guidelines and precautions to prevent data loss.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS DR-2308P 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 Idis DR-2308P. 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.
DR-2308P 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;
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 Idis DR-2308P 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 |
It is possible to recover data from a NAS device even if it is not responding or freezing frequently. However, the process may be more complex and require professional assistance. Here are a few steps you can try on your own before seeking professional help:
Remember, attempting DIY data recovery methods without proper knowledge and tools can potentially cause further damage to the device or data. It is always safer to consult a professional data recovery service in critical situations.