How to Recover Lost Data from a Faulty RAID Array in NAS Idis DR-2404P

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Idis DR-2404P
• How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
  • Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images
  • Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?
  • RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison

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 preventive measures to minimize the risk of data loss on NAS Idis DR-2404P devices?

Yes, there are several preventive measures that can be taken to minimize the risk of data loss on NAS Idis DR-2404P devices. Here are some recommendations:

1. Regularly backup data: Implement a regular backup schedule to ensure that important data is backed up regularly. This can be done either manually or through automated backup solutions.
2. RAID configuration: Configure the NAS device in a RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configuration to provide data redundancy. RAID levels like RAID 1 or RAID 5 can help protect against data loss in case of disk failures.
3. Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): Connect the NAS device to a UPS to protect it from power outages and surges. Sudden power loss can cause data corruption or loss, so having a UPS can prevent such incidents.
4. Security measures: Implement strong security measures like using complex passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and regularly updating the firmware of the NAS device. This can help protect against unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
5. Regular maintenance and updates: Keep the NAS device firmware, operating system, and applications up to date. Manufacturers often release updates to fix vulnerabilities and improve system stability, so regularly applying these updates is essential.
6. Physical security: Ensure that the NAS device is stored in a secure location to prevent physical theft or damage. Limit access to authorized personnel only and consider using security cameras or alarms to enhance physical security.
7. Monitoring and alerts: Set up monitoring and alert systems to notify you of any potential issues like disk failures, high temperatures, or network connectivity problems. This allows you to take immediate action and minimize the risk of data loss.
8. Regular testing and verification: Periodically test the backup and restore processes to ensure that the backups are working correctly and can be restored successfully. This helps identify any issues beforehand and ensures the integrity of the backup data.

By following these preventive measures, you can significantly minimize the risk of data loss on NAS Idis DR-2404P devices and ensure the safety and availability of your data.

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

Although the NAS DR-2404P 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.

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   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Idis DR-2404P. 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.

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How to recover data from a Idis

DR-2404P 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.

   

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.

   

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The Idis DR-2404P 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