Restoring a NAS Idis DR-6332PS-S RAID Array with Several Damaged Disks

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Idis DR-6332PS-S
• 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.

How can user training or education help in minimizing data loss incidents on NAS Idis DR-6332PS-S devices?

User training or education can help in minimizing data loss incidents on NAS Idis DR-6332PS-S devices in the following ways:

1. Understanding device functionality: Users should be trained on the basic functionality of the NAS device, including how to properly configure and use it. This will help prevent accidental misconfigurations or inappropriate usage that could lead to data loss.
2. Backup and recovery procedures: Users should be educated on the importance of regular backups and the correct procedures for backing up and restoring data on the NAS device. This will ensure that data can be recovered in case of accidental deletion, hardware failure, or other incidents.
3. Security best practices: Users should be trained on security best practices, such as setting strong passwords, enabling encryption, and regularly updating firmware and software. This will help protect the NAS device from unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
4. Access control and permissions: Users should be educated on how to properly set up access control and permissions on the NAS device. This will prevent unauthorized users from accessing or modifying sensitive data, reducing the risk of data loss.
5. Regular maintenance and monitoring: Users should be trained on the importance of regular maintenance tasks, such as checking for firmware updates, monitoring system logs for errors, and ensuring proper cooling and power supply. This will help identify and address potential issues before they lead to data loss incidents.
6. Reporting incidents and seeking help: Users should be aware of the proper channels for reporting incidents or seeking help in case of data loss or other issues with the NAS device. This will ensure that problems are addressed promptly and effectively, minimizing the impact on data.

Overall, user training and education play a crucial role in minimizing data loss incidents on NAS devices by promoting proper usage, security practices, and proactive maintenance.

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

Although the NAS DR-6332PS-S 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

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Idis DR-6332PS-S. 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

DR-6332PS-S has 6 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

• RAID 0;
• RAID 1;
• RAID 5;
• RAID 6;
• 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-6332PS-S 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