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

Contents

• 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?
  • Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • Safe recovery from disk images
  • Where are user’s files stored?
  • Comparison of software for RAID recovery

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.

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 take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?

Although NAS DR-6332PS-S 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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.

4. 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.

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   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

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

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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;

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:

1. Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.

2. Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.

3. 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.

   

4. 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-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.

Comparison of software for RAID recovery