Recovering a Damaged RAID Array on NAS Idis DR-8432 with Multiple 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.

Are there any specific precautions to take while migrating data between NAS Idis DR-8432 devices?

While migrating data between NAS Idis DR-8432 devices, it is important to take certain precautions to ensure a smooth and successful transition. Here are some specific precautions to consider:

1. Backup Data: Before starting the migration process, it is crucial to create a backup of all the data on the source NAS device. This ensures that even if something goes wrong during the migration, you still have a copy of your data.
2. Check Compatibility: Ensure that the target NAS device, in this case, the Idis DR-8432, is compatible with the source NAS device. Check the specifications and requirements of both devices to ensure a seamless migration.
3. Network Stability: Make sure your network is stable and reliable during the migration process. Any interruptions or network failures can cause data loss or corruption. It is advisable to perform the migration during a time when the network is less congested.
4. Update Firmware: Ensure that both the source and target NAS devices have the latest firmware updates installed. This helps in avoiding any compatibility issues and ensures the smooth functioning of the migration process.
5. Plan Sufficient Downtime: Allocate enough time for the migration process, especially if you have a large amount of data. It is essential to avoid interruptions or disruptions during the migration, so plan for a time when the network and devices can be dedicated solely to the migration process.
6. Verify Data Integrity: After the migration is complete, verify the integrity of the migrated data on the target NAS device. Check if all files and folders are intact and accessible. Perform a thorough check to ensure no data loss or corruption occurred during the migration.
7. Test Functionality: Once the migration is complete, test the functionality of the target NAS device. Ensure that all the services, applications, and permissions are working as expected. Run tests to verify the performance and accessibility of the migrated data.

By following these precautions, you can minimize the risks associated with data migration between NAS Idis DR-8432 devices and ensure a successful transition without any data loss or disruptions.

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

Although NAS DR-8432 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-8432. 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-8432 has 8 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

• RAID 0;
• RAID 1;
• RAID 5;
• RAID 6;
• RAID 50;
• RAID 60;
• 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-8432 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