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

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Idis DR-8432
• 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 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 Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC

Although the NAS DR-8432 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-8432. 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-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;

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-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.

RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison