How to Choose Data Recovery Software for Recovering NAS Infortrend EonStor DS 1036B: Complete Guide

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Infortrend EonStor DS 1036B
• 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 Infortrend 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 common mistakes or oversights made by users that can lead to data loss on NAS Infortrend EonStor DS 1036B devices?

There are several common mistakes or oversights made by users that can potentially lead to data loss on NAS Infortrend EonStor DS 1036B devices. Some of these include:

1. Lack of proper backup: Many users fail to implement a regular backup strategy, assuming that the NAS device alone is sufficient for data protection. However, hardware failures, accidental deletions, or other unforeseen events can result in data loss. It is crucial to have a separate backup solution in place to safeguard important data.
2. Insufficient RAID configuration: Infortrend EonStor DS 1036B devices support various RAID levels for data redundancy and performance optimization. However, improper RAID configuration or using a single disk without any redundancy can increase the risk of data loss in case of a disk failure. It is essential to set up the appropriate RAID level based on the specific requirements and criticality of the data.
3. Neglecting firmware updates: Firmware updates often include bug fixes, security patches, and performance enhancements. Failing to regularly update the firmware on the NAS device can leave it vulnerable to potential issues that may lead to data loss. Keeping the firmware up to date is crucial to ensure the device's stability and security.
4. Inadequate network security: NAS devices are often connected to the network, making them potential targets for unauthorized access or cyberattacks. Weak passwords, lack of firewall configuration, or failure to implement proper network security measures can compromise the data stored on the device. It is important to use strong passwords, enable firewall protection, and regularly update security settings to mitigate the risk of data loss.
5. Improper shutdown or power loss: Abrupt power loss or improper shutdown procedures can result in data corruption or loss. Users should follow the recommended shutdown procedures provided by Infortrend and ensure the NAS device is connected to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to prevent data loss due to power-related issues.

To minimize the risk of data loss on Infortrend EonStor DS 1036B devices, users should follow best practices such as implementing regular backups, configuring RAID properly, keeping firmware up to date, securing network access, and ensuring proper shutdown procedures.

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

Although the NAS EonStor DS 1036B 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 Infortrend EonStor DS 1036B. 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 Infortrend

EonStor DS 1036B has 36 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 Infortrend EonStor DS 1036B 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