How to recover data from Infortrend EonStor DS 1036B NAS

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

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

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 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.

Comparison of software for RAID recovery