How to Choose Data Recovery Software for NAS Infortrend EonStor GS 2024: Complete Guide

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Infortrend EonStor GS 2024
• 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 recommended practices for off-site backup storage to prevent complete data loss in the event of a disaster?

Yes, there are several recommended practices for off-site backup storage to prevent complete data loss in the event of a disaster. Here are some of them:

1. Choose a secure and reliable off-site location: Select a location that is geographically separate from your primary site to minimize the risk of both locations being affected by the same disaster. Ensure the chosen location has appropriate security measures in place, such as physical security, fire suppression systems, and backup power.
2. Implement a robust backup strategy: Develop a comprehensive backup strategy that includes regular and automated backups of all critical data. This may involve using backup software or cloud-based backup services. Consider using incremental backups to reduce the amount of data transferred and stored.
3. Encrypt your backups: Encrypt your backup data to ensure its confidentiality and prevent unauthorized access. This is especially important when using cloud-based backup services. Use strong encryption algorithms and secure encryption keys.
4. Test your backups regularly: Perform regular tests to verify the integrity and recoverability of your backup data. This can involve restoring data to a test environment or conducting simulated disaster recovery exercises. Regular testing helps identify any issues or gaps in your backup strategy.
5. Maintain multiple copies of backups: Store multiple copies of your backups to provide redundancy and reduce the risk of data loss. This can include keeping backups on different storage media (e.g., tapes, disks) or using multiple off-site locations.
6. Consider using a hybrid backup approach: Combine on-site and off-site backup solutions for added protection. This can involve using local backups for quick recovery and off-site backups for disaster recovery purposes. Hybrid backup solutions provide both speed and security.
7. Document and update your backup procedures: Maintain clear and up-to-date documentation of your backup procedures, including instructions for data restoration and disaster recovery. This documentation should be easily accessible to authorized personnel.
8. Regularly review and update your backup strategy: Periodically assess and update your backup strategy to ensure it aligns with your changing business needs and technological advancements. This includes considering new backup technologies and adjusting backup schedules based on data growth and criticality.

By following these recommended practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of complete data loss and enhance your ability to recover from a disaster.

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

Although the NAS EonStor GS 2024 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 GS 2024. 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 GS 2024 has 24 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 GS 2024 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