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

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

Although NAS EonStor GS 2024 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 GS 2024. 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 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;

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 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.

Comparison of software for RAID recovery