- 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?
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 GS 3012 devices?
While it is difficult to specify common mistakes or oversights made by users that can lead to data loss on NAS Infortrend EonStor GS 3012 devices specifically, there are some general practices that users should be aware of to prevent data loss on any NAS device. These include:
- Lack of Regular Backups: Not having a proper backup strategy is one of the most common mistakes that can lead to data loss. It is essential to regularly back up your data to an external storage device or cloud storage.
- Failure to Implement Redundancy: NAS devices often support various RAID configurations to provide redundancy and protect against data loss due to drive failures. Users should ensure that they have implemented the appropriate RAID level for their needs.
- Neglecting Firmware Updates: Firmware updates often include bug fixes, security patches, and performance improvements. Neglecting to update the firmware can leave your device vulnerable to potential issues that may result in data loss.
- Inadequate Security Measures: Weak passwords, improper access controls, and lack of encryption can make your NAS device susceptible to unauthorized access or data breaches. Implementing strong passwords, enabling encryption, and configuring proper access controls are crucial to safeguarding your data.
- Ignoring Environmental Factors: NAS devices should be kept in a suitable environment with proper ventilation and temperature control. Failure to do so can lead to overheating, which may cause hardware failures and data loss.
- Mishandling Drives: Improper handling of hard drives, such as dropping them or subjecting them to physical shocks, can lead to data loss. Users should handle drives with care and follow manufacturer guidelines for installation and maintenance.
- Power Outages and Surges: Sudden power outages or power surges can cause data corruption or hardware damage. Using an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) can help protect your NAS device from such events.
It is important to note that these are general best practices, and specific device models may have their own unique considerations. Users should refer to the manufacturer's documentation and guidelines for their specific NAS device to ensure proper usage and prevent data loss.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS EonStor GS 3012 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:
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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.
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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.
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Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.
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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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Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Infortrend EonStor GS 3012. 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.
How to recover data from a Infortrend
EonStor GS 3012 has 12 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:
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Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.
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Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.
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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.
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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 3012 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
| Product | Operating system | License type | RAID controller support | Supported file systems | Virtual RAID controller support | Data recovery from damaged RAID | File preview |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hetman RAID Recovery | Windows | Paid | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DiskInternals RAID Recovery | Windows | Paid | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
| R-Studio | Windows, Mac, Linux | Paid | Yes, over 200 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| UFS Explorer RAID Recovery | Windows, Mac, Linux | Paid | Yes, over 1,000 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| EaseUS Data Recovery | Windows | Paid | Yes, over 20 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
| ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery | Windows | Free | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Yes, data recovery from a NAS Infortrend EonStor GS 3012 device can still be possible even if the device is experiencing network congestion or bandwidth issues. However, it may affect the speed and efficiency of the recovery process.
In such cases, it is recommended to take the following steps:
Remember to always have a backup of your important data to avoid data loss in the event of any unforeseen issues or failures.