- 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.
How can hardware failure lead to data loss in NAS Infortrend EonStor GS 3016 devices?
Hardware failure in NAS Infortrend EonStor GS 3016 devices can lead to data loss in several ways:
- Disk Drive Failure: NAS devices typically use multiple disk drives to store data. If one or more drives fail, it can result in data loss or corruption. This can happen due to mechanical issues, manufacturing defects, or wear and tear over time.
- Power Supply Failure: A faulty power supply can cause sudden power outages or fluctuations, which can lead to data loss or corruption in the NAS device. Power surges or spikes can damage the internal components and storage drives, resulting in data loss.
- Controller Failure: The controller in a NAS device manages the data flow between the drives and the network. If the controller fails, it can cause data access issues or complete data loss. This can occur due to hardware malfunctions, firmware bugs, or electrical problems.
- RAID Array Failure: NAS devices often use RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) technology to provide data redundancy and protection against drive failures. However, if multiple drives fail simultaneously or within a short period, it can lead to a complete RAID array failure and data loss.
- Overheating: Inadequate cooling or ventilation in the NAS device can cause overheating, which can damage the internal components, including the storage drives. Overheating can result from a faulty fan, clogged air vents, or prolonged high usage. When the drives fail due to overheating, data loss can occur.
- Natural Disasters or Accidents: Hardware failures can also be caused by natural disasters such as floods, fires, or earthquakes, or accidental events like drops, impacts, or spills. These incidents can physically damage the NAS device and its components, leading to data loss.
To minimize the risk of data loss due to hardware failure, it is crucial to regularly back up the data stored on the NAS device to an external location or secondary storage system. Additionally, implementing a RAID configuration with redundancy and regularly monitoring the device's health can help detect and mitigate hardware issues before they lead to data loss.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS EonStor GS 3016 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 3016. 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 3016 has 16 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 3016 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 |
To determine whether data recovery from a NAS Infortrend EonStor GS 3016 device can be performed without voiding the warranty, it is recommended to consult the specific terms and conditions of the warranty provided by Infortrend.
Typically, opening or tampering with the hardware of a device can void the warranty. However, some manufacturers may allow data recovery services to be performed by authorized personnel without voiding the warranty. It is essential to check the warranty documentation or contact Infortrend directly to confirm their policy on data recovery and warranty coverage.