- 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 RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations impact data loss in NAS Infortrend EonStor GSi 208T devices?
RAID configurations can have a significant impact on data loss in NAS Infortrend EonStor GSi 208T devices. Here are a few ways in which RAID configurations can affect data loss:
- Redundancy: RAID configurations provide redundancy by storing data across multiple disks. If one disk fails, the data can be reconstructed using the remaining disks. This helps to minimize data loss in case of disk failures.
- Fault tolerance: Different RAID levels offer varying levels of fault tolerance. For example, RAID 1 and RAID 10 configurations mirror data across multiple disks, providing a high level of fault tolerance. On the other hand, RAID 5 and RAID 6 configurations use parity data to recover from a single or dual disk failure respectively. By choosing the appropriate RAID level, you can enhance the device's ability to withstand disk failures and reduce the risk of data loss.
- Performance: RAID configurations can also impact data loss indirectly by affecting the device's performance. If the RAID configuration is not optimized for the workload, it can lead to increased disk failures due to excessive stress on the disks. This can result in data loss.
- Rebuilding process: When a failed disk is replaced in a RAID array, the data from the remaining disks needs to be reconstructed onto the new disk. This process, known as rebuilding, puts additional stress on the disks and increases the risk of data loss. If the RAID configuration is not properly designed or if the disks are not in optimal condition, the rebuilding process can lead to further failures and potential data loss.
To mitigate data loss risks, it is crucial to carefully design and configure the RAID arrays in NAS Infortrend EonStor GSi 208T devices. This includes selecting the appropriate RAID level based on the desired level of fault tolerance and performance requirements. Additionally, regular monitoring of the device's health, proactive disk replacement, and proper maintenance can help minimize the chances of data loss in these devices.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS EonStor GSi 208T 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 GSi 208T. 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.
EonStor GSi 208T has 8 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 GSi 208T 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, it is possible to recover data from a NAS Infortrend EonStor GSi 208T device that has been affected by a file system corruption or partition error. However, data recovery can be a complex process and it is recommended to seek professional assistance from a data recovery service provider.
Here are some general steps that may be involved in the data recovery process:
It is important to note that the success of data recovery depends on various factors such as the severity of the corruption, the condition of the storage media, and the expertise of the data recovery service provider.