
- Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
- Key Information About the NAS Infortrend EonStor GSi 208T
- How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
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.
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 Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
Although the NAS EonStor GSi 208T 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:
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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.
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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.
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Label each hard disk according to its position inside the NAS. The order of the drives is crucial for correct RAID reconstruction.
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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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Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Infortrend EonStor GSi 208T. 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.
How to recover data from a Infortrend
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;
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:
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Ensure you have enough free space to store the image. Its size will typically match the size of the original disk.
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In the main window, select the target disk and choose Tools - Save Disk. You can also select multiple disks if needed.
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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.

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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 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.
RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison
| Product | Operating system | RAID controller support | Supported file systems | Virtual RAID controller support | Data recovery from damaged RAID | File preview |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hetman RAID Recovery | Windows, Linux, MacOS | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, exFAT, NTFS, ReFS, APFS, HFS+, Ext4, Ext3, Ext2, ReiserFS, Btrfs, VMFS, Hikvision, XFS, UFS, ZFS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DiskInternals RAID Recovery | Windows | Yes, over 10 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
| R-Studio | Windows, Mac, Linux | Yes, over 20 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| UFS Explorer RAID Recovery | Windows, Mac, Linux | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| EaseUS Data Recovery | Windows | Yes, over 20 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
| ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery | Windows | 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.