Practical Steps for Accessing RAID Disk Files Without Online NAS Instek AS5416-2U

If your ⭐ NAS is down, accessing files on a RAID disk involves connecting it to a PC, configuring RAID settings, and using recovery software for data retrieval.

Practical Steps for Accessing RAID Disk Files Without Online NAS Instek AS5416-2U

Instek AS5416-2U NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from AS5416-2U.

Practical Steps for Accessing RAID Disk Files Without Online NAS Instek AS5416-2U

RAID Recovery™ 2.6
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
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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 Instek 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 compatibility issues that can result in data loss for NAS Instek AS5416-2U devices?

There is no specific information available regarding compatibility issues or data loss specifically for the NAS Instek AS5416-2U devices. However, it is always possible for compatibility issues to arise with any network-attached storage (NAS) device, which could potentially result in data loss.

To minimize the risk of data loss, it is recommended to follow best practices when setting up and using a NAS device:

  1. Ensure that the NAS device is compatible with your network infrastructure, operating systems, and applications. Check the manufacturer's documentation and compatibility lists for any known issues.
  2. Keep the NAS device's firmware or software up to date. Manufacturers often release updates that address compatibility issues and provide bug fixes.
  3. Regularly back up your data from the NAS device to an external storage device or cloud storage. This ensures that even if data loss occurs, you have a recent copy of your important files.
  4. Implement RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) or other data redundancy mechanisms. RAID configurations can help protect against data loss in case of a hard drive failure.
  5. Use reliable and compatible hard drives in the NAS device. It is essential to choose hard drives that are recommended or certified by the NAS manufacturer to minimize compatibility issues.
  6. Monitor the NAS device's health and performance regularly. Most NAS devices provide monitoring tools or software that can alert you to potential issues before they result in data loss.

Remember that data loss can occur due to various factors, including hardware failures, power outages, user errors, or software issues. While compatibility issues can contribute to data loss, following best practices and maintaining regular backups can help mitigate the risk.

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

Although NAS AS5416-2U 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.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Instek AS5416-2U. 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.

Go to view
How to recover data from a Instek

How to recover data from a Instek

AS5416-2U 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:

  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 ToolsSave 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.

    Hetman Raid Recovery: Image Creation Wizard
  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.

    Hetman Raid Recovery: hoose any disk connected to this PC, or save the image by FTP

Where are user’s files stored?

The Instek AS5416-2U 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

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Comments (3)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 9.08.2022 12:31 #
    If you want to ask a question about data recovery, from NAS AS5416-2U, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Addison Perkin
    Addison Perkin 8.09.2023 23:56 #
    Is it possible to recover data from a NAS Instek AS5416-2U device if the device is experiencing firmware update or installation problems?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 9.09.2023 00:00 #

      It is possible to recover data from a NAS device even if it is experiencing firmware update or installation problems. However, the process can vary depending on the specific device and the nature of the problem.

      Here are a few general steps you can try to recover data from a NAS device:

      1. Check the manufacturer's documentation: Look for any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for recovering data in case of firmware update or installation problems. This may include steps to access the device's recovery mode or using specialized tools provided by the manufacturer.
      2. Contact technical support: Reach out to the manufacturer's technical support team for assistance. They may be able to guide you through the recovery process or provide specific instructions tailored to your device.
      3. Use data recovery software: If the NAS device is still accessible over the network or if you can connect the hard drives to a computer, you can try using data recovery software. These tools can scan the drives for lost or deleted files and recover them. However, this method may not work if the firmware issue prevents access to the drives.
      4. Seek professional data recovery services: If the above steps do not work or if the data on the NAS device is critical, you can consider contacting professional data recovery services. These companies specialize in recovering data from various storage devices, including NAS devices. They have specialized equipment and expertise to handle complex cases.

      Remember, it is always important to have regular backups of your data to avoid data loss in situations like firmware update problems.

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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What are the main virtualization features offered by the NAS Instek AS5416-2U?

    The NAS Instek AS5416-2U offers the following main virtualization features:

    1. Virtual Machine (VM) Support: The NAS Instek AS5416-2U supports virtual machines, allowing users to create and run multiple virtual operating systems on a single physical server. This enables efficient utilization of hardware resources and simplifies management and deployment of applications.
    2. Hypervisor Support: The NAS Instek AS5416-2U is compatible with various hypervisors such as VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, and Citrix XenServer. These hypervisors provide the necessary virtualization infrastructure to create and manage virtual machines.
    3. High Availability (HA): The NAS Instek AS5416-2U supports high availability features, ensuring maximum uptime and minimizing downtime. It includes features like failover clustering, automatic VM migration, and redundant power supplies to provide continuous operation in case of hardware or software failures.
    4. Storage Virtualization: The NAS Instek AS5416-2U offers storage virtualization capabilities, allowing users to pool and manage storage resources more efficiently. It supports technologies like RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) and thin provisioning to optimize storage utilization and provide data protection.
    5. Network Virtualization: The NAS Instek AS5416-2U supports network virtualization features like virtual LANs (VLANs) and virtual switches. These features enable the creation of isolated network segments and the efficient allocation of network resources to different virtual machines.
    6. Resource Management: The NAS Instek AS5416-2U provides resource management features, allowing users to allocate and control CPU, memory, and storage resources to virtual machines. This ensures fair resource distribution and prevents one virtual machine from monopolizing resources.
    7. Live Migration: The NAS Instek AS5416-2U supports live migration, which allows users to move running virtual machines from one physical server to another without any downtime. This feature is particularly useful for load balancing, hardware maintenance, and disaster recovery.
    8. Backup and Disaster Recovery: The NAS Instek AS5416-2U includes backup and disaster recovery features for virtual machines. It supports features like snapshotting, replication, and integration with backup software to provide data protection and quick recovery in case of system failures or data loss.

    Overall, the NAS Instek AS5416-2U offers a comprehensive set of virtualization features that enable efficient resource utilization, high availability, and simplified management of virtual machines and storage.

  • How does the NAS Instek AS5416-2U support virtual machine (VM) management and deployment?

    The NAS Instek AS5416-2U is a network-attached storage (NAS) device that does not have built-in support for virtual machine (VM) management and deployment. NAS devices are primarily used for file storage and sharing purposes.

    To support VM management and deployment, you would typically require a hypervisor or virtualization platform such as VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, or Citrix XenServer. These platforms are specifically designed for creating, managing, and running virtual machines.

    Once you have a hypervisor platform set up, you can connect the NAS device to the virtualization infrastructure to store virtual machine images or virtual hard disks. This allows you to leverage the storage capabilities of the NAS for VM storage. The NAS can act as a central repository for VM images, making it easier to deploy and manage virtual machines across your virtualization environment.

    However, it's important to note that the NAS Instek AS5416-2U itself does not have any native features or functionalities for VM management and deployment. It mainly serves as a storage solution that can be integrated into a virtualization infrastructure to support VM storage.

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