How to Access Files on a RAID Disk When NAS Instek NR5400-1U is Unavailable: Comprehensive Guide

If your ⭐ NAS is offline, connect RAID disks to a PC, ensure RAID settings match, and use recovery software to access and recover files.

How to Access Files on a RAID Disk When NAS Instek NR5400-1U is Unavailable: Comprehensive Guide

Instek NR5400-1U NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from NR5400-1U.

How to Access Files on a RAID Disk When NAS Instek NR5400-1U is Unavailable: Comprehensive Guide

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.

How can conducting regular backups on external storage devices mitigate data loss risks for NAS Instek NR5400-1U devices?

Conducting regular backups on external storage devices can mitigate data loss risks for NAS Instek NR5400-1U devices in the following ways:

  1. Redundancy: By creating backups on external storage devices, you ensure that there is a duplicate copy of your data. This redundancy reduces the risk of data loss in case of hardware failures, such as hard drive crashes or system malfunctions.
  2. Protection against physical damage: External storage devices can be stored in different physical locations, away from the primary NAS device. This safeguards your data against physical damage, such as fire, flood, or theft, which could otherwise result in complete data loss.
  3. Protection against malware and ransomware: If your NAS device gets infected with malware or ransomware, your data can be compromised or encrypted, leading to potential loss. Regularly backing up your data on external storage devices ensures that you have clean copies of your data that can be restored in case of an attack.
  4. Version control and data recovery: Regular backups allow you to maintain multiple versions of your data. In case of accidental deletion, file corruption, or data modification, you can restore a previous version from the backup, minimizing the impact of data loss.
  5. Quick recovery: If data loss occurs on the NAS device, having backups on external storage devices enables faster recovery. Instead of starting from scratch, you can restore the data from the backups, reducing downtime and minimizing the impact on your operations.
  6. Offline storage: External storage devices can be disconnected from the network after the backup process, providing an additional layer of security. This prevents data from being accessed or compromised by unauthorized users or external threats.

To maximize the effectiveness of backups, it is recommended to follow best practices such as maintaining multiple copies of backups, testing the restoration process periodically, and ensuring the external storage devices are properly maintained and protected.

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

Although NAS NR5400-1U 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 NR5400-1U. 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

NR5400-1U has 2 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • RAID 0;
  • RAID 1;
  • 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 NR5400-1U 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 NR5400-1U, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Chas Woosley
    Chas Woosley 8.09.2023 20:42 #
    How can data recovery from a NAS Instek NR5400-1U device be prevented in the future?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 8.09.2023 22:00 #

      To prevent data recovery from a NAS Instek NR5400-1U device in the future, you can take the following measures:

      1. Encryption: Enable encryption on your NAS device. This ensures that even if someone gains unauthorized access to the physical drives, the data remains encrypted and inaccessible without the decryption key.
      2. Secure access: Implement strong authentication mechanisms such as complex passwords, two-factor authentication (2FA), or biometric authentication to prevent unauthorized access to the NAS device.
      3. Regular backups: Regularly backup your data to an offsite location or cloud storage. This ensures that even if the NAS device fails or data is compromised, you have a copy of your important data.
      4. Firmware and software updates: Keep the firmware and software of your NAS device up to date. Manufacturers often release updates to fix security vulnerabilities, so regularly applying these updates helps protect against potential exploits.
      5. Network security: Secure your network to prevent unauthorized access to the NAS device. Use firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and keep your network equipment updated with the latest security patches.
      6. Physical security: Ensure physical security of the NAS device by placing it in a locked room or cabinet. Limit access to authorized personnel only and monitor any physical access to the device.
      7. User access control: Implement proper user access controls and permissions. Restrict access to sensitive data to only those who require it. Regularly review and revoke unnecessary access rights.
      8. Data wiping: When decommissioning or disposing of a NAS device, ensure that all data is securely wiped from the drives. Use specialized data erasure tools or physically destroy the drives to prevent any possibility of data recovery.
      9. Monitoring and logging: Enable logging and monitoring features on the NAS device to detect any suspicious activities or unauthorized access attempts. Regularly review the logs to identify potential security incidents.
      10. Employee education: Train your employees on best practices for data security, including the importance of strong passwords, avoiding phishing attempts, and being cautious about sharing sensitive information.

      By implementing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of data recovery from a NAS device like the Instek NR5400-1U in the future.

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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 key features and specifications of the NAS Instek NR5400-1U that make it suitable for home network connections?

    The NAS Instek NR5400-1U is a network-attached storage device designed for home network connections. Some key features and specifications that make it suitable for this purpose include:

    1. Compact Form Factor: The NR5400-1U is a 1U rack-mountable device, which means it can be easily installed in a home network cabinet or rack without taking up much space.
    2. Storage Capacity: It supports up to four 3.5-inch SATA hard drives, allowing for a significant amount of storage capacity. Users can customize the storage capacity based on their needs and easily expand it if required.
    3. RAID Support: The device supports various RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10. This ensures data redundancy and protection against drive failures, which is crucial for home users who want to safeguard their data.
    4. High-Speed Connectivity: The NR5400-1U comes with dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, enabling fast and reliable network connectivity. This is essential for smooth data transfers and streaming media content within the home network.
    5. USB Ports: It features multiple USB ports, including USB 3.0 ports, which allow for easy expansion and connection of external storage devices, printers, or other peripherals.
    6. User-Friendly Interface: The device offers an intuitive web-based user interface that makes it easy to set up and manage the NAS. Users can access and manage their files, configure settings, and monitor the device's performance through this interface.
    7. Multimedia Streaming: The NR5400-1U supports multimedia streaming protocols like DLNA and iTunes server, making it suitable for streaming media content to different devices within the home network, such as smart TVs, gaming consoles, or media players.
    8. Backup and Sync Options: It provides various backup and sync options, including scheduled backups, cloud synchronization, and remote replication. This ensures data protection and allows users to access their files from anywhere.
    9. Mobile Apps: The device offers mobile apps for iOS and Android platforms, allowing users to access and manage their files remotely using their smartphones or tablets.

    Overall, the NAS Instek NR5400-1U combines storage capacity, data protection, high-speed connectivity, and user-friendly features, making it a suitable choice for home network connections.

  • How does the NAS Instek NR5400-1U connect to a home network, and what are the available connectivity options?

    The NAS Instek NR5400-1U can connect to a home network in multiple ways, offering various connectivity options. Here are the available options:

    1. Ethernet: The NAS unit has one or more Ethernet ports (typically RJ-45) that can be connected to the home network using an Ethernet cable. This allows for a wired connection, providing high-speed and stable network connectivity.
    2. Wi-Fi: Some NAS models may come with built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing them to connect to the home network wirelessly. This eliminates the need for an Ethernet cable and provides flexibility in placing the NAS unit within the range of the Wi-Fi network.
    3. USB: The NR5400-1U may have USB ports that can be used to connect external Wi-Fi dongles or other networking devices. This enables wireless connectivity if the NAS doesn't have built-in Wi-Fi.
    4. Internet Service Provider (ISP) Modem: If the home network is connected to the internet through an ISP modem/router, the NAS unit can be connected to one of the available Ethernet ports on the modem/router using an Ethernet cable.
    5. Network Switch: If there are multiple devices in the home network, a network switch can be used to expand the number of Ethernet ports. The NAS unit can connect to the switch using an Ethernet cable, allowing it to communicate with other devices on the network.

    It is important to note that the specific connectivity options may vary depending on the model and configuration of the NAS Instek NR5400-1U. It is recommended to refer to the product documentation or consult the manufacturer for precise information regarding connectivity options.

  • Can the NAS Instek NR5400-1U be easily integrated into an existing home network setup, and what steps are involved in the connection process?

    The NAS Instek NR5400-1U can be integrated into an existing home network setup with relative ease. The following steps outline the connection process:

    1. Determine the network requirements: Review the NAS Instek NR5400-1U's network connectivity options, such as Ethernet ports or Wi-Fi capabilities. Ensure that your home network has compatible infrastructure to support the NAS.
    2. Prepare the NAS: Unpack the NAS Instek NR5400-1U and ensure all necessary components are present. Connect the power cable to the NAS and plug it into a power outlet.
    3. Connect the NAS to the home network: Depending on the connectivity options available, choose one of the following methods:

    a. Ethernet connection: Connect an Ethernet cable from the NAS's Ethernet port to an available Ethernet port on your home router or switch. Ensure a secure connection.

    b. Wi-Fi connection: If the NAS Instek NR5400-1U supports Wi-Fi, follow the manufacturer's instructions to connect it to your home Wi-Fi network. This may involve accessing the NAS's settings through a web interface or using a mobile app.

    1. Configure network settings: Once the NAS is physically connected to the home network, you may need to configure its network settings. This typically involves accessing the NAS's web interface through a browser on a connected device. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to set up IP addresses, network protocols, and other relevant settings.
    2. Set up file sharing and access permissions: Configure the NAS to allow file sharing within your home network. This may involve creating user accounts, setting access permissions, and creating shared folders. Refer to the NAS Instek NR5400-1U's user manual for detailed instructions on configuring file sharing.
    3. Connect devices to the NAS: Once the NAS is connected and configured, you can connect devices within your home network to access the shared files and folders. This can be done by mapping network drives on Windows computers, connecting via file sharing protocols (e.g., SMB or NFS), or using dedicated NAS client software.

    It's important to note that specific steps may vary depending on the NAS model and its manufacturer. Always refer to the user manual or documentation provided by the manufacturer for accurate instructions tailored to your particular NAS model.

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