- 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 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 regular software updates and patches enhance the security and stability of NAS Instek NR5400-4U devices?
Regular software updates and patches can enhance the security and stability of NAS Instek NR5400-4U devices in the following ways:
- Security Vulnerability Fixes: Updates and patches often include fixes for known security vulnerabilities. By applying these updates, you ensure that any identified security weaknesses in the device's software are addressed, reducing the risk of exploitation by potential attackers.
- Bug Fixes and Stability Improvements: Updates and patches also address software bugs and stability issues. By installing these updates, you can resolve any existing issues that may impact the device's performance, stability, or functionality. This helps to ensure that the device operates smoothly and reliably.
- Compatibility with New Technologies: Software updates and patches often introduce compatibility with new technologies or protocols. By keeping your device up to date, you can take advantage of the latest advancements and ensure that your device remains compatible with other systems and devices in your network.
- Improved Security Features: Updates and patches may introduce new security features or enhancements to existing ones. These updates can provide additional layers of protection against emerging threats and help to strengthen the overall security posture of the device.
- Compliance with Industry Standards: Regular updates and patches help to ensure that your device remains compliant with industry standards and regulations. Compliance is essential for organizations that handle sensitive data, as it helps to meet security and privacy requirements.
- Protection Against Exploits: Cybercriminals constantly discover new vulnerabilities and develop exploits. Regular updates and patches help to protect against these exploits by patching known vulnerabilities and reducing the attack surface of the device.
To ensure the security and stability of your NAS Instek NR5400-4U device, it is crucial to regularly check for updates and patches provided by the manufacturer. Additionally, it is recommended to follow best practices such as using strong passwords, enabling firewalls, and implementing proper access controls to further enhance device security.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS NR5400-4U 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 Instek NR5400-4U. 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.
NR5400-4U has 24 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 Instek NR5400-4U 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 |
It is possible to recover deleted files from a NAS Instek NR5400-4U device, but it depends on several factors.
If the files were recently deleted, there is a higher chance of recovery as they may still be present in the device's recycle bin or trash folder. In such cases, you can simply restore the files from there.
If the files were permanently deleted or the recycle bin was emptied, the chances of recovery are lower. However, it may still be possible to recover the files using specialized data recovery software or by contacting a professional data recovery service.
It is important to note that attempting to recover deleted files from a NAS device can be complex and may require technical expertise. It is recommended to consult with a professional or the manufacturer's support team for guidance and assistance in such situations.