- 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 LaCie 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 the use of specific file-sharing protocols impact data loss risks on NAS LaCie 1big Dock (STHS18000800 / STHS16000800 / STHS10000800 / STHS8000800 / STHS4000800) devices?
The use of specific file-sharing protocols can impact data loss risks on NAS LaCie 1big Dock devices in the following ways:
- Security vulnerabilities: Different file-sharing protocols have varying levels of security measures in place. Some protocols may have known vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers, increasing the risk of unauthorized access and data loss.
- Encryption and data protection: Certain file-sharing protocols offer stronger encryption and data protection mechanisms. Using protocols with weaker encryption or no encryption at all can expose sensitive data to interception or unauthorized access, leading to potential data loss.
- Access control and permissions: File-sharing protocols may have different capabilities for managing access control and permissions. If the chosen protocol lacks robust access control features, it may increase the risk of accidental or unauthorized deletion, modification, or corruption of files, resulting in data loss.
- Network performance and reliability: The choice of file-sharing protocol can affect network performance and reliability. Some protocols may be more prone to network interruptions or have higher latency, which can lead to data transfer failures or corruption, potentially resulting in data loss.
- Compatibility and interoperability: Different file-sharing protocols may have varying levels of compatibility and interoperability with different operating systems and devices. Using a protocol that is not well-supported or compatible with the NAS device and other connected devices can lead to data transfer issues and potential data loss.
To mitigate data loss risks, it is essential to choose file-sharing protocols that prioritize security, encryption, access control, and reliability. Regularly updating the NAS device's firmware and ensuring strong passwords and access controls are also crucial steps to protect against data loss.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS 1big Dock (STHS18000800 / STHS16000800 / STHS10000800 / STHS8000800 / STHS4000800) 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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.
-
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
Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with LaCie 1big Dock (STHS18000800 / STHS16000800 / STHS10000800 / STHS8000800 / STHS4000800). 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.
1big Dock (STHS18000800 / STHS16000800 / STHS10000800 / STHS8000800 / STHS4000800) has 1 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:
- None;
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:
-
Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.
-
Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.
-
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.
-
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 LaCie 1big Dock (STHS18000800 / STHS16000800 / STHS10000800 / STHS8000800 / STHS4000800) network-attached storage keeps LaCie NAS OS 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 LaCie 1big Dock device that has been affected by a sudden power outage or blackout. However, the success of data recovery depends on the specific circumstances and the extent of the damage caused by the power outage.
Here are a few steps you can take to attempt data recovery:
It is important to note that attempting DIY data recovery methods without proper knowledge and tools can potentially lead to further data loss. Therefore, it is advisable to seek professional help for the best chance of recovering your data.