Simple Methods for NAS Lenovo Iomega StorCenter px12-400r Data Recovery

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Lenovo Iomega StorCenter px12-400r
• How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
  • Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images
  • Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?
  • RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison

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 Lenovo 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.

What are the common causes of data loss in NAS Lenovo Iomega StorCenter px12-400r devices?

There are several common causes of data loss in NAS Lenovo Iomega StorCenter px12-400r devices, including:

1. Hardware failure: This can include issues with the hard drives, power supply, controller card, or other components of the NAS device. If any of these components fail, it can result in data loss.
2. Human error: Accidental deletion or formatting of files or folders can lead to data loss. This can occur when users mistakenly delete important data or accidentally format the wrong drive.
3. Software or firmware issues: Problems with the NAS device's software or firmware can cause data loss. This can include bugs, glitches, or compatibility issues that result in data corruption or deletion.
4. Virus or malware attacks: NAS devices are not immune to malware or virus attacks. If a device becomes infected, it can lead to data loss if the malware or virus deletes or corrupts files.
5. Power outages or surges: Sudden power outages or power surges can cause data loss if the NAS device is not properly protected by a backup power supply or surge protector. These events can result in data corruption or damage to the device's components.
6. Natural disasters or physical damage: Fire, flooding, earthquakes, or other natural disasters can destroy or damage NAS devices, resulting in data loss. Physical damage, such as dropping or mishandling the device, can also lead to data loss.

To minimize the risk of data loss, it is recommended to regularly backup data from the NAS device to an external storage solution or cloud storage. Additionally, implementing proper security measures, such as using antivirus software and surge protectors, can help prevent data loss due to malware or power-related issues.

How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC

Although the NAS Iomega StorCenter px12-400r 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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Label each hard disk according to its position inside the NAS. The order of the drives is crucial for correct RAID reconstruction.

4. 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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   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Lenovo Iomega StorCenter px12-400r. 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.

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How to recover data from a Lenovo

Iomega StorCenter px12-400r has 12 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:

1. Ensure you have enough free space to store the image. Its size will typically match the size of the original disk.

2. In the main window, select the target disk and choose Tools - Save Disk. You can also select multiple disks if needed.

3. 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.

   

4. 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 Lenovo Iomega StorCenter px12-400r network-attached storage keeps LifeLine 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