- 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 Lenovo 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 known limitations or performance bottlenecks that can increase data loss risks for NAS Lenovo Iomega StorCenter px4-300r devices?
There are several known limitations and performance bottlenecks that can increase data loss risks for NAS Lenovo Iomega StorCenter px4-300r devices. Some of these include:
- Hardware failures: Like any storage device, the px4-300r is susceptible to hardware failures such as hard drive failures or power supply issues. These failures can result in data loss if proper redundancy and backup measures are not in place.
- Network issues: If the network connection between the px4-300r and the client devices is unstable or experiences frequent interruptions, it can lead to data loss or corruption during file transfers.
- Insufficient backup strategy: If the px4-300r is not regularly backed up to an external storage device or to the cloud, there is a higher risk of data loss in the event of a failure or disaster.
- RAID configuration: The px4-300r supports various RAID configurations for data redundancy and protection. However, misconfiguration or improper management of the RAID array can result in data loss if multiple drives fail simultaneously or if the array is not rebuilt properly.
- Firmware or software bugs: Like any complex system, the px4-300r may have firmware or software bugs that can cause data loss or corruption. It is important to keep the device's firmware up to date and apply any necessary patches or fixes provided by Lenovo.
- Lack of monitoring and proactive maintenance: Without proper monitoring and regular maintenance, it can be difficult to identify potential issues or failures in the px4-300r. This can increase the risk of data loss if problems go unnoticed and are not addressed promptly.
To mitigate these risks, it is recommended to implement a comprehensive backup strategy, regularly monitor the device's health and performance, keep the firmware up to date, and ensure proper configuration and management of RAID arrays.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS Iomega StorCenter px4-300r 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 Lenovo Iomega StorCenter px4-300r. 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.
How to recover data from a Lenovo
Iomega StorCenter px4-300r has 4 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:
- RAID 0;
- RAID 1;
- RAID 5;
- RAID 6;
- 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 Lenovo Iomega StorCenter px4-300r 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.
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, data recovery from a NAS Lenovo Iomega StorCenter px4-300r device can still be performed even if there are issues with the operating system or firmware. In such cases, the data recovery process typically involves removing the hard drives from the NAS device and connecting them to a different computer or a data recovery tool. By bypassing the problematic operating system or firmware, the data can be accessed and recovered from the individual hard drives. It is recommended to seek professional assistance from a data recovery service provider who specializes in NAS devices to ensure a successful recovery.