How to Rescue Lost Data from NAS Lenovo Ix2-200d Systems

Contents

• 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?
  • Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • Safe recovery from disk images
  • Where are user’s files stored?
  • Comparison of software for RAID recovery

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 recommended practices for off-site backup storage to prevent complete data loss in the event of a disaster?

Yes, there are several recommended practices for off-site backup storage to prevent complete data loss in the event of a disaster. Here are a few:

1. Choose a secure off-site location: Select a location that is geographically distant from your primary site to minimize the risk of the same disaster affecting both locations. Consider factors like natural disasters, proximity to potential hazards, and accessibility.
2. Use multiple off-site locations: Distribute your backups across multiple off-site locations to further reduce the risk of data loss. This ensures that even if one location is compromised, you still have backups in other places.
3. Implement encryption: Encrypt your backup data to protect it from unauthorized access. This is particularly important when storing data off-site, as it adds an extra layer of security to prevent data breaches.
4. Regularly test the restoration process: It is crucial to periodically test the restoration process to ensure that your backups are viable and can be successfully restored. This helps identify any issues or inconsistencies before an actual disaster occurs.
5. Consider cloud backup solutions: Cloud-based backup services offer secure and convenient off-site storage options. They often provide built-in redundancy, data encryption, and automatic backups, making them a popular choice for disaster recovery.
6. Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule: Adhere to the 3-2-1 backup rule, which suggests having at least three copies of your data, stored on two different media types, with one copy stored off-site. This rule ensures redundancy and helps safeguard against data loss.
7. Regularly update backups: Maintain a regular backup schedule to ensure that your most recent data is protected. Automated backup systems can simplify this process and minimize the risk of human error.
8. Document your backup and recovery plan: Create a comprehensive backup and recovery plan that outlines the procedures, responsibilities, and contact information for all involved parties. Regularly review and update this plan as needed.

Remember, the specific practices may vary depending on your organization's requirements, industry regulations, and the nature of your data. It is recommended to consult with IT professionals or disaster recovery specialists to design a backup strategy tailored to your needs.

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

Although NAS Ix2-200d 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.

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   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Lenovo Ix2-200d. 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.

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How to recover data from a Lenovo

Ix2-200d 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 Tools – Save 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.

   

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.

   

Where are user’s files stored?

The Lenovo Ix2-200d 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