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

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Lenovo Ix2-200d
• 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.

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

Although the NAS Ix2-200d 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 Ix2-200d. 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

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;

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 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.

RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison