How to recover data from Lenovo ThinkSystem SN850 Blade Server NAS

Is your network drive gone, and you are wondering what to do? Has a RAID system crashed, and your files are no longer accessible? Does your device display an error while booting? Have you accidentally rebuilt your RAID system? Are several hard disks out of order?

How to recover data from NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem SN850 Blade Server

Lenovo ThinkSystem SN850 Blade Server NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from ThinkSystem SN850 Blade Server.

How to recover data from NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem SN850 Blade Server

Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.

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.

Can data be lost during the process of upgrading or updating the NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem SN850 Blade Server device's firmware?

Yes, data can potentially be lost during the process of upgrading or updating the firmware on a NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem SN850 Blade Server device. Firmware updates involve making changes to the underlying software that controls the device's functionality, and if something goes wrong during the update process, it can result in data loss or corruption.

To minimize the risk, it is recommended to take precautions such as backing up important data before performing any firmware updates. Additionally, following the manufacturer's instructions and ensuring a stable power supply and network connection can help reduce the chances of data loss during the update process.

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

Although NAS ThinkSystem SN850 Blade Server 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.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Lenovo ThinkSystem SN850 Blade Server. 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

How to recover data from a Lenovo

ThinkSystem SN850 Blade Server has 64 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;

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 ToolsSave 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.

    Hetman Raid Recovery: Image Creation Wizard
  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.

    Hetman Raid Recovery: hoose any disk connected to this PC, or save the image by FTP

Where are user’s files stored?

The Lenovo ThinkSystem SN850 Blade Server 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

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Comments (3)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 9.08.2022 12:31 #
    If you want to ask a question about data recovery, from NAS ThinkSystem SN850 Blade Server, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Chester Wilson
    Chester Wilson 22.08.2023 01:47 #
    Is it possible to recover data from a NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem SN850 Blade Server device that has been affected by a natural disaster such as flooding or earthquake?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 22.08.2023 02:59 #

      Recovering data from a NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem SN850 Blade Server device that has been affected by a natural disaster such as flooding or an earthquake can be challenging. The success of data recovery depends on the extent of the damage caused by the disaster. Here are a few points to consider:

      1. Physical damage: If the server has been submerged in water or physically damaged due to an earthquake, the chances of data recovery may be low. Water damage can cause electronic components to malfunction, while physical damage can render the device inoperable.
      2. Data redundancy: Many NAS devices offer features like RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) to protect against data loss. If the RAID configuration was properly set up, there is a possibility that some or all of the data can be recovered from redundant disks or backups.
      3. Data recovery services: In severe cases, where the device is heavily damaged or non-functional, professional data recovery services may be required. These services specialize in data recovery from physically damaged devices and can potentially retrieve data from the affected NAS server. However, the success rate and cost of such services can vary.

      It is important to note that prevention is key in protecting data from natural disasters. Regularly backing up data to off-site locations or cloud storage can help mitigate the risk of data loss in such events.

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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What are the key features and measures implemented on the Lenovo ThinkSystem SN850 Blade Server to ensure data security?

    The Lenovo ThinkSystem SN850 Blade Server incorporates several key features and measures to ensure data security. Some of these include:

    1. Secure Firmware Updates: The server utilizes secure firmware updates to protect against unauthorized access and ensure that only authenticated and trusted firmware is installed.
    2. Trusted Platform Module (TPM): The server is equipped with a TPM, which is a hardware-based security feature that securely stores cryptographic keys and provides secure authentication and encryption capabilities.
    3. Secure Boot: The server supports Secure Boot functionality, which ensures that only trusted and digitally signed firmware and operating system components are loaded during the boot process, protecting against malware and unauthorized modifications.
    4. Data-at-rest Encryption: The SN850 Blade Server supports self-encrypting drives (SEDs) that provide hardware-based encryption for data stored on the drives. This helps protect sensitive data even if the drives are physically removed from the server.
    5. Trusted Supply Chain: Lenovo maintains a trusted supply chain for its servers, ensuring that components and firmware are sourced from trusted vendors and are free from tampering or compromise.
    6. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): The server incorporates RBAC mechanisms, allowing administrators to define and enforce access controls based on specific roles and responsibilities. This helps prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data and system configurations.
    7. Integrated Management and Security: The server is managed through Lenovo XClarity Controller, which provides a unified interface for server management and includes security features such as user authentication, secure communication, and event logging.
    8. Physical Security: The SN850 Blade Server is designed with physical security features, such as lockable chassis and tamper-evident seals, to prevent unauthorized access to the server components.

    These are some of the key features and measures implemented on the Lenovo ThinkSystem SN850 Blade Server to ensure data security. It is important to note that additional security measures can be implemented at the network and application layers to further enhance overall data security.

  • How does the NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem SN850 Blade Server handle encryption and data protection for sensitive information?

    The Lenovo ThinkSystem SN850 Blade Server offers several features to handle encryption and data protection for sensitive information. Some of the key mechanisms include:

    1. Self-Encrypting Drives (SEDs): The server supports SEDs that provide hardware-based encryption for data at rest. SEDs automatically encrypt all data written to the drive and decrypt it when read, ensuring that the data remains protected even if the drive is stolen or removed.
    2. Trusted Platform Module (TPM): The server includes a TPM, which is a dedicated hardware chip that provides secure storage and management of cryptographic keys. It helps to ensure the integrity of the system and protects sensitive information such as encryption keys.
    3. Secure Boot: The ThinkSystem SN850 Blade Server supports Secure Boot, which ensures that only digitally signed and trusted firmware and operating system components are loaded during the server's boot process. This prevents the execution of unauthorized or malicious code that could compromise data security.
    4. Data Erasure: The server offers secure data erasure capabilities, including the ability to securely erase drives before decommissioning or repurposing them. This feature ensures that sensitive data cannot be recovered from the drives after they are no longer in use.
    5. RAID and Redundancy: The server supports various RAID configurations, allowing data to be distributed across multiple drives with redundancy. This helps protect against data loss in case of drive failures, ensuring continuous availability of sensitive information.
    6. Network Security: The ThinkSystem SN850 Blade Server includes built-in network security features such as firewall capabilities, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and secure remote management protocols. These features help protect data during transmission and safeguard against unauthorized access.

    Overall, the Lenovo ThinkSystem SN850 Blade Server combines hardware-based encryption, secure storage, secure boot, data erasure, and network security features to provide comprehensive encryption and data protection for sensitive information.

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