- 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 compatibility issues or limitations when connecting NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem SR530 Rack Server devices to different operating systems or platforms?
When connecting NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem SR530 Rack Server devices to different operating systems or platforms, there can be some compatibility issues or limitations. Here are a few factors to consider:
- File System Compatibility: The NAS device might use a specific file system, such as NTFS, FAT32, or ext4. Different operating systems have varying support for these file systems. For example, Windows supports NTFS and FAT32, while Linux supports ext4. Therefore, if you connect the NAS to a Linux system, it might not be able to read or write data if the NAS uses NTFS.
- Network Protocols: NAS devices typically support multiple network protocols like SMB/CIFS, NFS, FTP, or AFP. While most operating systems support SMB/CIFS, NFS is more commonly used in Linux environments. Therefore, if you connect the NAS to a Windows system, it might not have native support for NFS.
- User Authentication: NAS devices can have their own user authentication mechanisms, such as local user accounts or integration with Active Directory. The compatibility of these mechanisms with different operating systems can vary. For example, if the NAS is integrated with Active Directory, Windows systems will have seamless authentication, but Linux systems might require additional configuration.
- Software and Driver Support: Some NAS devices require specific software or drivers to be installed on the client systems for full compatibility. These software components might not be available for all operating systems or platforms. Hence, it's essential to check if the NAS manufacturer provides software support for the operating systems you intend to connect.
- Performance and Optimization: While NAS devices can generally connect to different operating systems, the performance and optimization might vary depending on the specific OS. Some NAS features or functionalities might work better on certain platforms due to better integration or optimization.
To ensure compatibility, it is recommended to review the NAS device's specifications, documentation, and compatibility lists provided by the manufacturer. Additionally, consulting with the manufacturer's support or technical team can help address any specific concerns or limitations when connecting the NAS to different operating systems or platforms.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS ThinkSystem SR530 Rack 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:
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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 ThinkSystem SR530 Rack 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.
ThinkSystem SR530 Rack Server has 8 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:
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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 ThinkSystem SR530 Rack 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 |
There are several error codes or messages that may indicate the need for data recovery from a NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem SR530 Rack Server device. Some of the common ones include:
In any of these scenarios, it is recommended to consult with a professional data recovery service to assess the situation and determine the best course of action for recovering the data from the NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem SR530 Rack Server device.