
- Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
- Key Information About the NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem SR530 Rack Server
- How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
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 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 Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
Although the NAS ThinkSystem SR530 Rack Server 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:
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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.
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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.
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Label each hard disk according to its position inside the NAS. The order of the drives is crucial for correct RAID reconstruction.
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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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Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Lenovo ThinkSystem SR530 Rack Server. 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.
How to recover data from a Lenovo
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;
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:
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Ensure you have enough free space to store the image. Its size will typically match the size of the original disk.
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In the main window, select the target disk and choose Tools - Save Disk. You can also select multiple disks if needed.
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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.

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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 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.
RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison
| Product | Operating system | RAID controller support | Supported file systems | Virtual RAID controller support | Data recovery from damaged RAID | File preview |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hetman RAID Recovery | Windows, Linux, MacOS | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, exFAT, NTFS, ReFS, APFS, HFS+, Ext4, Ext3, Ext2, ReiserFS, Btrfs, VMFS, Hikvision, XFS, UFS, ZFS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DiskInternals RAID Recovery | Windows | Yes, over 10 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
| R-Studio | Windows, Mac, Linux | Yes, over 20 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| UFS Explorer RAID Recovery | Windows, Mac, Linux | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| EaseUS Data Recovery | Windows | Yes, over 20 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
| ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery | Windows | 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.