Step-by-Step NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem SR530 Rack Server Data Recovery Guide

Has your NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem SR530 Rack Server suddenly lost its network drive and you’re unsure what to do next? Did the RAID array collapse, making your files inaccessible? Is the device throwing errors during startup? Perhaps you accidentally rebuilt the RAID array or several hard drives failed at the same time?

Step-by-Step NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem SR530 Rack Server Data Recovery Guide

Lenovo ThinkSystem SR530 Rack Server NAS Data Recovery in 2025

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from an ThinkSystem SR530 Rack Server. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

Step-by-Step NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem SR530 Rack Server Data Recovery Guide

RAID Recovery™ 2.8
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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:

  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.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

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.

Go to view
How to recover data from a Lenovo

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:

  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.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Image Creation Wizard
  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.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Choose a disk or save 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

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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 SR530 Rack Server, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Geoffrey Stuttaford
    Geoffrey Stuttaford 22.08.2023 10:42 #
    Are there any specific error codes or messages that may indicate the need for data recovery from a NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem SR530 Rack Server device?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 22.08.2023 11:59 #

      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:

      1. Disk failure: This error message indicates that one or more disks in the NAS device have failed. It may be accompanied by specific error codes such as "Disk 1 failure" or "RAID degraded." In such cases, data recovery may be necessary to retrieve the data from the failed disk or rebuild the RAID array.
      2. File system corruption: If the file system on the NAS device becomes corrupted, you may encounter error messages like "File system error" or "Invalid file system." This can prevent access to the data stored on the device, and data recovery may be required to restore the files.
      3. RAID controller failure: If the RAID controller in the Lenovo ThinkSystem SR530 Rack Server fails, it can lead to data loss or inaccessibility. Error messages like "RAID controller failure" or "RAID initialization error" may indicate the need for data recovery to recover the data from the RAID array.
      4. Power failure: Sudden power outages or improper shutdowns can cause data corruption or loss on the NAS device. Error messages like "Power failure detected" or "System halted due to power loss" may suggest the need for data recovery to recover the files affected by the power failure.
      5. Accidental deletion or formatting: If someone accidentally deletes important files or formats the NAS device, data recovery may be necessary to recover the lost data. In such cases, error messages may not be explicitly displayed, but the absence of the desired files or folders can indicate the need for data recovery.

      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.

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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 is SSH and how does it work as a protocol for secure remote access to a server?

    SSH (Secure Shell) is a cryptographic network protocol used for secure remote access to a server. It provides a secure channel over an unsecured network by encrypting the data being transmitted.

    Here's how SSH works as a protocol for secure remote access:

    1. Authentication: The client initiates an SSH connection to the server. The server responds with its public key, and the client verifies the authenticity of the server using this key. The client may also provide its own public key for server authentication.
    2. Key Exchange: Once the server's authenticity is verified, the client and server perform a key exchange to establish a shared secret key for encryption and decryption. This key is used for securing the subsequent communication.
    3. Encryption: Using the shared secret key, all data transmitted between the client and server is encrypted. This ensures that even if intercepted, the data cannot be understood without the key.
    4. Secure Channel: Once the encryption is established, a secure channel is created between the client and server. All subsequent communication, including commands, file transfers, and terminal sessions, is sent through this secure channel.
    5. Data Integrity: SSH also ensures data integrity by using cryptographic hash functions to verify that the data received has not been tampered with during transmission.
    6. Port Forwarding: SSH supports port forwarding, allowing users to securely access services running on a remote server by forwarding the network traffic through the encrypted SSH connection.

    Overall, SSH provides a secure and encrypted means of remote access to a server, protecting the confidentiality and integrity of the data being transmitted.

  • How does the NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem SR530 Rack Server utilize SSH for secure remote management and file transfer?

    The NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem SR530 Rack Server utilizes SSH (Secure Shell) for secure remote management and file transfer through the following methods:

    1. Secure Remote Management: The server allows administrators to remotely manage and configure the system using SSH. SSH provides a secure encrypted connection between the client and the server, ensuring that sensitive data, such as login credentials and configuration settings, are protected from unauthorized access.
    2. Secure Shell (SSH) Protocol: The server supports the SSH protocol, which provides secure authentication and encrypted communication between the client and the server. SSH uses public-key cryptography to authenticate the client and server, ensuring that the connection is secure and not vulnerable to eavesdropping or tampering.
    3. Secure File Transfer: The server supports Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) over SSH. SFTP allows administrators to securely transfer files between the client and the server using encryption. It ensures that files transferred over the network are protected from interception and unauthorized access.
    4. Secure Console Redirection: The server also provides a secure console redirection feature using SSH. This allows administrators to remotely access the server's console interface over an encrypted SSH connection. It enables them to perform tasks as if they were physically present in front of the server, providing a secure and convenient method for troubleshooting and managing the system.

    Overall, the NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem SR530 Rack Server utilizes SSH to ensure secure remote management and file transfer, protecting sensitive data and providing a secure and reliable method for administrators to access and manage the server remotely.

  • Can you explain the advantages and features of SSH that make it an ideal choice for secure communication and management of the Lenovo ThinkSystem SR530 Rack Server?

    SSH (Secure Shell) is a widely used protocol for secure communication and remote management of servers, including the Lenovo ThinkSystem SR530 Rack Server. Here are some advantages and features of SSH that make it an ideal choice for secure communication and management:

    1. Encryption: SSH uses strong encryption algorithms to secure the communication between the client and server. This ensures that the data transmitted, including login credentials and commands, cannot be easily intercepted or decrypted by unauthorized users.
    2. Authentication: SSH supports various authentication methods, such as password-based authentication, public-key authentication, and two-factor authentication. This allows administrators to choose the most secure and convenient method for accessing the server.
    3. Secure Remote Access: SSH provides a secure way to remotely access and manage the server. It allows administrators to execute commands, transfer files, and perform administrative tasks from a remote location, eliminating the need for physical access to the server.
    4. Port Forwarding: SSH supports port forwarding, which allows administrators to securely access services running on the server's network from a remote location. This feature is useful for accessing web applications, databases, or other services that are not directly accessible from outside the server's network.
    5. X11 Forwarding: SSH supports X11 forwarding, which enables administrators to run graphical applications on the server and display them on their local machine. This is particularly useful for managing servers with graphical interfaces or running applications that require a GUI.
    6. Secure File Transfer: SSH includes a secure file transfer protocol (SFTP) that allows administrators to securely transfer files between the client and server. SFTP provides encryption and integrity checks to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of transferred files.
    7. Auditability: SSH provides detailed logging and auditing capabilities, allowing administrators to monitor and track all SSH sessions. This helps in detecting any unauthorized access attempts or suspicious activities on the server.

    Overall, SSH offers a highly secure and versatile solution for communication and management of the Lenovo ThinkSystem SR530 Rack Server, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of server resources.