- 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.
Can virtualization technologies impact data loss risks in NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem SR550 Rack Server devices?
Yes, virtualization technologies can impact data loss risks in NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem SR550 Rack Server devices. By implementing virtualization technologies such as VMware or Hyper-V, you can create virtual machines (VMs) on the server, which can help isolate and protect data.
Virtualization allows for the creation of multiple VMs, each with its own operating system and applications, running on a single physical server. This isolation helps to prevent data loss in case of hardware failures or software issues. If one VM experiences data loss, the others remain unaffected.
Additionally, virtualization provides features like snapshots, which allow you to take point-in-time backups of VMs. Snapshots can be used to recover data in case of accidental deletion or corruption.
Furthermore, virtualization technologies often include advanced features like high availability and fault tolerance, which can help minimize downtime and data loss risks. These features allow for automatic failover to another server or VM in case of hardware or software failures.
Overall, virtualization technologies can enhance data protection and reduce data loss risks in NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem SR550 Rack Server devices by providing isolation, backup capabilities, and advanced features for high availability and fault tolerance.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS ThinkSystem SR550 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 SR550 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.
How to recover data from a Lenovo
ThinkSystem SR550 Rack Server has 16 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 SR550 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 |
The limitations on the size of data that can be recovered from a NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem SR550 Rack Server device would depend on several factors, including the specific model and configuration of the server, the capacity of the storage drives installed, and the capabilities of the data recovery tools and techniques being used.
In general, NAS devices like the Lenovo ThinkSystem SR550 Rack Server are designed to handle large amounts of data, and the capacity of the storage drives can be scaled up to meet the needs of the user. These servers often support multiple drive bays and can accommodate high-capacity drives, allowing for significant storage capacity.
However, the process of data recovery can be influenced by various factors such as the file system used, the condition of the storage drives, and the complexity of the data loss scenario. In some cases, the size of the data being recovered may not be a limitation, but rather the availability of appropriate data recovery software or services that can handle the specific NAS device and file system.
It is recommended to consult with a professional data recovery service provider or refer to the documentation and specifications of the specific Lenovo ThinkSystem SR550 Rack Server model for more detailed information on the limitations and capabilities related to data recovery.