Expert Guide to Recovering NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem SR630 V2 Rack Server Data

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem SR630 V2 Rack Server
• How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
  • Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images
  • Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?
  • RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison

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 recommended practices for protecting NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem SR630 V2 Rack Server devices against physical theft or unauthorized access that can lead to data loss?

Yes, there are several recommended practices for protecting NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem SR630 V2 Rack Server devices against physical theft or unauthorized access. Here are some of them:

1. Physical Security: Ensure that the server is installed in a secure location, such as a locked server room or cabinet, to prevent unauthorized access.
2. Access Control: Implement strict access controls to limit physical access to the server. Only authorized personnel should be allowed to enter the server room or cabinet.
3. Locking Mechanisms: Use physical locking mechanisms, such as locks on server cabinets or racks, to prevent unauthorized removal of the server.
4. Surveillance: Install CCTV cameras in the server room or cabinet to monitor and record any unauthorized access attempts.
5. Alarm Systems: Implement an alarm system that can detect any unauthorized access or tampering with the server. This can include motion sensors, door sensors, or vibration sensors.
6. Asset Tracking: Keep a record of the server's serial number and other identifying information. This can help in tracking the server in case of theft.
7. Secure Rack Mounting: Ensure that the server is securely mounted in the rack using proper mounting brackets and screws to prevent easy removal.
8. BIOS and Firmware Security: Regularly update the server's BIOS and firmware to the latest versions. This helps in patching any security vulnerabilities and ensures the server is protected against known threats.
9. Encryption: Enable disk-level encryption on the server to protect the data stored on the drives. This ensures that even if the server is stolen, the data remains encrypted and inaccessible.
10. Employee Education: Train employees on the importance of physical security and the procedures to follow to prevent unauthorized access or theft.

By implementing these recommended practices, you can significantly enhance the physical security of your Lenovo ThinkSystem SR630 V2 Rack Server and protect it against theft or unauthorized access that could lead to data loss.

How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC

Although the NAS ThinkSystem SR630 V2 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.

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   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Lenovo ThinkSystem SR630 V2 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.

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How to recover data from a Lenovo

ThinkSystem SR630 V2 Rack Server has 12 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.

   

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.

   

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The Lenovo ThinkSystem SR630 V2 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