- 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.
How can RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations impact data loss in NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem SR670 Rack Server devices?
RAID configurations can have a significant impact on data loss in NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem SR670 Rack Server devices. Here are a few ways RAID can affect data loss:
- Data redundancy: RAID configurations, such as RAID 1 (mirroring) or RAID 5/6 (parity), provide data redundancy by storing multiple copies of data across multiple disks. In case of disk failure, the redundant data can be used to rebuild the lost information, minimizing the risk of data loss.
- Fault tolerance: RAID configurations enhance fault tolerance by allowing the system to continue functioning even if one or more disks fail. This ensures that the server remains operational and data remains accessible, reducing the chances of data loss due to disk failures.
- Improved performance: Certain RAID levels, such as RAID 0 (striping), can improve performance by distributing data across multiple disks. However, it's important to note that RAID 0 does not provide any data redundancy, so if one disk fails, all the data on that RAID set can be lost.
- Rebuild process: When a failed disk is replaced in a RAID configuration, the system initiates a rebuild process to restore the data on the new disk. During this process, the system is vulnerable to data loss if another disk fails or if there are any errors in the rebuild process. It's crucial to monitor the rebuild process and ensure that all disks are functioning properly to minimize the risk of data loss.
- RAID controller failure: The RAID controller is responsible for managing the RAID configuration and data redundancy. If the RAID controller fails, it can lead to data loss or corruption. Regular backups and monitoring of the RAID controller's health are essential to mitigate this risk.
To minimize data loss in NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem SR670 Rack Server devices, it is recommended to choose an appropriate RAID level based on the desired balance between performance, capacity, and data redundancy. Additionally, regular backups, monitoring of disk health, and RAID controller health are crucial to ensure data protection and minimize the impact of potential failures.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS ThinkSystem SR670 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 SR670 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 SR670 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 SR670 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 |
If the storage disks in a Lenovo ThinkSystem SR670 Rack Server are not recognized by the device, data recovery may still be possible, but it would require professional assistance and specialized tools. Here are a few steps you can take:
Remember, attempting data recovery on your own without proper knowledge and tools can potentially cause further damage to the disks and make data recovery more difficult or even impossible. It is always recommended to seek professional help for critical data recovery situations.