- 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.
Are there any recommended practices for off-site backup storage to prevent complete data loss in the event of a disaster?
Yes, there are several recommended practices for off-site backup storage to prevent complete data loss in the event of a disaster. Here are some of them:
- Choose a geographically distant location: Select an off-site backup storage location that is far enough from your primary site to minimize the risk of being affected by the same disaster. This helps ensure that your backup data remains safe even if your primary site is completely destroyed.
- Use a secure and reliable data center: Partner with a reputable data center or cloud storage provider that offers high levels of security, redundancy, and reliability. Look for providers with certifications like ISO 27001 or SSAE 16, and ensure they have robust physical and logical security measures in place.
- Implement encryption: Encrypt your backup data before storing it off-site. This adds an extra layer of protection, ensuring that even if your data is compromised, it cannot be accessed without the encryption key.
- Regularly test and verify backups: Regularly test your backup and recovery processes to ensure they are working as expected. Perform periodic restoration tests to validate the integrity and accessibility of your backup data.
- Implement a multi-tiered backup strategy: Consider implementing a multi-tiered backup strategy that includes both on-site and off-site backups. This can include local backups for quick recovery and off-site backups for protection against site-wide disasters.
- Automate backup processes: Use automated backup solutions to ensure that your data is regularly and consistently backed up to the off-site location. Automation reduces the risk of human error and ensures that backups are performed on schedule.
- Implement versioning and retention policies: Implement versioning and retention policies for your backups. This allows you to store multiple versions of your data and retain backups for a specified period. In case of data corruption or accidental deletion, you can restore a clean version of the data from an earlier backup.
- Regularly review and update your backup strategy: Periodically review and update your backup strategy to ensure it aligns with your changing business needs and technology advancements. Regularly assess the effectiveness of your off-site backup storage solution and make adjustments as necessary.
Remember, the specific practices may vary depending on your organization's requirements, industry regulations, and the type of data being backed up. It's always recommended to consult with IT professionals or data management experts to design a backup strategy that suits your specific needs.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS ThinkSystem SR850 V2 Mission-Critical 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 SR850 V2 Mission-Critical 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 SR850 V2 Mission-Critical Server has 24 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 SR850 V2 Mission-Critical 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 |
Yes, data recovery from a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device like the Lenovo ThinkSystem SR850 V2 can be performed even if there are issues with the network router or switch.
The NAS device itself stores the data on its internal storage drives, and it is independent of the network infrastructure. If there are issues with the router or switch, it may result in a temporary loss of network connectivity, but the data stored on the NAS should still be intact.
To perform data recovery from the NAS device, you would need to physically access the device and connect it directly to a computer or another network device using Ethernet or other supported connectivity options. This way, you can bypass the problematic router or switch and access the data directly from the NAS.
However, if the issues with the network infrastructure have caused data corruption or other problems on the NAS device itself, data recovery may become more complex. In such cases, it is recommended to consult with a professional data recovery service to ensure the best chances of recovering your data successfully.