- Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
- Key Information About the NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem SR850 V2 Mission-Critical Server
- How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
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 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 Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
Although the NAS ThinkSystem SR850 V2 Mission-Critical 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:
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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.
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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.
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Label each hard disk according to its position inside the NAS. The order of the drives is crucial for correct RAID reconstruction.
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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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Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery
This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Lenovo ThinkSystem SR850 V2 Mission-Critical 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.
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;
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:
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Ensure you have enough free space to store the image. Its size will typically match the size of the original disk.
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In the main window, select the target disk and choose Tools - Save Disk. You can also select multiple disks if needed.
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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.
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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 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.
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 |
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.