How to Restore Deleted Files on NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem SR860 V2 Mission-Critical Server Systems

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem SR860 V2 Mission-Critical 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.

How can RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations impact data loss in NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem SR860 V2 Mission-Critical Server devices?

RAID configurations can significantly impact data loss in NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem SR860 V2 Mission-Critical Server devices. Here are a few ways RAID can affect data loss:

1. Data Redundancy: RAID configurations, such as RAID 1 (mirroring) or RAID 5/6 (parity), provide redundancy by storing multiple copies of data across multiple disks. This redundancy helps protect against data loss in case of disk failures. If a disk fails, the data can be rebuilt using the redundant information stored on other disks.
2. Improved Fault Tolerance: RAID configurations enhance fault tolerance by allowing the server to continue operating even if one or more disks fail. This minimizes the risk of data loss and ensures uninterrupted access to stored data.
3. Hot-Swap Capability: Some RAID configurations support hot-swapping, which means failed disks can be replaced without shutting down the server. This reduces downtime and the potential for data loss during disk replacement.
4. Performance Impact: Depending on the RAID level chosen, there may be a performance impact on the NAS device. RAID configurations like RAID 5 or RAID 6 require additional processing power and disk I/O, which can affect overall system performance. It's essential to consider the trade-off between performance and data protection when selecting a RAID configuration.
5. RAID Controller Failure: While RAID configurations provide data redundancy, if the RAID controller itself fails, it can lead to data loss. It is crucial to ensure the RAID controller is reliable and has proper backup and failover mechanisms to prevent such scenarios.
6. Human Error: RAID configurations can also be susceptible to human error during setup or maintenance. Accidental deletion or formatting of RAID arrays, misconfiguration, or improper handling of disks can result in data loss. Proper training and adherence to best practices are essential to minimize the risk of human-induced data loss.

In summary, RAID configurations play a vital role in reducing the risk of data loss in NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem SR860 V2 Mission-Critical Server devices. They provide data redundancy, fault tolerance, and the ability to recover from disk failures. However, it's important to understand the limitations and potential risks associated with different RAID levels and ensure proper configuration, maintenance, and backup practices are in place to mitigate data loss.

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

Although the NAS ThinkSystem SR860 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:

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 SR860 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.

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How to recover data from a Lenovo

ThinkSystem SR860 V2 Mission-Critical Server has 48 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 SR860 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