How to Perform NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem ST250 V2 Data Recovery Like a Pro

Lost files on your ⭐ NAS? Our comprehensive guide will help you recover them in no time.

How to Perform NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem ST250 V2 Data Recovery Like a Pro

Lenovo ThinkSystem ST250 V2 NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from ThinkSystem ST250 V2.

How to Perform NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem ST250 V2 Data Recovery Like a Pro

RAID Recovery™ 2.6
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
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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 does a NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem ST250 V2 device store and manage data?

The Lenovo ThinkSystem ST250 V2 is a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device that stores and manages data using various components and software. Here is a breakdown of how it stores and manages data:

  1. Hard Drives: The ST250 V2 NAS comes with multiple hard drive bays where you can install SATA or SAS hard drives. These hard drives are used to store the actual data. You can configure them in various RAID levels (such as RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, or 10) for data redundancy and performance.
  2. RAID Controller: The NAS device is equipped with a RAID controller that manages the connected hard drives and handles data storage and retrieval. It ensures data integrity, distributes data across multiple drives (in case of RAID levels like 5 or 6), and provides fault tolerance.
  3. Operating System: The ST250 V2 runs on a specialized operating system designed for NAS devices. Lenovo typically uses the LenovoEMC Storage Manager or similar software. This OS provides the necessary tools and interfaces to manage and configure the NAS, including user access control, storage allocation, and data management features.
  4. Network Connectivity: The NAS device has multiple network interfaces (such as Ethernet ports) that allow it to connect to the local network. This enables users to access and manage the stored data from various devices connected to the network, including computers, servers, or even mobile devices.
  5. File System: The NAS device uses a file system (such as NTFS, ext4, or Btrfs) to organize and manage the data stored on the hard drives. The file system determines how data is structured, accessed, and stored, and it provides features like file permissions, file sharing, and file-level snapshots.
  6. Management Software: Lenovo provides management software specific to the ST250 V2 NAS, such as the Lenovo Storage Manager or similar tools. This software allows administrators to configure and manage the NAS, including setting up storage pools, creating shares, monitoring performance, and implementing backup and recovery solutions.

Overall, the Lenovo ThinkSystem ST250 V2 NAS device combines hardware components like hard drives and RAID controllers with specialized software to store and manage data efficiently, providing reliable and accessible storage for organizations.

How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?

Although NAS ThinkSystem ST250 V2 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:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.

  4. 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.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Lenovo ThinkSystem ST250 V2. 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.

Go to view
How to recover data from a Lenovo

How to recover data from a Lenovo

ThinkSystem ST250 V2 has 32 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:

  1. Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.

  2. Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu ToolsSave Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.

  3. 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.

    Hetman Raid Recovery: Image Creation Wizard
  4. 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.

    Hetman Raid Recovery: hoose any disk connected to this PC, or save the image by FTP

Where are user’s files stored?

The Lenovo ThinkSystem ST250 V2 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

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Comments (3)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 9.08.2022 12:31 #
    If you want to ask a question about data recovery, from NAS ThinkSystem ST250 V2, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Carroll Shankland
    Carroll Shankland 21.08.2023 23:57 #
    Are there any specific encryption methods used in NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem ST250 V2 devices that may affect data recovery?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 21.08.2023 23:59 #

      The Lenovo ThinkSystem ST250 V2 is a network-attached storage (NAS) device and does not inherently employ encryption methods that directly affect data recovery. However, it is important to note that data recovery can be impacted by various factors, including encryption methods used in conjunction with the NAS device.

      If you enable encryption on the NAS device itself or use encryption at the file system level, it can potentially complicate data recovery. Encryption ensures that data is securely stored and transmitted, but it also means that the data is unreadable without the appropriate decryption key. If the encryption key is lost or inaccessible, it can make data recovery challenging or even impossible.

      Therefore, it is essential to maintain proper backups and securely store encryption keys to ensure data recovery in case of any unforeseen circumstances or data loss events.

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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • How does the NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem ST250 V2 enhance the backup process for web hosting compared to other solutions?

    The NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem ST250 V2 enhances the backup process for web hosting compared to other solutions in several ways:

    1. Scalability: The ThinkSystem ST250 V2 offers high scalability, allowing web hosting providers to easily expand storage capacity as their backup needs grow. It supports up to 12 hot-swap 3.5" drives, providing ample space for backup data.
    2. Performance: With powerful Intel Xeon processors and up to 128GB of RAM, the ThinkSystem ST250 V2 delivers excellent performance for backup operations. It ensures faster data transfers and reduces the time required for backup and restore processes.
    3. Data Protection: The ThinkSystem ST250 V2 includes built-in RAID capabilities, allowing users to configure redundant storage arrays for data protection. This ensures that even in the event of a drive failure, the backup data remains intact and accessible.
    4. Ease of Management: Lenovo offers a user-friendly management interface for the ThinkSystem ST250 V2, making it easy to configure and manage backup processes. This simplifies the overall backup management, reducing the complexity and time required for administration.
    5. Reliability: Lenovo is known for its high-quality hardware, and the ThinkSystem ST250 V2 is no exception. It is designed to deliver high reliability, ensuring that backup data is consistently available and protected.
    6. Cost-effectiveness: The ThinkSystem ST250 V2 provides a cost-effective solution for web hosting backup needs. Its competitive pricing, combined with its scalability and performance, makes it an attractive choice for businesses looking to enhance their backup processes without breaking the bank.

    Overall, the NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem ST250 V2 offers a comprehensive set of features and capabilities that enhance the backup process for web hosting. It provides scalability, performance, data protection, ease of management, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, making it a strong contender compared to other backup solutions.

  • What are the key features and specifications of the NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem ST250 V2 that make it suitable for web hosting backup purposes?

    The Lenovo ThinkSystem ST250 V2 NAS is a versatile and high-performance server that can be used for various purposes, including web hosting backup. Here are the key features and specifications that make it suitable for this purpose:

    1. Storage Capacity: The ST250 V2 supports up to 8 hot-swap drive bays, allowing for ample storage capacity. It can accommodate both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch SATA/SAS drives, providing flexibility in terms of storage options.
    2. RAID Support: The server includes integrated RAID controllers that support various RAID levels, such as RAID 0, 1, 10, 5, and 50. This ensures data redundancy and protection against drive failures, which is essential for reliable web hosting backup.
    3. High Performance: The ST250 V2 is equipped with powerful Intel Xeon processors, which deliver excellent performance for handling backup tasks. It also supports up to 128GB of RAM, allowing for efficient data processing and quick access to stored backups.
    4. Scalability: The server is designed for scalability, allowing you to expand storage capacity as your backup needs grow. It supports additional storage enclosures, enabling easy expansion without disrupting existing operations.
    5. Network Connectivity: The ST250 V2 comes with multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports, allowing for fast and reliable network connectivity. This is crucial for transferring backup data efficiently over the network.
    6. Redundant Power Supply: The server is equipped with redundant power supplies, ensuring uninterrupted operation even in the event of a power supply failure. This feature enhances the reliability and availability of the backup system.
    7. Management and Monitoring: Lenovo XClarity Controller embedded management provides comprehensive control and monitoring of the server. It enables remote management, configuration, and monitoring of the backup system, ensuring smooth operations and proactive maintenance.
    8. Compact and Space-Saving Design: The ST250 V2 has a compact form factor, making it suitable for small server rooms or limited space environments. Its efficient design allows for easy deployment and integration into existing infrastructure.

    Overall, the Lenovo ThinkSystem ST250 V2 NAS offers a combination of storage capacity, performance, scalability, and reliability, making it well-suited for web hosting backup purposes.

  • Can the NAS Lenovo ThinkSystem ST250 V2 handle the storage and backup requirements of a high-traffic web hosting environment, and what scalability options does it offer?

    The Lenovo ThinkSystem ST250 V2 is not a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device, but rather a server. However, it can be configured to handle the storage and backup requirements of a high-traffic web hosting environment.

    The ThinkSystem ST250 V2 server supports up to 8 hot-swap 2.5" or 4 hot-swap 3.5" drive bays, allowing for a significant amount of storage capacity. It also supports various RAID configurations to ensure data redundancy and performance.

    In terms of scalability, the server offers expansion slots for additional storage or networking options. It has two PCIe 3.0 slots and can accommodate up to two GPUs for specialized workloads. This allows for future expansion and scalability as the web hosting environment grows.

    Additionally, the server supports Lenovo's ThinkSystem Management software, which provides advanced management capabilities, including remote monitoring, firmware updates, and system configuration. This helps in managing and scaling the server efficiently in a high-traffic web hosting environment.

    While the ThinkSystem ST250 V2 can handle the storage and backup requirements of a high-traffic web hosting environment, it's important to consider other factors such as network bandwidth, CPU, and memory requirements to ensure optimal performance and scalability.

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