How to Access Files on a RAID Disk When NAS Level One GNS-1001 is Not Accessible: Practical Steps

Has your NAS Level One GNS-1001 suddenly lost its network drive and you’re unsure what to do next? Did the RAID array collapse, making your files inaccessible? Is the device throwing errors during startup? Perhaps you accidentally rebuilt the RAID array or several hard drives failed at the same time?

How to Access Files on a RAID Disk When NAS Level One GNS-1001 is Not Accessible: Practical Steps

Level One GNS-1001 NAS Data Recovery in 2025

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from an GNS-1001. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

How to Access Files on a RAID Disk When NAS Level One GNS-1001 is Not Accessible: Practical Steps

RAID Recovery™ 2.8
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
Download

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 Level One 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 common mistakes or oversights made by users that can lead to data loss on NAS Level One GNS-1001 devices?

While I couldn't find specific information about common mistakes or oversights that can lead to data loss on NAS Level One GNS-1001 devices, there are some general practices that users should be aware of to prevent data loss on any NAS device. Here are a few potential mistakes or oversights that can lead to data loss:

  1. Lack of backups: Not having a proper backup strategy is one of the most common mistakes. If the NAS device fails or data gets corrupted, having a backup ensures you can restore your data.
  2. Inadequate RAID configuration: NAS devices often support RAID for data redundancy and protection against drive failures. If the RAID configuration is not set up correctly or not monitored regularly, it can lead to data loss.
  3. Power outages or improper shutdowns: Abrupt power loss or improper shutdowns can cause data corruption or damage to the NAS device. Users should ensure the NAS is connected to a reliable power source and follow proper shutdown procedures.
  4. Neglecting firmware updates: Not keeping the NAS firmware up to date can lead to security vulnerabilities or compatibility issues, which can ultimately result in data loss.
  5. Insufficient security measures: Weak passwords, improper user access controls, or enabling unnecessary network services can make the NAS device vulnerable to unauthorized access or malware attacks, potentially leading to data loss.

To mitigate these risks, it is advisable to regularly back up data, configure RAID properly, use a reliable power source, keep the firmware updated, and implement strong security measures. Additionally, consulting the user manual or seeking support from the manufacturer can provide specific guidance on avoiding data loss on the NAS Level One GNS-1001 device.

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

Although the NAS GNS-1001 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.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Level One GNS-1001. 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.

Go to view
How to recover data from a Level One

How to recover data from a Level One

GNS-1001 has 1 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • None;

NAS supports:

  • Ext2;
  • Ext3;
  • Ext4;

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.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Image Creation Wizard
  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.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Choose a disk or save the image via FTP

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The Level One GNS-1001 network-attached storage keeps OS Linux 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

Feedback

We will be happy to answer your questions!

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 GNS-1001, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Fred Bollin
    Fred Bollin 9.09.2023 03:43 #
    Is it possible to recover data from a NAS Level One GNS-1001 device that has been physically damaged by a fall or impact?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 9.09.2023 05:02 #

      Recovering data from a physically damaged NAS device can be challenging and may require professional help. If the device has been physically damaged due to a fall or impact, it is likely that the internal components, including the hard drives, may have been affected.

      Here are a few steps you can try to recover data from a physically damaged NAS device:

      1. Assess the damage: Examine the device for any visible signs of damage, such as broken or dislodged parts. If the hard drives are visibly damaged, it may be more difficult to recover data.
      2. Remove the hard drives: If the hard drives are intact and undamaged, you can remove them from the NAS device. Ensure you handle them carefully and avoid further damage.
      3. Connect the hard drives to a computer: Use a SATA-to-USB adapter or an external hard drive enclosure to connect the hard drives to a computer. This will allow you to access the data directly from the drives.
      4. Data recovery software: Use data recovery software like Recuva, TestDisk, or GetDataBack to scan the connected hard drives and attempt to recover the data. These tools can help recover deleted or lost files.
      5. Professional data recovery services: If the above steps do not yield satisfactory results, you may need to consult professional data recovery services. They have specialized equipment and expertise to recover data from physically damaged storage devices. However, note that professional services can be expensive.

      It is important to remember that the success of data recovery from a physically damaged NAS device depends on the extent of the damage and the condition of the hard drives. It is always recommended to regularly back up your data to prevent data loss in such situations.

Post comment
User
Leave a reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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.

Share

Questions and answers

  • What are the different cloud services that can be used to copy files from NAS Level One GNS-1001?

    There are several cloud services that can be used to copy files from a NAS Level One GNS-1001. Some popular cloud services include:

    1. Dropbox: Dropbox is a widely used cloud storage service that allows you to synchronize and access files from multiple devices. You can install the Dropbox application on your NAS device and sync files directly to your Dropbox account.
    2. Google Drive: Google Drive is a cloud storage service provided by Google. It offers a generous amount of free storage and allows you to upload and access files from anywhere. You can install the Google Drive application on your NAS device to sync files to your Google Drive account.
    3. Microsoft OneDrive: OneDrive is a cloud storage service provided by Microsoft. It allows you to store and access files from any device. You can install the OneDrive application on your NAS device to sync files to your OneDrive account.
    4. Amazon S3: Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3) is a highly scalable cloud storage service provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS). It is designed for developers and businesses to store and retrieve any amount of data from anywhere on the web. You can configure your NAS device to directly upload files to your Amazon S3 bucket.
    5. Box: Box is a cloud content management and file sharing service that allows you to securely store, manage, and share files. You can install the Box application on your NAS device to sync files to your Box account.

    These are just a few examples of cloud services that can be used to copy files from a NAS Level One GNS-1001. There are many other cloud storage providers available, each with its own features and pricing options.

  • How can the data transfer process from NAS Level One GNS-1001 to cloud services be automated?

    To automate the data transfer process from NAS Level One GNS-1001 to cloud services, you can follow these steps:

    1. Choose a cloud storage provider: Select a cloud service provider that suits your requirements and offers compatible APIs or tools for data transfer. Examples include Amazon S3, Google Cloud Storage, Microsoft Azure, or Dropbox.
    2. Set up cloud storage: Create a storage container or bucket in your chosen cloud service to store the transferred data. Ensure you have the necessary access credentials, such as API keys or authentication tokens.
    3. Install cloud storage client: Install the appropriate cloud storage client or SDK on your NAS device. This client should provide the necessary functionality to interact with the cloud service's APIs.
    4. Configure cloud storage client: Configure the cloud storage client with the required credentials, including access keys or tokens, specific cloud storage container or bucket details, and any other relevant settings.
    5. Schedule data transfer: Set up a schedule or trigger mechanism to initiate the data transfer process automatically. This can be accomplished using built-in NAS tools or by creating a script or job scheduler.
    6. Define transfer rules: Specify the rules for data transfer, such as selecting specific folders or files to transfer, excluding certain file types or directories, or setting up filters based on file attributes or modification dates.
    7. Monitor and log transfer activity: Implement logging and monitoring mechanisms to track the transfer progress, identify any errors or issues, and generate reports if necessary.
    8. Handle errors and retries: Incorporate error handling and retry mechanisms to ensure data integrity and reliability. This can include retrying failed transfers, logging errors for troubleshooting, and sending notifications for critical failures.
    9. Test and validate: Before deploying the automated process, thoroughly test the data transfer workflow to ensure it functions as expected. Validate that data is correctly transferred, and verify any error handling and logging mechanisms.
    10. Deploy and maintain: Once the automation process is tested and validated, deploy it on your NAS device and ensure it runs continuously. Regularly monitor and maintain the automation process to address any changes in cloud service APIs, update credentials if required, and handle any potential issues that may arise.

    By following these steps, you can automate the data transfer process from your NAS Level One GNS-1001 to cloud services, saving time and effort while ensuring efficient and reliable data synchronization.

  • What are the potential challenges or limitations when copying files from NAS Level One GNS-1001 to cloud services, and how can they be overcome?

    There are several potential challenges or limitations when copying files from a NAS Level One GNS-1001 to cloud services, and they can be overcome through various means:

    1. Bandwidth limitations: If the NAS device has limited upload speed, it may take a significant amount of time to transfer large files or a large number of files to the cloud. To overcome this, you can schedule the file transfer during off-peak hours to utilize maximum bandwidth or consider upgrading your internet connection to a higher speed plan.
    2. Network connectivity issues: Unstable or unreliable network connections can disrupt the file transfer process and result in incomplete or failed transfers. To overcome this, ensure that your network equipment is in good condition, use wired connections instead of Wi-Fi if possible, and consider using a reliable file transfer protocol such as FTP or SFTP.
    3. File compatibility: Some cloud services may have limitations on the types of files they can accept or may have restrictions on file sizes. Ensure that the files you are transferring are compatible with the cloud service and consider compressing large files or splitting them into smaller parts if necessary.
    4. Security concerns: When transferring files to the cloud, it is essential to ensure the security and privacy of your data. Encrypting the files before transferring them and using secure cloud storage providers with strong data protection measures can help overcome these concerns.
    5. Cost considerations: Cloud storage services often have storage limits or charge fees based on the amount of data stored. Be aware of the costs associated with transferring and storing files in the cloud, and consider optimizing your data by removing unnecessary files or compressing them to reduce storage requirements.
    6. Data transfer interruptions: If the file transfer process is interrupted due to power outages, system crashes, or other unforeseen circumstances, it can result in incomplete transfers or data loss. To overcome this, consider using file transfer tools that support resumable transfers, enabling you to resume the transfer from where it left off in case of interruptions.
    7. NAS compatibility with cloud services: Ensure that your NAS device is compatible with the cloud service you intend to use. Some NAS devices have built-in support for specific cloud services, making the integration and file transfer process more seamless.
    8. Initial data synchronization: If you have a large amount of data stored on your NAS, the initial synchronization with the cloud service can take a considerable amount of time. To overcome this, you can perform an initial offline transfer by physically shipping the data on external storage devices to the cloud service provider, or use specialized data migration services offered by some cloud providers.

    By addressing these challenges and limitations, you can effectively copy files from a NAS Level One GNS-1001 to cloud services while ensuring a smooth and secure transfer process.