- 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 Level One 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 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS GNS-1001 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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.
-
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
Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Level One GNS-1001. 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.
GNS-1001 has 1 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:
- None;
NAS supports:
- Ext2;
- Ext3;
- Ext4;
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:
-
Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.
-
Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.
-
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.
-
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 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.
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 |
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:
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.