
- Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
- Key Information About the NAS Level One GNS-1001
- 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 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:
- 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 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:
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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 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.
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:
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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 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 |


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.