How to Access Files on a RAID Disk When NAS Level One GNS-8000A / GNS-8000B is Out: Practical Steps

Contents

• 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?
  • Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • Safe recovery from disk images
  • Where are user’s files stored?
  • Comparison of software for RAID recovery

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 preventive measures to minimize the risk of data loss on NAS Level One GNS-8000A / GNS-8000B devices?

Yes, there are several preventive measures that can be taken to minimize the risk of data loss on NAS Level One GNS-8000A / GNS-8000B devices. Here are some recommendations:

1. Regular backups: Implement a regular backup strategy to ensure that your data is regularly backed up to a separate storage device or cloud storage. This will help in case of any data loss or hardware failure.
2. RAID configuration: Configure your NAS device in a RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configuration. RAID provides redundancy and fault tolerance by distributing data across multiple drives. In case of a drive failure, the data can still be accessed from the remaining drives.
3. UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply): Use a UPS to protect your NAS device from power surges, outages, and fluctuations. Sudden power loss can lead to data corruption or loss, and a UPS can provide temporary power during such events.
4. Firmware updates: Regularly update the firmware of your NAS device to ensure that you have the latest security patches and bug fixes. This will help in preventing any vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers.
5. User access control: Implement strong user access control measures by creating individual user accounts with strong passwords. Limit access privileges to only those who require it, and regularly review and revoke unnecessary access.
6. Network security: Secure your network by using strong passwords for your Wi-Fi, enabling encryption (WPA2 or higher), and using a firewall to protect against unauthorized access.
7. Physical security: Ensure that the NAS device is physically secure by placing it in a locked room or cabinet. Restrict physical access to authorized personnel only.
8. Monitoring and alerts: Set up monitoring and alert systems to notify you of any potential issues, such as disk failures, high temperatures, or abnormal network activity. This will allow you to take immediate action and prevent data loss.
9. Regular maintenance: Perform regular maintenance tasks such as checking hard drives for errors, cleaning dust from fans, and ensuring proper ventilation to prevent overheating.

By implementing these preventive measures, you can greatly minimize the risk of data loss on NAS Level One GNS-8000A / GNS-8000B devices.

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

Although NAS GNS-8000A / GNS-8000B 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.

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   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Level One GNS-8000A / GNS-8000B. 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.

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How to recover data from a Level One

GNS-8000A / GNS-8000B has 4 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

• RAID 0;
• RAID 1;
• RAID 5;
• RAID 6;
• JBOD;

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:

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 Tools – Save 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.

   

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.

   

Where are user’s files stored?

The Level One GNS-8000A / GNS-8000B 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