How to recover data from Level One GNS-8000A / GNS-8000B NAS

Is your network drive gone, and you are wondering what to do? Has a RAID system crashed, and your files are no longer accessible? Does your device display an error while booting? Have you accidentally rebuilt your RAID system? Are several hard disks out of order?

How to recover data from NAS Level One GNS-8000A / GNS-8000B

Level One GNS-8000A / GNS-8000B NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from GNS-8000A / GNS-8000B.

How to recover data from NAS Level One GNS-8000A / GNS-8000B

Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.

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.

    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 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

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 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 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

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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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-8000A / GNS-8000B, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Hugh Hood
    Hugh Hood 9.09.2023 02:54 #
    Can data recovery from a NAS Level One GNS-8000A / GNS-8000B device be done if the storage disks have bad sectors?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 9.09.2023 02:59 #

      Yes, data recovery from a NAS device like the Level One GNS-8000A / GNS-8000B can be attempted even if the storage disks have bad sectors. However, the success of the recovery depends on the severity of the bad sectors and the condition of the disks.

      In cases where the bad sectors are limited and the disks are still functioning properly, data recovery software or services can be used to retrieve the data. These tools can bypass the bad sectors and extract the readable data from the rest of the disk.

      However, if the bad sectors are extensive or the disks are physically damaged, the chances of successful data recovery may be reduced. In such cases, it is recommended to seek professional data recovery services that specialize in dealing with damaged storage media. These experts have specialized equipment and techniques to recover data even from severely damaged disks.

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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

  • What are the key steps involved in connecting the NAS Level One GNS-8000A / GNS-8000B to a home network?

    To connect the NAS Level One GNS-8000A / GNS-8000B to a home network, you need to follow these key steps:

    1. Set up the NAS hardware: Unbox the NAS device and connect it to a power source. Connect the NAS to your router or switch using an Ethernet cable.
    2. Configure network settings: Access the NAS device's web-based interface by entering its IP address in a web browser. The default IP address is usually mentioned in the user manual. Once you access the interface, set a static IP address for the NAS or configure it to obtain an IP address automatically from your router using DHCP.
    3. Create storage volumes: In the NAS interface, create storage volumes (RAID arrays or individual disks) according to your requirements. You can choose RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, or other configurations depending on your needs for data redundancy and performance.
    4. Configure network access: Set up network access permissions and user accounts on the NAS. Create user accounts and assign appropriate access rights to different folders or volumes. This ensures secure access to the NAS from devices on your home network.
    5. Enable services: Determine which services you want to enable on the NAS, such as file sharing (SMB/CIFS, NFS), media streaming (DLNA), FTP, or cloud backup. Enable the required services and configure their settings based on your preferences.
    6. Connect devices to the NAS: On your home devices (computers, laptops, smart TVs, etc.), map network drives or connect to the NAS using its IP address. This allows you to access the shared folders and files stored on the NAS.
    7. Set up backup and synchronization: Configure backup and synchronization tasks on the NAS to automatically backup important files from your devices or synchronize data between different devices and the NAS.
    8. Configure remote access (optional): If you want to access your NAS remotely over the internet, configure port forwarding on your router and set up a Dynamic DNS (DDNS) service. This allows you to access your NAS and its files from outside your home network.
    9. Test the connection: Ensure that you can access the NAS and its shared folders from your connected devices. Transfer some files to and from the NAS to verify the network connection and performance.

    By following these steps, you should be able to successfully connect the NAS Level One GNS-8000A / GNS-8000B to your home network and start using it for storage and file sharing purposes.

  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of using the NAS Level One GNS-8000A / GNS-8000B for home network storage compared to other options?

    Advantages of using the NAS Level One GNS-8000A / GNS-8000B for home network storage compared to other options:

    1. Storage capacity: NAS devices like the GNS-8000A / GNS-8000B typically offer larger storage capacities compared to other options like external hard drives or cloud storage. This allows for more extensive data storage and backup capabilities.
    2. Data accessibility: NAS devices provide easy and centralized access to stored data across multiple devices within a home network. Users can access files and media from any connected device, including computers, smartphones, and tablets.
    3. Data security: NAS devices often come with built-in security features such as user authentication, data encryption, and firewall protection. This helps to safeguard sensitive data from unauthorized access or potential online threats.
    4. Data backup and synchronization: NAS devices offer automated backup and synchronization options, ensuring that important files are regularly backed up and updated across all connected devices. This helps in data protection and ensures data consistency.
    5. Media streaming capabilities: NAS devices often have built-in media server functionality, allowing users to stream media files such as movies, music, and photos directly to compatible devices like smart TVs or media players.

    Disadvantages of using the NAS Level One GNS-8000A / GNS-8000B for home network storage compared to other options:

    1. Cost: NAS devices can be relatively expensive compared to other storage options like external hard drives. The initial investment includes the cost of the device itself, as well as hard drives to populate it.
    2. Technical expertise: Setting up and configuring a NAS device may require some technical knowledge. Users need to understand network configurations, IP addresses, and other networking concepts to properly set up and utilize the device.
    3. Power consumption: NAS devices are always powered on, which means they consume electricity continuously. This can lead to higher energy costs compared to other storage options that can be turned off when not in use.
    4. Limited mobility: NAS devices are stationary and require a wired or wireless connection to the home network. They cannot be easily carried around like external hard drives, limiting their portability.
    5. Dependency on home network: NAS devices rely on the stability and performance of the home network. If the network experiences issues or slowdowns, it can impact the accessibility and performance of the NAS device.
  • Are there any specific router or network configuration requirements to ensure seamless connectivity between the NAS Level One GNS-8000A / GNS-8000B and other devices on the home network?

    To ensure seamless connectivity between the NAS Level One GNS-8000A / GNS-8000B and other devices on the home network, there are a few router and network configuration requirements to consider:

    1. Network Compatibility: Ensure that the NAS device and other devices on the home network are connected to the same local area network (LAN). They should share the same IP address range and subnet mask.
    2. DHCP Configuration: If the NAS device and other devices are configured to obtain IP addresses automatically, make sure that the router's DHCP server is enabled and has a sufficient range of available IP addresses to assign to all devices.
    3. Port Forwarding: If you want to access the NAS device remotely from outside the home network, you may need to set up port forwarding on the router. Consult the NAS device's documentation for the specific ports that need to be forwarded.
    4. Firewall Settings: Check the router's firewall settings to ensure that it is not blocking any necessary ports or protocols required for the NAS device's functionality. You may need to create exceptions or allow specific traffic.
    5. Network Sharing and Permissions: Configure the NAS device to allow network sharing and set appropriate permissions for accessing shared folders or files. This ensures that other devices on the network can access the NAS and its contents.
    6. Network Speed and Bandwidth: If you experience slow connectivity or performance issues, check the network speed and bandwidth of the router. Ensure that it supports fast Ethernet or Gigabit Ethernet connections to provide optimal data transfer speeds between devices.

    It's important to consult the user manual or documentation provided by the NAS device manufacturer for specific instructions and requirements related to network connectivity and configuration.

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