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

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Level One GNS-8000A / GNS-8000B
• How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
  • Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images
  • Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?
  • RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison

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

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

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   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

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-8000A / GNS-8000B. 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.

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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;

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.

   

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.

   

Where Are the User’s Files Actually 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.

RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison