Practical Steps to Extract Data from a RAID Disk if NAS Netgear ReadyNAS RN214 Won’t Boot

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 Netgear 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 Netgear ReadyNAS RN214 devices?

Yes, there are several preventive measures you can take to minimize the risk of data loss on NAS Netgear ReadyNAS RN214 devices:

1. Regular backups: Implement a regular backup schedule to ensure that your data is backed up to another location or device. This can be done using built-in backup features of the ReadyNAS or using third-party backup software.
2. RAID configuration: Configure your ReadyNAS with a RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) setup. RAID provides data redundancy by distributing data across multiple drives, so if one drive fails, the data can still be accessed from the remaining drives.
3. Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): Connect your ReadyNAS to a UPS to protect it from power surges, outages, and other electrical issues. Sudden power loss can lead to data corruption or loss.
4. Regular firmware updates: Keep your ReadyNAS firmware up to date. Firmware updates often include bug fixes, security patches, and improvements that can help prevent data loss.
5. Implement user access controls: Limit access to your ReadyNAS by implementing strong user access controls. Only grant necessary permissions to users to minimize the risk of accidental or intentional data deletion.
6. Regular monitoring: Monitor the health and performance of your ReadyNAS regularly. Use the built-in monitoring tools or third-party software to keep an eye on the system's status, disk health, and overall performance.
7. Use quality hard drives: Choose high-quality hard drives for your ReadyNAS, preferably those designed for NAS use. Lower-quality drives may have a higher chance of failure, leading to data loss.
8. Implement network security measures: Protect your ReadyNAS from unauthorized access by implementing strong network security measures. This includes using strong passwords, enabling firewall settings, and keeping your network infrastructure secure.

By following these preventive measures, you can significantly minimize the risk of data loss on your NAS Netgear ReadyNAS RN214 device.

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

Although NAS ReadyNAS RN214 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 Netgear ReadyNAS RN214. 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 Netgear

ReadyNAS RN214 has 4 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

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

NAS supports:

• Ext2;
• Ext3;
• Ext4;
• Btrfs;

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 Netgear ReadyNAS RN214 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