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

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Netgear ReadyNAS RN214
• 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 Netgear 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 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 Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC

Although the NAS ReadyNAS RN214 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 Netgear ReadyNAS RN214. 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 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;

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 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.

RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison