Extracting Data from a RAID Disk When NAS Netgear ReadyNAS RN312 is Not Launching: Step-by-Step Guide

Has your NAS Netgear ReadyNAS RN312 suddenly lost its network drive and you’re unsure what to do next? Did the RAID array collapse, making your files inaccessible? Is the device throwing errors during startup? Perhaps you accidentally rebuilt the RAID array or several hard drives failed at the same time?

Extracting Data from a RAID Disk When NAS Netgear ReadyNAS RN312 is Not Launching: Step-by-Step Guide
Data Recovery Tool

Netgear ReadyNAS RN312 NAS Data Recovery in 2025

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from an ReadyNAS RN312. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

Extracting Data from a RAID Disk When NAS Netgear ReadyNAS RN312 is Not Launching: Step-by-Step Guide

RAID Recovery™ 2.8
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
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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.

Can the use of specific data synchronization or replication mechanisms mitigate data loss risks for NAS Netgear ReadyNAS RN312 devices?

Yes, the use of specific data synchronization or replication mechanisms can help mitigate data loss risks for NAS Netgear ReadyNAS RN312 devices. These mechanisms ensure that data is replicated or synchronized across multiple devices or locations, providing redundancy and backup in case of data loss.

Netgear ReadyNAS RN312 devices support various data synchronization and replication features such as:

  1. RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks): ReadyNAS devices support different RAID levels, such as RAID 1 (mirroring) or RAID 5 (striping with parity), which provide data redundancy and protection against drive failures.
  2. Snapshots: ReadyNAS devices offer snapshot technology, allowing users to take point-in-time snapshots of their data. Snapshots capture the state of the data at a specific moment, enabling easy recovery in case of accidental deletion or data corruption.
  3. Replication: ReadyNAS devices support replication features that allow data to be replicated to another ReadyNAS device or even to a remote location. This ensures that data is stored in multiple places, reducing the risk of data loss.
  4. Cloud Backup: ReadyNAS devices can be integrated with cloud backup services like Amazon S3, Dropbox, or Google Drive. This enables users to back up their data to the cloud, providing an additional layer of protection against data loss.

By utilizing these data synchronization and replication mechanisms, users can significantly reduce the risk of data loss on Netgear ReadyNAS RN312 devices.

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

Although the NAS ReadyNAS RN312 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.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Netgear ReadyNAS RN312. 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.

Go to view
How to recover data from a Netgear

How to recover data from a Netgear

ReadyNAS RN312 has 2 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • RAID 0;
  • X-RAID;
  • RAID 1;
  • 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.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Image Creation Wizard

  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.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Choose a disk or save the image via FTP

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The Netgear ReadyNAS RN312 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

Product Operating system RAID controller support Supported file systems Virtual RAID controller support Data recovery from damaged RAID File preview
Hetman RAID Recovery Windows, Linux, MacOS Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, exFAT, NTFS, ReFS, APFS, HFS+, Ext4, Ext3, Ext2, ReiserFS, Btrfs, VMFS, Hikvision, XFS, UFS, ZFS Yes Yes Yes
DiskInternals RAID Recovery Windows Yes, over 10 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
R-Studio Windows, Mac, Linux Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
UFS Explorer RAID Recovery Windows, Mac, Linux Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
EaseUS Data Recovery Windows Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery Windows 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 ReadyNAS RN312, feel free to leave a comment!
    Reply
  • Norman Hayles
    Norman Hayles 9.09.2023 23:50 #
    Are there any specific encryption keys or passwords required for data recovery from encrypted NAS Netgear ReadyNAS RN312 devices?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 10.09.2023 01:03 #

      To recover data from an encrypted Netgear ReadyNAS RN312 device, you would typically need the following:

      1. Encryption Passphrase: This is the password or passphrase used to encrypt the data on the NAS device. Without it, the data cannot be decrypted and accessed.
      2. Administrator Credentials: You would need the administrative username and password for the NAS device to gain access to the management interface and perform data recovery tasks.
      3. Encryption Key File: In some cases, the NAS device may generate an encryption key file during the encryption process. This file is required to decrypt the data on the device.

      It's important to note that the specific requirements and steps for data recovery from an encrypted NAS device may vary depending on the device model and firmware version. It's always recommended to consult the manufacturer's documentation or contact their support for precise instructions on data recovery from an encrypted Netgear ReadyNAS RN312 device.

      Reply
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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

  • How do I access the settings menu on the Netgear ReadyNAS RN312?

    To access the settings menu on the Netgear ReadyNAS RN312, you can follow these steps:

    1. Connect your computer to the same network as the ReadyNAS RN312.
    2. Open a web browser on your computer.
    3. In the address bar of the web browser, type the IP address of the ReadyNAS RN312. By default, the IP address is 192.168.0.101.
    4. Press Enter or Return to load the login page for the ReadyNAS.
    5. On the login page, enter the username and password for the ReadyNAS. By default, the username is "admin" and the password is "password". If you have changed the login credentials, use the updated username and password.
    6. Click on the "Login" button to access the ReadyNAS management interface.
    7. Once logged in, you will be in the "Dashboard" tab of the management interface. From here, you can navigate to different settings and configuration options using the menu on the left side of the screen.
    8. Explore the different settings categories and subcategories to access and modify the desired settings of your Netgear ReadyNAS RN312.

    Note: It is recommended to change the default username and password for security reasons after logging in for the first time.

  • What are the recommended settings for optimal performance and security on the Netgear ReadyNAS RN312?

    To optimize performance and security on the Netgear ReadyNAS RN312, here are some recommended settings:

    1. Firmware Updates: Ensure that the firmware of the ReadyNAS is always up to date. Regularly check for updates on the Netgear support website and apply them as needed.
    2. RAID Configuration: Set up the appropriate RAID level based on your requirements. RAID 5 is commonly recommended for a balance between performance and data protection.
    3. Network Configuration: Connect the ReadyNAS to a Gigabit Ethernet network for optimal performance. Ensure that the network switch and cables support Gigabit speeds.
    4. User Access Control: Create separate user accounts with strong passwords for each person who needs access to the ReadyNAS. Assign appropriate access permissions to each user to ensure data security.
    5. Data Encryption: Enable data encryption on the ReadyNAS to protect sensitive information. This can be done through the ReadyNAS web interface under the "Security" settings.
    6. Antivirus Scanning: Install and configure antivirus software on the ReadyNAS to scan files for malware. Netgear offers the ReadyNAS Anti-Virus Add-On for this purpose.
    7. Backup and Replication: Set up regular backups of your data to an external location or another ReadyNAS device. Utilize the built-in backup and replication features of the ReadyNAS to ensure data redundancy and disaster recovery.
    8. Power Management: Configure power management settings to optimize energy usage. Set up automatic disk spin-down and sleep modes when the device is inactive for a certain period.
    9. Remote Access: If required, enable remote access to the ReadyNAS using a secure VPN connection. This will ensure secure access to your data from outside your local network.
    10. Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Enable two-factor authentication on the ReadyNAS for an extra layer of security. This will require users to provide a second form of verification, such as a code from a mobile app, in addition to their password.

    Remember to regularly review and update these settings as needed to maintain optimal performance and security on your Netgear ReadyNAS RN312.

  • How can I configure user permissions and access rights on the Netgear ReadyNAS RN312?

    To configure user permissions and access rights on the Netgear ReadyNAS RN312, follow these steps:

    1. Open a web browser on a computer connected to the same network as the ReadyNAS.
    2. Enter the IP address of the ReadyNAS in the address bar of the web browser and press Enter.
    3. Log in to the ReadyNAS administration interface using the admin username and password.
    4. Once logged in, click on the "Shares" tab on the left-hand side of the interface.
    5. Click on the share for which you want to configure user permissions and access rights.
    6. In the "Share Access" section, click on the "Add" button to add a new user or group.
    7. Enter the username or group name in the "Name" field and select the desired access rights from the checkboxes (Read, Write, or No Access).
    8. Click on the "Apply" button to save the changes.
    9. Repeat steps 6-8 for each user or group you want to configure access rights for.
    10. To configure user permissions, click on the "Users" tab on the left-hand side of the interface.
    11. Click on the user for which you want to configure permissions.
    12. In the "User Access" section, click on the "Add" button to add a new share.
    13. Select the share from the dropdown menu and select the desired access rights from the checkboxes (Read, Write, or No Access).
    14. Click on the "Apply" button to save the changes.
    15. Repeat steps 12-14 for each share you want to configure permissions for.
    16. Once you have configured the user permissions and access rights, click on the "Logout" button to log out of the ReadyNAS administration interface.

    Note: It is recommended to refer to the Netgear ReadyNAS user manual or online documentation for detailed instructions specific to your device model, as the steps may vary slightly.
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