- 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?
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.
What are the risks of data loss due to firmware or software malfunctions in NAS Netgear ReadyNAS RN3138 devices?
There are several risks of data loss due to firmware or software malfunctions in NAS Netgear ReadyNAS RN3138 devices. Some of the key risks include:
- Corrupted or inaccessible data: Firmware or software malfunctions can lead to data corruption or make the data inaccessible. This can result in the loss of important files, documents, or other critical data stored on the NAS device.
- System instability: Malfunctions in the firmware or software can cause system instability, leading to frequent crashes or freezes. This can disrupt the normal functioning of the NAS device and potentially result in data loss.
- Failed backups: NAS devices are often used for data backup purposes. If the firmware or software malfunctions, it can affect the backup process, leading to failed or incomplete backups. This can be particularly problematic if the primary data source becomes corrupted or lost.
- Data integrity issues: Firmware or software malfunctions can compromise the integrity of the stored data. This means that the data may become altered, modified, or even deleted unintentionally. Such issues can lead to data loss or inaccurate information.
- Limited recovery options: In case of firmware or software malfunctions, the recovery options may be limited or difficult to execute. This can make it challenging to restore the data or recover from the malfunction, potentially resulting in permanent data loss.
- Vulnerabilities to cyber threats: Malfunctions in firmware or software can create vulnerabilities that can be exploited by cybercriminals. This can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, or even ransomware attacks, resulting in data loss or theft.
To mitigate these risks, it is important to regularly update the firmware and software of the NAS device, maintain proper backups, implement security measures like firewalls and strong passwords, and monitor the device for any signs of malfunction.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS ReadyNAS RN3138 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:
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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.
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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.
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Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.
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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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Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Netgear ReadyNAS RN3138. 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.
ReadyNAS RN3138 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:
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Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.
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Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.
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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.
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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 RN3138 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 |
Yes, data recovery from a NAS Netgear ReadyNAS RN3138 device can still be possible even if the device is not responding or freezing frequently. However, it may require specialized data recovery services or software tools.
Here are a few steps you can try to recover data from a non-responsive or freezing NAS device:
Remember to always have regular backups of your important data to avoid data loss situations.