How to recover data from Netgear ReadyNAS RN422 NAS

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.

How can the use of specific file-sharing protocols impact data loss risks on NAS Netgear ReadyNAS RN422 devices?

The use of specific file-sharing protocols can impact data loss risks on NAS Netgear ReadyNAS RN422 devices in the following ways:

1. Unsecured Protocols: Certain file-sharing protocols, such as FTP (File Transfer Protocol) or SMB (Server Message Block), may transmit data in an unencrypted format. This exposes the data to potential interception and unauthorized access, increasing the risk of data loss.
2. Vulnerabilities: Different file-sharing protocols may have varying levels of security vulnerabilities. Outdated or poorly implemented protocols can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to the NAS device and its data, leading to potential data loss.
3. Access Control: Some protocols offer more granular control over access permissions and user authentication than others. If a file-sharing protocol lacks robust access control mechanisms, it increases the risk of unauthorized users gaining access to sensitive data and potentially causing data loss.
4. Compatibility and Interoperability: Certain file-sharing protocols may not be fully compatible or interoperable with the NAS device, leading to data corruption or loss during file transfers. Incompatibilities can result in incomplete or damaged files, increasing the risk of data loss.
5. Backup and Recovery: The choice of file-sharing protocols may impact the availability and effectiveness of backup and recovery mechanisms. Some protocols may not support efficient backup solutions, making it harder to recover lost data in case of failures or accidents.

To mitigate these risks, it is recommended to:

• Use secure file-sharing protocols such as SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) or HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) that encrypt data during transmission.
• Keep the NAS firmware and protocols up to date to address any security vulnerabilities.
• Implement strong access control mechanisms, including user authentication and permission management, to restrict unauthorized access.
• Regularly backup data using compatible and reliable protocols to ensure data can be recovered in case of loss or failure.
• Regularly monitor and audit the NAS device for any suspicious activity or unauthorized access attempts.

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

Although NAS ReadyNAS RN422 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 RN422. 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 RN422 has 2 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

• RAID 0;
• X-RAID;
• RAID 1;
• 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 RN422 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