Extracting Data from a RAID Disk When NAS Netgear ReadyNAS RN422 Does Not Turn On: Step-by-Step Guide

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Netgear ReadyNAS RN422
• 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.

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 Outdated or poorly implemented protocols can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to the NAS device and its data, leading to potential data loss.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 Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC

Although the NAS ReadyNAS RN422 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 RN422. 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 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;

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 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.

RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison