How to Extract Data from a RAID Disk When NAS Netgear ReadyNAS RN424 Fails to Power On

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 regular software updates and patches enhance the security and stability of NAS Netgear ReadyNAS RN424 devices?

Regular software updates and patches can enhance the security and stability of NAS Netgear ReadyNAS RN424 devices in several ways:

1. Security Vulnerability Fixes: Updates and patches often include fixes for known security vulnerabilities. By regularly updating the software on the ReadyNAS RN424, you ensure that any identified security weaknesses are addressed, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches.
2. Bug Fixes and Stability Improvements: Updates and patches also address software bugs and stability issues. These fixes can prevent crashes, improve overall performance, and enhance the reliability of the NAS device.
3. Compatibility with New Technologies: As technology evolves, new standards and protocols may emerge. Regular software updates ensure that your ReadyNAS RN424 remains compatible with the latest technologies, preventing any compatibility issues and potential security vulnerabilities that may arise from using outdated software.
4. New Security Features: Updates and patches may introduce new security features or enhancements to existing ones. These additions can provide additional layers of protection against emerging threats, improving the overall security posture of the NAS device.
5. Firmware Updates: Firmware updates are a crucial part of software updates for NAS devices. These updates address vulnerabilities and improve the functionality of the device's firmware, which is responsible for managing the hardware components and overall system operations.
6. Access to Technical Support: By keeping your ReadyNAS RN424 up to date, you ensure that you have access to technical support from Netgear. If you encounter any issues or have questions regarding the device's security or stability, having the latest software version installed can help in troubleshooting and receiving assistance from the manufacturer.

It is important to regularly check for software updates and patches provided by Netgear and apply them promptly to ensure the security and stability of your ReadyNAS RN424 device.

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

Although NAS ReadyNAS RN424 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 RN424. 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 RN424 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:

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 RN424 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