Extracting Data from a RAID Disk When NAS Netgear ReadyNAS RN426 Does Not Begin: Step-by-Step Guide

Has your NAS Netgear ReadyNAS RN426 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 RN426 Does Not Begin: Step-by-Step Guide
Data Recovery Tool

Netgear ReadyNAS RN426 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 RN426. 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 RN426 Does Not Begin: 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.

How can network issues impact the data stored on NAS Netgear ReadyNAS RN426 devices?

Network issues can have several impacts on the data stored on NAS Netgear ReadyNAS RN426 devices:

  1. Data corruption: Network issues such as packet loss, network congestion, or unstable connections can lead to data corruption. When data packets are lost or corrupted during transmission, it can result in incomplete or incorrect data being stored on the NAS device.
  2. Data loss: If there are severe network issues like frequent disconnections or network outages, it can lead to data loss. If the NAS device is unable to establish a stable connection with the network, it may not be able to save or retrieve data properly, potentially resulting in data loss.
  3. Slow data transfer: Network issues can cause slow data transfer speeds, which can impact the performance of the NAS device. Slow transfer speeds can make it time-consuming to upload or download data from the NAS device, affecting productivity and efficiency.
  4. Inaccessibility: Network issues can make the NAS device inaccessible over the network. If the network connection is not stable or if there are configuration issues, users may not be able to access the data stored on the NAS device, leading to downtime and potential loss of productivity.
  5. Backup and synchronization failures: Network issues can disrupt the backup and synchronization processes between multiple NAS devices or cloud storage services. If the network connection is not reliable, backups may fail or become inconsistent, potentially leading to data loss in case of system failures or disasters.

To mitigate these impacts, it is essential to ensure a stable and reliable network infrastructure, including using quality network equipment, maintaining proper network configurations, implementing redundancy measures, and regularly monitoring and troubleshooting network issues. Additionally, having proper data backup strategies and implementing RAID configurations on the NAS device can provide an additional layer of data protection.

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

Although the NAS ReadyNAS RN426 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 RN426. 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 RN426 has 6 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • RAID 0;
  • X-RAID;
  • RAID 1;
  • RAID 5;
  • RAID 6;
  • RAID 50;
  • RAID 60;
  • 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 RN426 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 RN426, feel free to leave a comment!
    Reply
  • Rick Easmon
    Rick Easmon 11.09.2023 05:43 #
    Are there any specific troubleshooting methods for data recovery from NAS Netgear ReadyNAS RN426 devices with limited functionality?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 11.09.2023 05:59 #

      Yes, there are several troubleshooting methods you can try for data recovery from a Netgear ReadyNAS RN426 device with limited functionality. Here are a few steps you can follow:

      1. Check the physical connections: Ensure that all cables and connections between the NAS device and your computer or network are secure and functioning properly. A loose or faulty connection can cause limited functionality.
      2. Restart the NAS device: Power off the NAS device, wait for a few minutes, and then power it back on. Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve minor issues and restore functionality.
      3. Update firmware: Check if there are any firmware updates available for your Netgear ReadyNAS RN426 device. Updating the firmware can fix bugs and improve system performance, potentially resolving the limited functionality problem.
      4. Reset to factory settings: If the limited functionality persists, you may need to perform a factory reset on the NAS device. Keep in mind that this will erase all data on the device, so make sure you have a backup before proceeding.
      5. Contact Netgear support: If none of the above steps work, it is recommended to contact Netgear support for further assistance. They can provide specific troubleshooting steps based on your device's configuration and issue.

      Note: It is always recommended to consult with a professional data recovery service if your data is critical and you are unable to recover it using the above methods. They have specialized tools and expertise to handle complex data recovery situations.

      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

  • What are the different file access levels available on the Netgear ReadyNAS RN426?

    The Netgear ReadyNAS RN426 supports the following file access levels:

    1. Public: This access level allows anyone on the network to access and modify files in the designated shared folders without any authentication.
    2. Private: Private access requires users to authenticate themselves before accessing the shared folders. Each user can have different permissions, such as read-only or read-write access.
    3. Group: Group access allows you to create user groups and assign permissions to the entire group. This simplifies the process of managing permissions for multiple users.
    4. ReadyCLOUD: ReadyCLOUD is a cloud-based service provided by Netgear. It allows remote access to your ReadyNAS device from anywhere using a web browser or mobile app. With ReadyCLOUD, you can securely access and manage your files on the RN426.
    5. FTP: The RN426 supports File Transfer Protocol (FTP) access, which allows users to transfer files to and from the NAS using FTP clients. FTP access can be configured with different levels of security and authentication.
    6. HTTPS: The RN426 supports secure web access using HTTPS protocol. This allows users to access the NAS using a web browser over a secure connection.
    7. NFS: The Network File System (NFS) is a file sharing protocol commonly used in Unix/Linux environments. The RN426 supports NFS access, allowing Unix/Linux clients to mount and access shared folders on the NAS.
    8. SMB/CIFS: The Server Message Block (SMB) or Common Internet File System (CIFS) is the standard file sharing protocol used in Windows environments. The RN426 supports SMB/CIFS access, allowing Windows clients to access shared folders on the NAS.

    These are the main file access levels available on the Netgear ReadyNAS RN426. The device offers a range of options to accommodate different security and sharing requirements.

  • How can you configure file access levels on the Netgear ReadyNAS RN426?

    To configure file access levels on the Netgear ReadyNAS RN426, you can 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 browser's address bar and press Enter.
    3. Log in to the ReadyNAS admin interface using your username and password.
    4. Once logged in, navigate to the "Shares" tab or section.
    5. In the Shares section, you will see a list of existing shares. Click on the share for which you want to configure file access levels.
    6. In the share settings, you will find options to configure access permissions. These options may vary depending on the firmware version of your ReadyNAS, but typically you will find options like "Access Rights" or "Permissions".
    7. Click on the access rights or permissions option to open the settings.
    8. In the access rights or permissions settings, you can configure different levels of access for different users or groups. You can typically choose between read-only, read-write, or no access.
    9. Select the desired access level for each user or group, and click Apply or Save to save the changes.
    10. Repeat the process for other shares if needed.

    Note: The exact steps and options may vary slightly depending on the firmware version of your Netgear ReadyNAS RN426. It is recommended to refer to the user manual or Netgear's support website for specific instructions related to your device's firmware version.

  • What are the security implications of different file access levels on the Netgear ReadyNAS RN426?

    The Netgear ReadyNAS RN426 offers different file access levels, which have various security implications. Here are the security implications of each access level:

    1. No Access: Users with no access level cannot view or modify any files on the ReadyNAS. This level provides the highest level of security as it completely restricts user access. It is recommended to assign this level to users who should have no access to the files.
    2. Read Access: Users with read access can view and download files but cannot modify or delete them. This level allows users to access and read the files, which can be useful for sharing information while maintaining file integrity. However, it is important to ensure that sensitive or confidential files are not accessible at this level.
    3. Read/Write Access: Users with read/write access have the ability to view, download, modify, and delete files. This level provides more flexibility for collaboration and file management but also increases the risk of unauthorized modifications or deletions. It is important to carefully assign this level to trusted users and implement proper backup and versioning mechanisms to mitigate any potential data loss risks.
    4. Full Control Access: Users with full control access have complete control over the files, including the ability to modify access permissions and manage other users' access levels. This level is typically assigned to administrators or trusted individuals who require extensive control over the files. However, granting full control access to unauthorized users can lead to potential security breaches, so it should be assigned with caution.

    In summary, the security implications of different file access levels on the Netgear ReadyNAS RN426 range from strict restrictions to extensive permissions. It is crucial to carefully assign access levels based on user roles and responsibilities to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the stored files.
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