- 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.
Are there any compatibility issues or limitations when connecting NAS Netgear ReadyNAS RN628X devices to different operating systems or platforms?
When connecting NAS Netgear ReadyNAS RN628X devices to different operating systems or platforms, there can be certain compatibility issues or limitations. Here are a few factors to consider:
- File System Compatibility: The ReadyNAS RN628X supports various file systems such as EXT3, EXT4, BTRFS, and XFS. While these file systems are compatible with most operating systems, some older systems may have limitations in accessing or writing to specific file systems.
- Network Protocol Support: The ReadyNAS RN628X supports multiple network protocols such as SMB/CIFS, NFS, AFP, FTP, and WebDAV. However, the level of support for these protocols may vary across different operating systems. For example, Windows typically works well with SMB/CIFS, while macOS prefers AFP or SMB. Linux systems generally work well with NFS.
- Software Compatibility: Netgear provides software utilities like ReadyNAS Remote, ReadyCLOUD, and ReadyNAS Surveillance for managing and accessing the NAS device. These utilities may have different versions or availability for different operating systems. Ensure that the required software is compatible with your specific operating system or platform.
- Third-Party Applications: If you plan to install third-party applications on the ReadyNAS RN628X, their compatibility may vary across different operating systems. Some applications may be specifically developed for certain platforms, limiting their availability or functionality on others.
To ensure compatibility and avoid limitations, it is recommended to check the Netgear ReadyNAS documentation, user forums, or contact Netgear support for specific information regarding your operating system or platform.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS ReadyNAS RN628X 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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.
-
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.
Go to view
Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Netgear ReadyNAS RN628X. 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 RN628X has 8 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;
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:
-
Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.
-
Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.
-
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.
-
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 RN628X 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 can be performed from a NAS Netgear ReadyNAS RN628X device even if there are issues with the file system or data corruption. However, it is important to note that data recovery can be a complex and delicate process, and success may vary depending on the severity of the issue and the expertise of the data recovery professionals.
In such cases, it is recommended to contact a professional data recovery service provider who specializes in NAS devices. They will have the necessary tools, knowledge, and experience to recover data from a Netgear ReadyNAS device, even in situations involving file system issues or data corruption.
It is important to stop using the NAS device immediately after encountering any data loss or corruption issues to prevent further damage or overwriting of the data.