Extracting Data from a RAID Disk When NAS Netgear ReadyNAS RR2312 Fails to Start: Step-by-Step Guide

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 data fragmentation impact data availability and potential loss on NAS Netgear ReadyNAS RR2312 devices?

Data fragmentation can have several impacts on data availability and potential loss on NAS Netgear ReadyNAS RR2312 devices:

1. Reduced performance: Fragmented data can lead to slower read and write speeds on the NAS device. This can affect the overall performance of the device and cause delays in accessing or transferring data.
2. Increased disk space usage: Fragmentation can result in inefficient utilization of disk space. As files become fragmented, they occupy multiple non-contiguous blocks on the disk, leading to wasted space. This can reduce the available storage capacity on the NAS device and may require frequent disk management tasks like defragmentation or disk cleanup.
3. Higher risk of data loss: Fragmented data can increase the risk of data loss in case of disk failures or errors. When data is scattered across multiple fragments, the chances of losing a part of the file or corrupting the entire file are higher. This can be particularly problematic during data recovery or backup processes.
4. Difficulty in data recovery: In the event of data loss or disk failure, fragmented data can make the recovery process more challenging. Fragmented files may require more complex and time-consuming recovery procedures, potentially leading to extended downtime and increased risk of permanent data loss.

To mitigate these impacts, it is important to regularly monitor and manage data fragmentation on NAS devices like Netgear ReadyNAS RR2312. This can be done through regular disk maintenance tasks such as defragmentation, disk cleanup, and file system optimization. Additionally, implementing proper data backup and recovery strategies, including off-site backups, can help minimize the risk of data loss and ensure data availability even in the presence of fragmentation or other issues.

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

Although NAS ReadyNAS RR2312 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 RR2312. 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 RR2312 has 12 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:

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 RR2312 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