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

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Netgear ReadyNAS RR2312
• 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 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 Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC

Although the NAS ReadyNAS RR2312 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 RR2312. 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 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;

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 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.

RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison