How to Extract Data from a RAID Disk When NAS Netgear ReadyNAS RR4312S Won’t Initialize

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Netgear ReadyNAS RR4312S
• 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 the number of concurrent users or clients accessing a NAS Netgear ReadyNAS RR4312S device affect data loss risks?

The number of concurrent users or clients accessing a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device like the Netgear ReadyNAS RR4312S can indeed affect data loss risks in several ways:

1. Network congestion: When a large number of users access the NAS simultaneously, it can lead to network congestion. This congestion can cause delays in data transmission, resulting in slower response times and potentially increased data loss risks. If users are constantly accessing and modifying files simultaneously, conflicts may arise, leading to data corruption or loss.
2. Increased risk of hardware failure: The more users accessing the NAS, the higher the load on the device's hardware components. This increased load can lead to higher temperatures, increased wear and tear, and potentially higher failure rates. If the NAS device fails, it can result in data loss if proper backup measures are not in place.
3. User error: With a larger number of users accessing the NAS concurrently, the chances of accidental data deletion or modification increase. A single user's mistake can have a more significant impact when multiple users are accessing and modifying files simultaneously.
4. Insufficient resources: If the NAS device does not have sufficient resources (processing power, memory, or storage capacity) to handle the concurrent user load, it may result in performance issues or even system crashes. These issues can increase the likelihood of data loss.

To mitigate these risks, it is essential to implement appropriate measures:

a. Regular backups: Ensure regular backups of the NAS data to minimize the impact of potential data loss incidents.

b. Implement access controls: Utilize access controls and permissions to restrict user access and prevent accidental deletions or modifications.

c. Monitor and manage network traffic: Monitor the network traffic and identify any potential bottlenecks or congestion points. Consider implementing Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms to prioritize NAS traffic.

d. Scalability and resource planning: Ensure that the NAS device is adequately sized and can handle the expected number of concurrent users. Upgrade hardware resources if necessary to accommodate increased user loads.

e. User education: Educate users about best practices for data management, emphasizing the importance of avoiding simultaneous modifications and ensuring proper file handling procedures.

By considering these factors and implementing appropriate measures, the risks associated with data loss on a NAS device due to the number of concurrent users can be minimized.

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

Although the NAS ReadyNAS RR4312S 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 RR4312S. 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 RR4312S 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 RR4312S 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