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

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

Although NAS ReadyNAS RR4312S 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 RR4312S. 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 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;

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 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.

Comparison of software for RAID recovery