How to recover data from Netgear ReadyNAS RR4312X NAS

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.

Are there any common mistakes or oversights made by users that can lead to data loss on NAS Netgear ReadyNAS RR4312X devices?

There are several common mistakes or oversights made by users that can potentially lead to data loss on NAS Netgear ReadyNAS RR4312X devices. Some of them include:

1. Not implementing a proper backup strategy: Many users rely solely on the NAS device as their primary storage without having a backup plan in place. This can lead to data loss in case of hardware failure, accidental deletion, or other unforeseen events.
2. Ignoring firmware updates: Neglecting to update the firmware of the NAS device can leave it vulnerable to security vulnerabilities or bugs that may result in data loss. Regularly updating the firmware is essential to ensure the device's stability and security.
3. Inadequate RAID configuration: The ReadyNAS RR4312X supports various RAID configurations for data redundancy and protection. Failing to configure the RAID properly or using an inappropriate RAID level can increase the risk of data loss. It is important to understand the different RAID options and choose the one that best suits your needs.
4. Poor network security: Weak network security measures, such as using default or easily guessable passwords, can expose the NAS device to unauthorized access or hacking attempts. Intruders gaining access to the device can potentially delete or corrupt data.
5. Lack of regular data integrity checks: Not performing regular data integrity checks can lead to undetected data corruption or errors. Without periodic checks, corrupted data may go unnoticed until it's too late to recover.
6. Improper shutdown or power loss: Abruptly disconnecting the power supply to the NAS device or not following the proper shutdown procedure can result in data loss or file system corruption. It is crucial to ensure a clean shutdown of the device to prevent data integrity issues.

To mitigate the risk of data loss, users should implement a comprehensive backup strategy, regularly update the firmware, configure RAID properly, strengthen network security, perform regular data integrity checks, and follow the correct shutdown procedures.

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

Although NAS ReadyNAS RR4312X 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 RR4312X. 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 RR4312X 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 RR4312X 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