How to Access Files on a RAID Disk Without Active NAS Overland Storage SnapServer DX1: Practical Steps

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 Overland Storage 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 a NAS Overland Storage SnapServer DX1 device's network throughput or bandwidth capacity affect data transfer and potential loss?

The network throughput or bandwidth capacity of a NAS Overland Storage SnapServer DX1 device can significantly affect data transfer and potential loss in the following ways:

1. Data Transfer Speed: A higher network throughput or bandwidth capacity allows for faster data transfer speeds. This means that larger files or a higher volume of data can be transferred within a shorter time frame. Conversely, a lower network throughput can result in slower data transfer speeds, which can cause delays in accessing or transferring files.
2. Latency: Network throughput also affects the latency or delay in data transfer. A higher throughput can reduce latency, ensuring that data is transferred quickly and with minimal delay. On the other hand, a lower throughput can increase latency, leading to slower response times and potential performance issues.
3. Data Loss: Insufficient network throughput can result in data loss during transfer. If the network capacity is not enough to handle the data being transferred, packets may be dropped or lost. This can lead to incomplete or corrupted files, resulting in data loss or the need to retransfer the data.
4. Network Congestion: If the network throughput capacity is not sufficient to handle the volume of data being transferred, it can lead to network congestion. Congestion occurs when the network becomes overloaded with data, causing delays, packet loss, and potential data loss. This can impact the overall performance and reliability of data transfer.
5. Scalability: A NAS device with higher network throughput capacity allows for better scalability. As the data storage requirements increase, a higher throughput can accommodate more simultaneous data transfers, ensuring efficient and uninterrupted data access. With a lower throughput, scalability may be limited, and the device may struggle to handle increased data transfer demands.

It is essential to consider the network throughput or bandwidth capacity of a NAS Overland Storage SnapServer DX1 device to ensure efficient data transfer, minimize potential data loss, and maintain optimal performance.

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

Although NAS SnapServer DX1 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 Overland Storage SnapServer DX1. 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 Overland Storage

SnapServer DX1 has 4 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

• RAID 0;
• RAID 1;
• RAID 5;
• RAID 6;
• JBOD;
• DynamicRAID;

NAS supports:

• exFAT, VFAT, FAT 12 / 16 / 32;
• NTFS / ReFS;
• APFS / HFS+;
• Ext2 / 3 / 4 / ReiserFS / XFS / UFS / ZFS / Btrfs;
• VMFS / HikvisionFS;

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 Overland Storage SnapServer DX1 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