Ultimate Guide to Best Practices for Recovering Data from a Failed NAS Promise Apollo Cloud RAID

Has your NAS Promise Apollo Cloud suddenly lost its network drive and you’re unsure what to do next? Did the RAID array collapse, making your files inaccessible? Is the device throwing errors during startup? Perhaps you accidentally rebuilt the RAID array or several hard drives failed at the same time?

Ultimate Guide to Best Practices for Recovering Data from a Failed NAS Promise Apollo Cloud RAID

Promise Apollo Cloud NAS Data Recovery in 2025

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from an Apollo Cloud. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

Ultimate Guide to Best Practices for Recovering Data from a Failed NAS Promise Apollo Cloud RAID

RAID Recovery™ 2.8
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
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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 Promise 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.

Can utilizing redundant network connections or link aggregation protocols mitigate data loss risks for NAS Promise Apollo Cloud devices?

Yes, utilizing redundant network connections or link aggregation protocols can help mitigate data loss risks for NAS Promise Apollo Cloud devices. Redundant network connections or link aggregation protocols allow for multiple network connections to be used simultaneously, providing increased bandwidth and network redundancy.

By configuring the NAS device to use redundant network connections, if one connection fails, the data can still be transmitted through the other connections, reducing the risk of data loss. This ensures that even if one network connection or cable fails, the data can still be accessed and transferred through the remaining connections.

Link aggregation protocols, such as Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) or Ethernet Channel Bonding, combine multiple network connections into a single logical link, increasing the overall bandwidth and providing redundancy. This means that if one network connection fails, the data can still be transmitted through the remaining connections, minimizing the risk of data loss.

Overall, utilizing redundant network connections or link aggregation protocols can enhance the reliability and availability of NAS Promise Apollo Cloud devices, reducing the potential for data loss.

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

Although the NAS Apollo Cloud 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.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Promise Apollo Cloud. 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.

Go to view
How to recover data from a Promise

How to recover data from a Promise

Apollo Cloud has 1 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • None;

NAS supports:

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

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.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Image Creation Wizard
  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.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Choose a disk or save the image via FTP

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The Promise Apollo Cloud 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

Product Operating system RAID controller support Supported file systems Virtual RAID controller support Data recovery from damaged RAID File preview
Hetman RAID Recovery Windows, Linux, MacOS Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, exFAT, NTFS, ReFS, APFS, HFS+, Ext4, Ext3, Ext2, ReiserFS, Btrfs, VMFS, Hikvision, XFS, UFS, ZFS Yes Yes Yes
DiskInternals RAID Recovery Windows Yes, over 10 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
R-Studio Windows, Mac, Linux Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
UFS Explorer RAID Recovery Windows, Mac, Linux Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
EaseUS Data Recovery Windows Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery Windows Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes

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We will be happy to answer your questions!

Comments (3)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 9.08.2022 12:31 #
    If you want to ask a question about data recovery, from NAS Apollo Cloud, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Sydney Stringfellow
    Sydney Stringfellow 7.09.2023 01:53 #
    Can data recovery from a NAS Promise Apollo Cloud device be performed if there are issues with the operating system or firmware?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 7.09.2023 02:00 #

      Yes, data recovery from a NAS Promise Apollo Cloud device can be performed even if there are issues with the operating system or firmware. However, it may require some technical expertise and specialized tools. Here are a few steps that can be taken:

      1. Access the hard drives: Remove the hard drives from the NAS device and connect them to a computer using a SATA to USB adapter or by installing them directly into the computer.
      2. Use data recovery software: Install a reliable data recovery software on the computer and scan the connected hard drives for any recoverable data. There are various data recovery tools available, such as EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, Recuva, or Disk Drill.
      3. Select and recover files: Once the data recovery software completes the scan, it will display a list of recoverable files. Select the desired files and recover them to a different storage device to avoid overwriting any data.

      It's important to note that if the data loss is due to physical damage to the hard drives, such as a mechanical failure, it may be necessary to seek professional data recovery services. These services have specialized equipment and expertise to recover data from physically damaged drives.

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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • How does NAS Promise Apollo Cloud function as an email server, and what are its key features and capabilities in this regard?

    NAS Promise Apollo Cloud does not function as an email server. It is primarily a personal cloud storage solution that allows users to store, access, and share their files and media content across multiple devices. It does not have built-in email server functionality.

    However, Apollo Cloud can integrate with popular email clients and applications to facilitate easy file sharing via email. Users can attach files stored on their Apollo Cloud to emails they compose, making it convenient to share large files without the need for email attachments. This integration simplifies the process of sharing files stored on Apollo Cloud through email.

    Some key features and capabilities of NAS Promise Apollo Cloud include:

    1. Personal Cloud Storage: Apollo Cloud provides a secure and private cloud storage solution, allowing users to store their files, photos, videos, and other media content.
    2. Remote Access: Users can access their files stored on Apollo Cloud from anywhere using the Apollo Cloud mobile app or web interface. This ensures that the data is always available on the go.
    3. File Sharing and Collaboration: Apollo Cloud enables easy file sharing with family, friends, or colleagues. Users can create share links to specific files or folders and grant access to others, allowing collaborative work.
    4. Automatic Backup: Apollo Cloud can automatically back up files from connected devices, ensuring data protection and providing an additional layer of security against data loss.
    5. Data Security: Apollo Cloud offers data encryption and user authentication to protect the stored files from unauthorized access. It also supports RAID configurations for data redundancy.
    6. Media Streaming: Users can stream media content stored on Apollo Cloud to compatible devices, such as smart TVs, media players, or gaming consoles, allowing convenient access to their media library.
    7. Easy Setup and Management: Apollo Cloud provides a user-friendly setup process and intuitive management interface, making it simple to configure and administer the personal cloud storage solution.

    While Apollo Cloud does not function as an email server, its integration with email clients enhances the file sharing capabilities and provides a seamless experience for users who want to share files via email.

  • What are the advantages and potential drawbacks of using NAS Promise Apollo Cloud as an email server compared to traditional email server solutions?

    Advantages of using NAS Promise Apollo Cloud as an email server compared to traditional email server solutions:

    1. Cost-effectiveness: Apollo Cloud eliminates the need for expensive hardware and software licenses, making it a more affordable solution for small businesses or individuals.
    2. Data control: By hosting the email server on your own NAS device, you have complete control over your data and can ensure its security and privacy.
    3. Scalability: Apollo Cloud allows you to easily scale up your email server as your needs grow, without the need for additional hardware or complex configurations.
    4. Accessibility: With Apollo Cloud, you can access your emails from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection, making it convenient for remote work or travel.

    Potential drawbacks of using NAS Promise Apollo Cloud as an email server compared to traditional email server solutions:

    1. Limited resources: NAS devices typically have limited processing power and storage capacity compared to dedicated email servers, which may limit the number of users or the amount of data that can be stored.
    2. Technical expertise required: Setting up and managing an email server on a NAS device may require some technical knowledge, which could be a challenge for users without prior experience.
    3. Reliability and uptime: Traditional email server solutions often have redundant systems and backup plans to ensure high availability and uptime. NAS devices may not provide the same level of reliability, potentially resulting in downtime or data loss.
    4. Security risks: While Apollo Cloud offers data control, it also puts the responsibility of securing the email server on the user. Without proper security measures, such as firewalls and regular updates, there is an increased risk of data breaches or unauthorized access.
  • Are there any specific security measures and protocols implemented in NAS Promise Apollo Cloud to ensure the privacy and protection of email communications?

    The NAS Promise Apollo Cloud is primarily designed as a cloud storage solution and does not have built-in email functionality. Therefore, it does not provide specific security measures and protocols to ensure the privacy and protection of email communications.

    However, it is important to note that email communications are typically handled by email clients or email service providers rather than the NAS device itself. These email clients or services may have their own security measures in place to protect email communications, such as encryption protocols (like Transport Layer Security or TLS) for secure transmission of emails and spam filters to prevent malicious emails.

    To ensure the privacy and protection of email communications, it is recommended to use secure email protocols, such as POP3S or IMAPS for retrieving emails, and SMTPS or STARTTLS for sending emails. Additionally, enabling two-factor authentication, using strong and unique passwords, and keeping email clients and devices up to date with the latest security patches can further enhance security.