Best Practices for Recovering Data from a Failed NAS Promise ConnectStor II RAID Configuration

Best practices for recovering data from a failed ⭐ NAS RAID array include understanding RAID levels, data redundancy, and selecting reliable recovery tools.

Best Practices for Recovering Data from a Failed NAS Promise ConnectStor II RAID Configuration

Promise ConnectStor II NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from ConnectStor II.

Best Practices for Recovering Data from a Failed NAS Promise ConnectStor II RAID Configuration

RAID Recovery™ 2.6
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
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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 Promise 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 specific file system repair or recovery tools recommended for NAS Promise ConnectStor II devices?

There are several file system repair and recovery tools that are commonly recommended for NAS Promise ConnectStor II devices. Some of the popular options include:

  1. TestDisk: It is a powerful open-source tool that can recover lost partitions and repair damaged file systems.
  2. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: This tool can recover deleted, formatted, or lost data from NAS devices, including Promise ConnectStor II.
  3. R-Studio: It is a comprehensive data recovery software that supports a wide range of file systems and can recover data from NAS devices.
  4. GetDataBack: This tool is known for its ability to recover data from various file systems, including NAS devices.
  5. UFS Explorer: It is a multi-purpose data recovery and file system exploration tool that can recover data from NAS devices.

It is important to note that the choice of tool may vary depending on the specific file system used on the NAS device and the nature of the issue. It is recommended to research and choose a tool that best suits the requirements and situation. Additionally, it is always advisable to consult the manufacturer's documentation or support for any specific recommendations or guidelines.

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

Although NAS ConnectStor II 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.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Promise ConnectStor II. 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.

Go to view
How to recover data from a Promise

How to recover data from a Promise

ConnectStor II has 2 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • RAID 0;
  • RAID 1;
  • JBOD;

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 ToolsSave 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.

    Hetman Raid Recovery: Image Creation Wizard
  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.

    Hetman Raid Recovery: hoose any disk connected to this PC, or save the image by FTP

Where are user’s files stored?

The Promise ConnectStor II 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

Product Operating system License type RAID controller support Supported file systems Virtual RAID controller support Data recovery from damaged RAID File preview
Hetman RAID Recovery Windows Paid Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
DiskInternals RAID Recovery Windows Paid Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
R-Studio Windows, Mac, Linux Paid Yes, over 200 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
UFS Explorer RAID Recovery Windows, Mac, Linux Paid Yes, over 1,000 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
EaseUS Data Recovery Windows Paid Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery Windows Free Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes

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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 ConnectStor II, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Noel Nix
    Noel Nix 6.09.2023 21:56 #
    Can data recovery from a NAS Promise ConnectStor II device be done if the device is showing signs of hardware failure?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 6.09.2023 21:59 #

      Data recovery from a NAS Promise ConnectStor II device that is showing signs of hardware failure can be challenging and may require the assistance of professional data recovery services. If the hardware failure is related to the storage drives or other internal components, it may be necessary to repair or replace those components before attempting data recovery.

      It is important to note that attempting to recover data from a failing device can further damage the data or make it more difficult to recover. Therefore, it is recommended to seek the help of experienced data recovery specialists who have the necessary tools and expertise to handle such situations.

      Professional data recovery services can assess the extent of the hardware failure, perform necessary repairs, and utilize specialized techniques to recover data from the NAS device.

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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

  • What are the key features and capabilities of NAS Promise ConnectStor II when it comes to operating with Wi-Fi standard?

    NAS Promise ConnectStor II does not have built-in Wi-Fi capabilities. It is a network-attached storage (NAS) device that is designed to connect to a network using wired Ethernet connections. However, it can still be used in conjunction with Wi-Fi networks through the following features and capabilities:

    1. Wired to Wireless Bridge: ConnectStor II can be connected to a Wi-Fi router or access point using an Ethernet cable, effectively bridging the wired network to the wireless network. This allows devices connected to the Wi-Fi network to access the storage and data on ConnectStor II.
    2. Wi-Fi-enabled Devices: ConnectStor II can be accessed by Wi-Fi-enabled devices such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets, as long as they are connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the NAS device. This enables wireless file transfers, media streaming, and remote access to the stored data.
    3. Mobile Apps: Promise Technology provides mobile apps for iOS and Android devices that allow users to access and manage the ConnectStor II remotely over Wi-Fi. These apps provide features like file browsing, media streaming, and backup/restore functionality.
    4. DLNA Support: ConnectStor II supports DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) media streaming protocol. This means that media files stored on the NAS can be wirelessly streamed to DLNA-compatible devices such as smart TVs, gaming consoles, or media players over Wi-Fi.
    5. Wireless Backup: ConnectStor II can be used as a backup destination for Wi-Fi-enabled devices. With appropriate backup software or applications, users can wirelessly back up their data to the NAS over the Wi-Fi network, providing an additional layer of data protection.

    It's important to note that while ConnectStor II can work with Wi-Fi networks, its primary connectivity is through wired Ethernet. For optimal performance and reliability, it is recommended to connect the NAS directly to the network using an Ethernet cable.

  • How does NAS Promise ConnectStor II ensure seamless and reliable connectivity with Wi-Fi networks?

    The NAS Promise ConnectStor II ensures seamless and reliable connectivity with Wi-Fi networks through several features and technologies:

    1. Dual-band Wi-Fi: The ConnectStor II supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands, allowing it to connect to a wider range of Wi-Fi networks and reducing interference from other devices.
    2. High-gain antennas: The device is equipped with high-gain antennas that provide a stronger and more stable Wi-Fi signal, ensuring better connectivity and coverage.
    3. Wi-Fi roaming: The ConnectStor II supports Wi-Fi roaming, which allows it to seamlessly switch between different access points within the same network. This ensures uninterrupted connectivity as you move around your home or office.
    4. Multiple Wi-Fi standards: The device supports various Wi-Fi standards, including 802.11ac, 802.11n, and 802.11g. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of Wi-Fi networks and devices.
    5. Advanced security features: The ConnectStor II supports the latest Wi-Fi security protocols, such as WPA2-PSK (AES), ensuring that your data is transmitted securely over the Wi-Fi network.
    6. Easy setup and configuration: The device comes with a user-friendly interface and setup wizard, making it easy to connect to Wi-Fi networks and configure the necessary settings.

    Overall, the NAS Promise ConnectStor II utilizes advanced Wi-Fi technologies and features to ensure a seamless and reliable connection to Wi-Fi networks, providing a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.

  • What are the potential challenges or limitations users may face when using NAS Promise ConnectStor II with Wi-Fi, and how can they be overcome?

    Potential challenges or limitations users may face when using NAS Promise ConnectStor II with Wi-Fi include:

    1. Limited Wi-Fi range: Wi-Fi signals have limited range, so users may experience connectivity issues if they are too far away from the NAS device. This can be overcome by ensuring the NAS and the Wi-Fi router are placed in close proximity to each other, or by using Wi-Fi range extenders to boost the signal.
    2. Interference from other devices: Wi-Fi signals can be affected by interference from other electronic devices such as microwaves, cordless phones, or neighboring Wi-Fi networks. Users may experience slow or intermittent connections. To overcome this, users can try changing the Wi-Fi channel or using a dual-band router that operates on the less crowded 5GHz frequency.
    3. Limited bandwidth: Wi-Fi connections typically have lower bandwidth compared to wired connections. This can result in slower file transfer speeds, especially when dealing with large files. To overcome this limitation, users can consider using a wired Ethernet connection for faster data transfer, especially for tasks that require high bandwidth.
    4. Security concerns: Wi-Fi networks can be vulnerable to unauthorized access or data breaches if not properly secured. Users should ensure they have strong Wi-Fi passwords, use encryption protocols like WPA2, and keep their NAS firmware up to date to mitigate security risks.
    5. Power limitations: NAS devices require a constant power supply to function. Users may face challenges if they want to use the NAS Promise ConnectStor II with Wi-Fi in locations where power outlets are limited or not easily accessible. To overcome this, users can consider using power backup solutions like uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) or portable power banks.
    6. Compatibility issues: Some NAS devices may have limited compatibility with certain Wi-Fi routers or devices. Users should check the compatibility list provided by the manufacturer and ensure their devices are supported. If compatibility issues arise, users can try updating the firmware of their NAS or router, or contacting customer support for assistance.

    Overall, while Wi-Fi connectivity offers convenience and flexibility, it may have limitations compared to wired connections. Users should be aware of these challenges and take appropriate measures to overcome them for a smooth and reliable NAS experience.

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