- 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?
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 factors to consider when choosing a NAS Promise FileCruiser VR2600 device to minimize data loss risks?
Yes, there are several factors to consider when choosing a NAS Promise FileCruiser VR2600 device to minimize data loss risks. Here are some key factors:
- Redundancy: Look for a NAS device that supports RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations. RAID provides data redundancy by distributing data across multiple hard drives, ensuring that if one drive fails, the data can be recovered from the remaining drives.
- Backup and Recovery: Consider a NAS device that offers built-in backup and recovery features. This could include options for scheduled backups, incremental backups, and the ability to restore data easily in case of accidental deletion or hardware failure.
- Data Protection Features: Look for NAS devices that offer advanced data protection features like snapshotting, which allows you to take point-in-time copies of your data. This can be useful in case of data corruption or accidental modifications, as you can roll back to a previous snapshot.
- Scalability: Consider the scalability options of the NAS device. If your data storage needs are expected to grow over time, choose a device that allows for easy expansion by adding more hard drives or connecting additional storage units.
- Power Protection: Ensure that the NAS device has built-in power protection features like an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) support. This can help protect against data loss due to power outages or surges.
- Data Encryption: If data security is a concern, choose a NAS device that supports data encryption. This ensures that your data is protected even if the hard drives are stolen or accessed by unauthorized individuals.
- User Access Control: Look for NAS devices that offer robust user access control features. This allows you to define user permissions and restrict access to specific files or folders, reducing the risk of accidental or unauthorized data deletion.
- Compatibility and Support: Ensure that the NAS device is compatible with your operating system and network infrastructure. Additionally, consider the reputation and support provided by the manufacturer, as timely firmware updates and technical support can help mitigate data loss risks.
By considering these factors, you can choose a NAS Promise FileCruiser VR2600 device that provides the necessary features to minimize data loss risks and ensure the safety of your data.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS FileCruiser VR2600 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:
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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.
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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.
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Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.
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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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Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Promise FileCruiser VR2600. 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.
FileCruiser VR2600 has 16 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:
- RAID 0;
- RAID 1;
- RAID 1E;
- RAID 3;
- RAID 5;
- RAID 6;
- RAID 30;
- RAID 50;
- RAID 60;
- 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:
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Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.
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Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.
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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.
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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 Promise FileCruiser VR2600 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 |
Recovering data from a physically damaged NAS device can be challenging and may require professional assistance. The possibility of data recovery depends on the extent and nature of the damage. If the hard drives inside the NAS are not severely damaged, it might be possible to recover the data by removing the drives and connecting them to a computer using a SATA-to-USB adapter or a compatible NAS enclosure. However, if the drives are damaged or if there are other internal components affected, data recovery becomes more difficult and may require specialized equipment and expertise. In such cases, it is recommended to contact a professional data recovery service to assess the situation and determine the best course of action.