Best Practices for Data Recovery from a Failed NAS Promise SmartStor A4R-CLD RAID Configuration

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Promise SmartStor A4R-CLD
• How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
  • Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images
  • Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?
  • RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison

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.

Are there any specific factors to consider when choosing a NAS Promise SmartStor A4R-CLD device to minimize data loss risks?

Yes, there are several factors to consider when choosing a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device like the Promise SmartStor A4R-CLD to minimize data loss risks. Here are some important factors to consider:

1. Redundancy: Look for a NAS device that offers redundancy features such as RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks). RAID configurations like RAID 1, RAID 5, or RAID 6 can help protect against data loss by storing redundant copies of your data across multiple drives.
2. Drive Failure Protection: Check if the NAS device has built-in features like hot-swappable drive bays or drive monitoring tools that can detect and alert you to potential drive failures. This allows you to replace a failing drive without downtime and minimize the risk of data loss.
3. Backup Options: Consider if the NAS device supports automatic backup options to external storage devices or cloud storage services. Regularly backing up your data is crucial to minimize the impact of data loss in case of NAS failure or other disasters.
4. Power Protection: Look for a NAS device that includes features like an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) support or power loss protection mechanisms. These features can help prevent data corruption or loss due to sudden power outages or voltage fluctuations.
5. Network Security: Ensure that the NAS device offers robust security features such as user authentication, access controls, data encryption, and firewall protection. This helps safeguard your data from unauthorized access or potential cyber threats.
6. Scalability: Consider the future growth of your data storage needs. Choose a NAS device that allows for easy expansion by supporting additional drives or storage expansion units. This will help avoid data loss risks due to running out of storage space.
7. Data Recovery Options: Check if the NAS device provides data recovery options in case of accidental deletion or file corruption. Some devices may offer features like file versioning or recycle bin functionality, which can help recover lost or modified files.
8. Manufacturer Support: Research the reputation and customer support track record of the NAS device manufacturer. Look for a reliable and reputable brand that provides regular firmware updates, security patches, and responsive technical support.

By considering these factors, you can minimize the risk of data loss and ensure the safety and availability of your important files and data on the NAS device.

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

Although the NAS SmartStor A4R-CLD 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.

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   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Promise SmartStor A4R-CLD. 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.

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How to recover data from a Promise

SmartStor A4R-CLD has 4 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

• RAID 0;
• RAID 1;
• RAID 1E;
• RAID 3;
• RAID 5;
• RAID 6;
• JBOD;

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.

   

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.

   

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The Promise SmartStor A4R-CLD 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