Best Practices for NAS Promise SmartStor NS6700 RAID Array Data Recovery

Has your NAS Promise SmartStor NS6700 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?

Best Practices for NAS Promise SmartStor NS6700 RAID Array Data Recovery

Promise SmartStor NS6700 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 SmartStor NS6700. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

Best Practices for NAS Promise SmartStor NS6700 RAID Array Data Recovery

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 the use of redundant power supplies reduce the chances of data loss on NAS Promise SmartStor NS6700 devices?

Yes, the use of redundant power supplies can reduce the chances of data loss on NAS Promise SmartStor NS6700 devices. Redundant power supplies provide backup power in case one power supply fails. This ensures continuous power supply to the device, preventing sudden shutdowns or interruptions that can lead to data loss. Redundant power supplies also increase the overall reliability and availability of the NAS device, minimizing the risk of data loss due to power-related issues.

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

Although the NAS SmartStor NS6700 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 SmartStor NS6700. 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

SmartStor NS6700 has 6 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • RAID 0;
  • RAID 1;
  • RAID 1E;
  • RAID 3;
  • RAID 5;
  • RAID 6;
  • RAID 30;
  • 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.

    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 SmartStor NS6700 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 SmartStor NS6700, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Jesse Woodger
    Jesse Woodger 7.09.2023 01:51 #
    Are there any specific hardware requirements for data recovery from a NAS Promise SmartStor NS6700 device?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 7.09.2023 03:00 #

      To perform data recovery from a NAS Promise SmartStor NS6700 device, there are no specific hardware requirements. However, having a computer or a device with the following specifications can aid in the recovery process:

      1. Operating System: Windows, macOS, or Linux.
      2. Sufficient Storage: Ensure you have enough storage space to store the recovered data.
      3. USB or SATA Ports: The ability to connect the NAS device to the computer using USB or SATA cables.
      4. Data Recovery Software: Install a reliable data recovery software that supports NAS devices and file systems used by the Promise SmartStor NS6700 (e.g., NTFS, FAT32, ext4).

      It's important to note that data recovery from a NAS device can be a complex process, and it is recommended to consult with a professional data recovery service if the data is critical or if you are unsure about the recovery process.

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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 do I connect my digital camera to the NAS Promise SmartStor NS6700 to transfer and save photos?

    To connect your digital camera to the NAS Promise SmartStor NS6700 and transfer/save photos, follow these steps:

    1. Ensure that your digital camera has a USB port or supports Wi-Fi connectivity for file transfer.
    2. If your camera has a USB port, use a USB cable to connect it to your computer.
    3. On your computer, open the web browser and enter the IP address of your NAS (e.g., http://192.168.1.1) to access the NAS management interface.
    4. Log in to the NAS using your username and password.
    5. In the NAS management interface, navigate to the "Storage" or "File Sharing" section.
    6. Create a new folder or select an existing folder where you want to save the transferred photos.
    7. Configure the folder permissions to allow read and write access.
    8. If your camera supports Wi-Fi connectivity, refer to its user manual to connect it to the same network as your NAS.
    9. Once connected, access the camera's settings to enable file transfer or sharing.
    10. On your computer, open the file explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) and locate the connected camera or its shared folder.
    11. Copy the photos from the camera's storage to your computer.
    12. Navigate to the folder on your computer where you want to save the photos.
    13. Copy and paste or drag and drop the photos from your computer to the NAS folder.
    14. Wait for the file transfer to complete.
    15. Verify that the transferred photos are successfully saved on the NAS by accessing the folder through the NAS management interface or using the file explorer/Finder.

    Note: The exact steps may vary depending on the camera model, NAS firmware, and computer operating system. Refer to the respective user manuals for detailed instructions.

  • What are the advantages of using a NAS device like the Promise SmartStor NS6700 for saving photos from a digital camera compared to other storage options?

    There are several advantages of using a NAS device like the Promise SmartStor NS6700 for saving photos from a digital camera compared to other storage options:

    1. Centralized storage: A NAS device allows you to centralize all your photos in one location. This makes it easier to organize and manage your photo collection, as you don't have to search through multiple storage devices or folders.
    2. Easy access: With a NAS device, you can access your photos from any device connected to the same network. This means you can view and share your photos from your computer, smartphone, or tablet without the need for physical transfer or copying.
    3. Data protection: NAS devices often come with built-in data protection features such as RAID (redundant array of independent disks) configurations. This means that even if one hard drive fails, your photos are still safe and accessible. Additionally, some NAS devices offer options for automatic backups, ensuring that your photos are protected against accidental deletion or loss.
    4. Scalability: NAS devices are typically designed to be easily expandable, allowing you to add more storage capacity as your photo collection grows. This eliminates the need to constantly transfer photos to external hard drives or other storage devices.
    5. Enhanced sharing capabilities: NAS devices often come with features that enable easy sharing of photos with others. You can create user accounts with different access permissions, allowing family or friends to view or contribute to your photo collection.
    6. Remote access: Many NAS devices offer remote access capabilities, allowing you to access your photos from anywhere with an internet connection. This is particularly useful if you want to share your photos with others or work on them while away from home.
    7. Multimedia functionality: Some NAS devices, including the Promise SmartStor NS6700, offer additional multimedia features such as media streaming. This means you can directly stream your photos to compatible devices like smart TVs, media players, or game consoles without the need for a separate server or storage device.

    Overall, using a NAS device for saving photos provides convenience, accessibility, data protection, and scalability, making it a reliable and efficient storage option for photographers.

  • Can the NAS Promise SmartStor NS6700 automatically organize and backup my photos from the digital camera, and if so, what are the available options and settings for this feature?

    The NAS Promise SmartStor NS6700 does not have a built-in feature specifically designed to automatically organize and backup photos from a digital camera. However, as a network-attached storage (NAS) device, it can provide storage and backup capabilities for your photos.

    To backup and organize your photos, you can use various software applications or configure the NAS settings to achieve the desired outcome. Here are a few options:

    1. Manual File Transfer: Connect your digital camera to a computer and transfer the photos to a designated folder on the NAS manually. This allows you to organize the files as per your preference.
    2. Third-Party Backup Software: Install backup software on your computer (like Acronis True Image, EaseUS Todo Backup, or others) and configure it to automatically backup your photos to the NAS. These software often offer features to organize and manage backups.
    3. NAS Settings: The NAS itself may have settings to automatically backup certain folders or directories. You can explore the NAS interface and configure automatic backups from specific folders on your computer to the NAS.
    4. Mobile Apps: Some NAS devices have mobile apps that allow you to automatically upload and backup photos from your smartphone or tablet. While this feature may not be directly related to your digital camera, you can transfer the photos to your mobile device and then use the app to backup to the NAS.

    Note that the availability of certain options and settings may vary depending on the specific model and firmware version of the Promise SmartStor NS6700 NAS. It is recommended to consult the user manual or visit the manufacturer's website for detailed instructions and compatible software options.