Best Practices for Data Recovery from a Failed NAS Promise UltraTrak RM8000 RAID Configuration

Has your NAS Promise UltraTrak RM8000 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 Data Recovery from a Failed NAS Promise UltraTrak RM8000 RAID Configuration

Promise UltraTrak RM8000 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 UltraTrak RM8000. 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 Data Recovery from a Failed NAS Promise UltraTrak RM8000 RAID Configuration

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 UltraTrak RM8000 devices?

Yes, utilizing redundant network connections or link aggregation protocols can help mitigate data loss risks for NAS Promise UltraTrak RM8000 devices.

Redundant network connections involve setting up multiple network interfaces on the NAS device and connecting them to separate switches or routers. This ensures that if one network connection fails, the device can still communicate through the other connections, reducing the risk of data loss due to network failures.

Link aggregation protocols, such as Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) or Static Link Aggregation, allow multiple network connections to be combined into a single logical link. This increases the available bandwidth and provides redundancy. If one link fails, the traffic is automatically redirected to the remaining active links, minimizing data loss.

By implementing redundant network connections or link aggregation protocols, the NAS Promise UltraTrak RM8000 devices can improve network reliability, increase data availability, and reduce the impact of network failures on data loss risks.

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

Although the NAS UltraTrak RM8000 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 UltraTrak RM8000. 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

UltraTrak RM8000 has 8 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;

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 UltraTrak RM8000 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 UltraTrak RM8000, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Des Crossley
    Des Crossley 6.09.2023 18:42 #
    Is it possible to recover data from a NAS Promise UltraTrak RM8000 device that has been affected by a network attack or intrusion?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 6.09.2023 19:00 #

      It is possible to recover data from a NAS Promise UltraTrak RM8000 device that has been affected by a network attack or intrusion, but it can be a complex and challenging process. Here are some steps you can take to attempt data recovery:

      1. Disconnect the affected NAS device from the network immediately to prevent further damage or data loss.
      2. Contact a professional data recovery service with expertise in NAS devices and network attacks. They will have specialized tools and techniques to recover data from compromised systems.
      3. Provide the data recovery service with as much information as possible about the network attack or intrusion, including any logs or details you have.
      4. The data recovery service will assess the extent of the damage and attempt to recover the data. This may involve forensic analysis, repairing the affected system, or extracting data from backup sources.
      5. Depending on the severity of the attack and the level of damage, data recovery may not be possible in some cases. It is important to have regular backups of your data to minimize the impact of such incidents.

      Remember, prevention is always better than recovery. It is crucial to have proper network security measures in place, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular updates to prevent network attacks and intrusions.

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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 is SSH and how does it work in the context of remote access and secure communication?

    SSH stands for Secure Shell, and it is a cryptographic network protocol used for secure remote access and secure communication over an unsecured network. It provides a secure channel between a client and a server, allowing users to access and manage remote systems securely.

    SSH works by establishing an encrypted connection between the client and the server. When a client initiates an SSH connection to a server, it goes through a process called SSH handshake, which involves the following steps:

    1. Client-server negotiation: The client and server negotiate the encryption algorithms, authentication methods, and other parameters to be used for the session.
    2. Key exchange: The client and server exchange cryptographic keys to establish a secure connection. This key exchange is typically done using Diffie-Hellman key exchange algorithm.
    3. User authentication: The client provides its credentials (username and password or public key) to the server for authentication. The server verifies the provided credentials and grants access if they are valid.
    4. Secure channel creation: Once the client is authenticated, a secure channel is created between the client and the server. This channel encrypts all the data transmitted between them, ensuring confidentiality and integrity.
    5. Remote access and secure communication: With the secure channel established, the client can now remotely access the server's command-line interface or execute specific commands. The client's commands and server's responses are encrypted and transmitted securely over the network.

    SSH utilizes various encryption algorithms, such as symmetric encryption for data encryption, asymmetric encryption for key exchange, and hashing algorithms for integrity checks. It also supports various authentication methods, including passwords, public key authentication, and two-factor authentication, to ensure secure access to remote systems.

    Overall, SSH provides a secure and encrypted communication channel, protecting sensitive data and preventing unauthorized access or eavesdropping during remote access sessions.

  • How does the NAS Promise UltraTrak RM8000 utilize SSH for secure file transfer and remote management?

    The NAS Promise UltraTrak RM8000 utilizes SSH (Secure Shell) for secure file transfer and remote management by implementing the SSH protocol for encrypted communication between the NAS device and remote clients.

    Here's how it works:

    1. Encrypted Communication: SSH provides a secure channel over an unsecured network, ensuring that all data transferred between the NAS device and remote clients is encrypted. This prevents unauthorized access and eavesdropping.
    2. Authentication: SSH uses various authentication methods to verify the identity of remote clients before granting access to the NAS device. This can include password-based authentication, public-key authentication, or certificate-based authentication, depending on the configuration.
    3. Secure File Transfer: SSH enables secure file transfer between the NAS device and remote clients using protocols like SCP (Secure Copy) or SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol). These protocols ensure that files are transferred securely, maintaining data integrity and confidentiality.
    4. Remote Management: SSH allows administrators to remotely manage the NAS device using a command-line interface (CLI) or a remote shell. This enables them to execute commands, configure settings, and perform administrative tasks securely from a remote location.
    5. Port Forwarding: SSH also supports port forwarding, which allows administrators to securely access other services running on the NAS device through an encrypted SSH tunnel. This provides additional security by not exposing these services directly to the network.

    Overall, the NAS Promise UltraTrak RM8000 leverages SSH to establish a secure and encrypted connection for file transfer and remote management, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of the data and communication.

  • Can you explain the specific features or functionalities of SSH that the NAS Promise UltraTrak RM8000 leverages to ensure secure data transmission and system administration?

    The NAS Promise UltraTrak RM8000 leverages SSH (Secure Shell) to ensure secure data transmission and system administration. Here are the specific features and functionalities of SSH that contribute to the security of the NAS device:

    1. Encryption: SSH uses strong encryption algorithms, such as AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), to secure the data transmitted between the client and server. This ensures that data remains confidential and cannot be intercepted or read by unauthorized parties.
    2. Authentication: SSH provides various authentication methods, including password-based authentication and public key authentication. These methods ensure that only authorized users can access the NAS device and perform system administration tasks.
    3. Secure Remote Access: SSH allows users to remotely access the NAS device over an insecure network, such as the internet, securely. By establishing an encrypted connection, SSH prevents eavesdropping and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
    4. Port Forwarding: SSH supports port forwarding, which enables users to securely access services running on the NAS device through an encrypted tunnel. This feature allows users to access services like file sharing or web interfaces securely, even if they are not directly exposed to the network.
    5. Secure File Transfer: SSH includes the Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP), which provides a secure way to transfer files between the client and server. SFTP ensures data integrity and confidentiality during file transfers, preventing unauthorized access or tampering.
    6. Secure Copy: SSH includes the Secure Copy Protocol (SCP), which enables secure file copying between the client and server. SCP utilizes the encryption and authentication mechanisms of SSH to ensure secure and reliable file transfers.

    By leveraging these features and functionalities of SSH, the NAS Promise UltraTrak RM8000 ensures that data transmission and system administration are conducted securely, protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access or interception.