
- Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
- Key Information About the NAS Promise Vess 1830
- How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
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.
How can a NAS Promise Vess 1830 device's cache settings impact data loss risks?
The cache settings of a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device, such as the Promise Vess 1830, can have an impact on the risk of data loss. Here are a few ways in which cache settings can affect data loss risks:
- Write-back vs. write-through cache: NAS devices typically use a cache to temporarily store write operations before committing them to the underlying storage media. Write-back cache mode allows the NAS to acknowledge write operations as completed before actually writing them to the disks. This can improve performance but also introduces a risk of data loss if a power failure or system crash occurs before the data is written to the disks. On the other hand, write-through cache mode immediately writes data to the disks, reducing the risk of data loss but potentially impacting performance.
- Cache size: The size of the cache can impact the risk of data loss. A larger cache can provide better performance by temporarily storing more data, but it also means that more data is at risk if a power failure or system crash occurs before the data is written to the disks. A smaller cache may reduce the risk of data loss but could potentially impact performance.
- Cache protection mechanisms: Some NAS devices offer cache protection mechanisms, such as battery backup units (BBUs) or supercapacitors, which help ensure that data in the cache is not lost in the event of a power failure. These mechanisms can significantly reduce the risk of data loss.
- RAID configuration: The cache settings should be considered in conjunction with the RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configuration of the NAS. RAID levels such as RAID 5 or RAID 6 provide data redundancy and can help mitigate the risk of data loss even if the cache settings are optimized for performance.
It is important to carefully consider the cache settings of a NAS device based on the specific requirements of your environment, balancing the need for performance with the risk of data loss. Regular backups, redundant storage configurations, and appropriate cache protection mechanisms can further minimize the risk of data loss.
How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
Although the NAS Vess 1830 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:
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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.
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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.
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Label each hard disk according to its position inside the NAS. The order of the drives is crucial for correct RAID reconstruction.
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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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Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Promise Vess 1830. 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.
How to recover data from a Promise
Vess 1830 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;
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:
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Ensure you have enough free space to store the image. Its size will typically match the size of the original disk.
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In the main window, select the target disk and choose Tools - Save Disk. You can also select multiple disks if needed.
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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.

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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 Vess 1830 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 |


The costs associated with data recovery from a NAS Promise Vess 1830 device can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the data loss and the specific data recovery service provider. However, here are some common cost factors to consider:
It is important to note that these costs are approximate and can vary significantly depending on the specific situation and the data recovery service provider you choose. It is recommended to contact multiple providers and obtain quotes to get a better understanding of the potential costs involved.