Best Practices for Recovering Data from NAS Promise Vess A2200 RAID Array Failures

Has your NAS Promise Vess A2200 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 Recovering Data from NAS Promise Vess A2200 RAID Array Failures

Promise Vess A2200 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 Vess A2200. 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 Recovering Data from NAS Promise Vess A2200 RAID Array Failures

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.

How can a NAS Promise Vess A2200 device's power management settings impact data availability and potential loss?

The power management settings on a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device like the Promise Vess A2200 can impact data availability and potential loss in several ways:

  1. Power-saving modes: NAS devices often have power-saving modes that can spin down the hard drives or put them to sleep when not in use. While this can reduce power consumption, it can also lead to delays in accessing data. If a drive takes too long to spin up, it may cause a delay or even a failure in retrieving data, impacting data availability.
  2. Scheduled power-off: Some NAS devices allow users to schedule automatic power-off during specific periods of low usage, such as overnight or on weekends. While this can save power, it means that the data stored on the NAS will be inaccessible during those times, potentially impacting data availability.
  3. Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): Power management settings can also include integration with an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). A UPS provides backup power in case of a power outage, allowing the NAS to continue running. If the power management settings are not properly configured to utilize the UPS, a sudden power loss can lead to data loss or corruption.
  4. RAID rebuilds: The Promise Vess A2200 supports various RAID configurations for data redundancy. In the event of a drive failure, the NAS will initiate a RAID rebuild process to restore data integrity. Power management settings that cause frequent power interruptions or shutdowns can interrupt or delay the rebuild process, increasing the risk of data loss.
  5. Data backup and synchronization: Power management settings can impact scheduled backups or synchronization processes. If the NAS powers off or enters a power-saving mode during scheduled backup or synchronization, it may result in incomplete or failed data transfers, potentially leading to data loss or inconsistencies.

It is crucial to configure the power management settings on a NAS device carefully, taking into consideration the balance between power savings and data availability. Regular backups, UPS integration, and proper configuration of power-saving features can help mitigate the risks of data loss and ensure data availability.

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

Although the NAS Vess A2200 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 Vess A2200. 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

Vess A2200 has 6 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.

    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 Vess A2200 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 Vess A2200, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Cuthbert Crosby
    Cuthbert Crosby 7.09.2023 19:41 #
    Are there any specific troubleshooting methods for data recovery from NAS Promise Vess A2200 devices with limited functionality?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 7.09.2023 19:59 #

      Yes, there are several troubleshooting methods that can be attempted for data recovery from NAS Promise Vess A2200 devices with limited functionality. Here are a few steps you can try:

      1. Check physical connections: Ensure that all cables and connections are secure and properly connected. Sometimes, loose or faulty connections can cause limited functionality.
      2. Restart the device: Power off the NAS device, unplug it from the power source, wait for a few minutes, and then plug it back in. This can help resolve temporary issues and restore functionality.
      3. Update firmware: Check if there are any firmware updates available for your NAS device. Updating the firmware can fix bugs and improve performance, potentially resolving limited functionality issues.
      4. Reset to factory defaults: If the device is still not functioning properly, you can try resetting it to factory defaults. This will erase all configurations and settings, so make sure to back up any important data before proceeding.
      5. Contact technical support: If none of the above methods work, it's best to reach out to the technical support team of Promise Technology, the manufacturer of the NAS device. They can provide specific troubleshooting steps or recommend professional data recovery services if necessary.

      Note: It's important to remember that attempting data recovery on your own can be risky, especially if you're not familiar with the process. If the data on the NAS device is critical and you're unsure about performing the recovery yourself, it's recommended to seek professional assistance from a data recovery service.

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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 does the NAS Promise Vess A2200 facilitate centralized photo management for individuals or organizations?

    The NAS Promise Vess A2200 facilitates centralized photo management for individuals or organizations through its various features and capabilities:

    1. Storage Capacity: The NAS (Network Attached Storage) system offers high storage capacity, allowing individuals or organizations to store a large number of photos in one centralized location. It typically comes with multiple drive bays, enabling users to add or swap hard drives to increase storage capacity as needed.
    2. RAID Support: The Vess A2200 supports RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations, which provide data redundancy and protection against drive failures. This is crucial for preserving photos and preventing data loss. Users can choose different RAID levels based on their requirements for performance, capacity, and data protection.
    3. File Organization and Access: The NAS system provides a user-friendly interface that allows individuals or organizations to organize their photo files efficiently. Users can create folders, subfolders, and apply tags or metadata to categorize and search for photos easily. The system also supports various file systems, ensuring compatibility with different operating systems and devices.
    4. Remote Access and Sharing: The Vess A2200 supports remote access, allowing users to access their centralized photo library from anywhere with an internet connection. This feature is particularly beneficial for organizations with distributed teams or individuals who want to access their photos on the go. Additionally, the system enables users to share photos securely with others by generating shareable links or setting access permissions.
    5. Backup and Data Protection: The NAS system includes built-in backup features to safeguard photo collections. It supports various backup methods like scheduled backups, incremental backups, or cloud backups, ensuring that photos are protected against accidental deletion, hardware failures, or disasters.
    6. Scalability and Expandability: The Vess A2200 is designed to be scalable, allowing individuals or organizations to start with a smaller storage capacity and expand it as their photo library grows. Users can easily add additional hard drives or expand the storage capacity using expansion units, ensuring that their centralized photo management system can accommodate future needs.

    Overall, the NAS Promise Vess A2200 simplifies and streamlines centralized photo management by providing a reliable, scalable, and feature-rich storage solution that caters to the requirements of individuals or organizations dealing with large volumes of photos.

  • What are the key features and capabilities of the NAS Promise Vess A2200 that make it suitable for handling large volumes of photos?

    The NAS Promise Vess A2200 is a storage solution designed to handle large volumes of photos effectively. Some key features and capabilities that make it suitable for this task are:

    1. High storage capacity: The Vess A2200 offers scalable storage capacity, allowing users to start with a few terabytes and expand up to several petabytes. This ensures ample space to store a large number of photos.
    2. High-performance architecture: The Vess A2200 is equipped with a high-performance architecture, including a powerful processor and ample RAM. This allows for fast data transfer speeds and efficient handling of large files, such as high-resolution photos.
    3. RAID support: The Vess A2200 supports various RAID levels, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10. This ensures data redundancy and protection against drive failures, which is crucial when dealing with valuable photo collections.
    4. Advanced data management: The Vess A2200 provides advanced data management features, such as thin provisioning, snapshot, and remote replication. These features enable efficient allocation of storage space, quick backups, and remote data replication for disaster recovery.
    5. High availability and reliability: The Vess A2200 is designed for high availability and reliability, with redundant power supplies and hot-swappable drives. This ensures continuous access to photos and minimizes downtime in case of hardware failures.
    6. Scalability and flexibility: The Vess A2200 supports expansion units, allowing users to easily expand storage capacity as their photo collection grows. It also supports various connectivity options, including Ethernet and Fibre Channel, providing flexibility to connect with different devices.
    7. User-friendly management interface: The Vess A2200 comes with an intuitive management interface that simplifies storage administration. It allows users to easily configure settings, monitor performance, and manage storage resources, making it easier to handle large volumes of photos efficiently.

    Overall, the NAS Promise Vess A2200 offers the necessary features and capabilities to handle large volumes of photos, ensuring high-performance, scalability, data protection, and ease of management.

  • Can you provide examples of how the NAS Promise Vess A2200 has been successfully used for centralized photo management, and the benefits it has provided to users?

    The NAS Promise Vess A2200 has been widely used for centralized photo management, offering several benefits to users. Here are a few examples of its successful implementation and the advantages it provides:

    1. Professional Photography Studios: Many professional photography studios utilize the Vess A2200 to store and manage their vast collection of high-resolution photos. The NAS system allows them to organize and access their photos easily, ensuring quick retrieval for editing, printing, or showcasing to clients. With the Vess A2200's high-performance capabilities, photographers can work seamlessly with large files and process them efficiently.
    2. Media Agencies: Media agencies often handle a massive amount of digital media content, including photos. The Vess A2200 enables them to centralize their photo library, making it accessible to multiple teams or departments simultaneously. This facilitates collaboration, as designers, editors, and marketers can access and work on the same set of photos, ensuring consistency and saving time. The NAS system's robust sharing and permission features allow secure access control to protect sensitive or copyrighted images.
    3. Educational Institutions: Schools, colleges, and universities frequently deal with extensive photo archives for various purposes like yearbooks, websites, or marketing materials. The Vess A2200 provides a cost-effective solution for centralized photo management, allowing educational institutions to store, organize, and distribute photos effortlessly. The system's scalability ensures that as the photo library grows, additional storage can be easily added to accommodate the increasing demands.
    4. Event Management Companies: Event management companies often capture numerous photos during conferences, trade shows, or other events. The Vess A2200 offers a reliable platform to store and manage these event photos efficiently. With its high-capacity storage and support for RAID configurations, the NAS system ensures data redundancy and protection against drive failures, preventing the loss of valuable event photos.

    Benefits provided by the NAS Promise Vess A2200 for centralized photo management include:

    • Enhanced data organization: The Vess A2200 allows users to categorize and tag photos, making it easy to search and retrieve specific images promptly.
    • Improved collaboration: Multiple users can access and work on the same photo library simultaneously, enabling seamless collaboration among teams.
    • High-performance processing: The NAS system's powerful hardware ensures quick data transfer and processing, enabling faster editing, sharing, and distribution of photos.
    • Data protection and redundancy: The Vess A2200 supports various RAID configurations, ensuring data redundancy and protecting against drive failures. This safeguards the photo library from potential data loss.
    • Scalability: As the photo library grows, the Vess A2200 can be easily expanded by adding additional storage drives, providing flexibility and accommodating future needs.