- Why can’t ordinary software tools restore files from RAID?
- How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Why can’t ordinary software tools restore files from RAID?
Conventional hard disks keep user’s data by writing it to their surface in a consecutive way, and this is how an entire file is stored on a single hard disk. However, when data is written to a RAID system, a file is divided into several parts. Then these parts are written consecutively to all hard disks within such array. The size of such parts may range from 2 KB to 2 MB, so each file is stored on several hard disks at the same time.
Such approach helps to speed up read and write operations, and it is evident that saving two parts of a file having the size of 1 GB to two hard disks simultaneously is much faster than saving the same 1 GB of data to one hard disk. However, this peculiarity makes file recovery more complicated.
Various RAID levels store information in different ways. Additionally, manufacturers like Promise also introduce some modifications to this process, and that is why data can be written to hard disk in a wide variety of ways.
Are there any specific factors to consider when choosing a NAS Promise Vess A8021 device to minimize data loss risks?
Yes, there are several factors to consider when choosing a NAS Promise Vess A8021 device to minimize data loss risks. Here are some important factors to consider:
- Redundancy: Look for a NAS device that offers redundancy features such as RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations. RAID can protect your data by distributing it across multiple drives, ensuring that even if one drive fails, your data remains accessible.
- Backup options: Consider a NAS device that provides built-in backup options. This could include features like scheduled backups, incremental backups, or the ability to sync your data with cloud storage services. Having regular backups will help minimize the risk of data loss.
- Scalability: Ensure that the NAS device can accommodate your current and future storage needs. If your data storage requirements increase over time, you should be able to easily expand the storage capacity of the NAS device without any data loss or disruption.
- Data protection features: Look for features like snapshotting, which allows you to take point-in-time copies of your data. Snapshots can be useful in case of accidental file deletions or data corruption, as they enable you to restore previous versions of your data.
- Power protection: Consider a NAS device that includes power protection features such as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) or surge protection. Power outages or electrical surges can lead to data loss or corruption, so having these protections in place can help mitigate these risks.
- Data integrity checks: Choose a NAS device that performs regular data integrity checks to identify and correct any potential data errors or corruption. This can help prevent data loss due to undetected errors.
- Ease of management: Ensure that the NAS device has a user-friendly interface and management tools that allow you to easily monitor and manage your data. This includes features like email alerts for system health, disk status, or potential issues.
By considering these factors, you can minimize data loss risks and ensure the safety and accessibility of your data on a NAS Promise Vess A8021 device.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS Vess A8021 can be accessed over the network, you still need to take the hard disks out of the storage device and connect them to a Windows computer. Only in this case will the software be able to scan them properly. Here is what you should do:
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Turn off the storage and disconnect it from the power supply.
WARNING! Before you start taking hard disks out of your NAS device, read the manual carefully. Incorrect actions may damage your network-attached storage and/or the hard disks within the RAID system.
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Take the hard disks out of the NAS one by one, carefully removing them from their slots. Remember that the disks are extremely vulnerable: hitting or dropping them may result in serious physical damage.
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Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.
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Remove the hard disks and connect them to the computer. In this video, we have explored what ports are used to connect hard disks, and what to do if there are not enough ports or connectors.
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Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Promise Vess A8021. The hard disks that make up the RAID contain technical information about the algorithm used to save files. When launched, Hetman RAID Recovery reads this information and puts the damaged array together. Then you can open the disk and save your files. Also, you can recover the files accidentally deleted from the network drive.
How to recover data from a Promise
Vess A8021 has 2 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:
- RAID 0;
- RAID 1;
- JBOD;
NAS supports:
- exFAT, VFAT, FAT 12 / 16 / 32;
- NTFS / ReFS;
- APFS / HFS+;
- Ext2 / 3 / 4 / ReiserFS / XFS / UFS / ZFS / Btrfs;
- VMFS / HikvisionFS;
Safe recovery from disk images
This utility lets you save an entire copy of the disk to file and then work with this image instead of the actual disk. Such feature helps to protect data on the disk from:
- Overwriting during the recovery process;
- Loss resulting from bad sectors;
- User mistakes.
To create an image, do the following:
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Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.
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Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.
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When the image creation wizard starts, you can choose to save the entire disk or select only a part of it. Specify the parameters and click Next.
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At this stage, you need to choose a directory where to save the image. Choose any disk connected to this PC, or save the image by FTP.
Where are user’s files stored?
The Promise Vess A8021 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.
Comparison of software for RAID recovery
| Product | Operating system | License type | RAID controller support | Supported file systems | Virtual RAID controller support | Data recovery from damaged RAID | File preview |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hetman RAID Recovery | Windows | Paid | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DiskInternals RAID Recovery | Windows | Paid | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
| R-Studio | Windows, Mac, Linux | Paid | Yes, over 200 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| UFS Explorer RAID Recovery | Windows, Mac, Linux | Paid | Yes, over 1,000 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| EaseUS Data Recovery | Windows | Paid | Yes, over 20 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
| ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery | Windows | Free | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Data recovery from a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device like the Promise Vess A8021 should not affect the existing data if done correctly. However, it is always recommended to take precautions and follow best practices to minimize the risk of data loss.
Here are a few things to consider:
Remember, data recovery is a complex process, and there is always a small possibility of data loss or damage. Therefore, it is essential to choose a reputable and reliable data recovery service provider to minimize any potential risks.