Best Practices for Recovering Data from a Failed NAS Promise VSky c100 RAID Configuration

Has your NAS Promise VSky c100 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 a Failed NAS Promise VSky c100 RAID Configuration

Promise VSky c100 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 VSky c100. 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 a Failed NAS Promise VSky c100 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 improper network configuration or firewall settings result in data loss on NAS Promise VSky c100 devices?

Yes, improper network configuration or firewall settings can potentially result in data loss on NAS Promise VSky c100 devices.

If the network configuration is not properly set up, it can lead to connectivity issues between the NAS device and other devices on the network. This can result in data loss if the NAS is unable to communicate with the devices that are supposed to access or store data on it.

Similarly, if the firewall settings are not correctly configured, it can block necessary network traffic to and from the NAS device. This can prevent data from being transferred to or from the NAS, potentially leading to data loss.

It is important to ensure that proper network configuration and firewall settings are in place to avoid any potential data loss on NAS devices.

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

Although the NAS VSky c100 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 VSky c100. 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

VSky c100 has 3 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • RAID 0;
  • RAID 1;
  • RAID 1E;
  • 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 VSky c100 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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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 VSky c100, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Davis Widener
    Davis Widener 7.09.2023 15:49 #
    How does data recovery from NAS Promise VSky c100 differ from other storage devices?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 7.09.2023 16:00 #

      Data recovery from NAS Promise VSky C100 is different from other storage devices in several ways:

      1. RAID Configuration: The Promise VSky C100 is a network-attached storage (NAS) device that typically uses RAID configurations for data redundancy and performance improvement. Data recovery from a Promise VSky C100 involves understanding the specific RAID configuration used, such as RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, or RAID 6.
      2. Proprietary Software: Promise VSky C100 uses its own proprietary software for managing the NAS system. This software may have unique features and functionalities that differ from other storage devices. Data recovery specialists need to be familiar with this software to effectively recover data from the device.
      3. Distributed Architecture: The Promise VSky C100 is designed with a distributed architecture, which means that data is spread across multiple drives or nodes in the system. This architecture enhances performance and fault tolerance but also adds complexity to data recovery. Specialists need to understand the distributed architecture and the interdependencies between the nodes to recover the data successfully.
      4. Data Striping and Parity: RAID configurations in Promise VSky C100 often involve data striping and parity techniques. Data striping divides data into blocks and distributes them across multiple drives, while parity information is used for error detection and recovery. Recovering data from such configurations requires specialized knowledge and tools to reconstruct the data from the striped blocks and parity information.
      5. Vendor-Specific Challenges: Each storage device manufacturer may have its own unique challenges and intricacies in data recovery. Promise VSky C100 is no exception. Specialists need to be familiar with the specific challenges associated with this device, such as compatibility issues, firmware limitations, or proprietary file systems.

      Overall, data recovery from NAS Promise VSky C100 requires expertise in RAID configurations, distributed architectures, proprietary software, and vendor-specific challenges. It is recommended to consult professional data recovery services with experience in recovering data from Promise VSky C100 or similar storage devices.

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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 are the key features and benefits of using the NAS Promise VSky c100 for saving video files?

    The NAS Promise VSky c100 offers several key features and benefits for saving video files:

    1. High Performance: The VSky c100 is equipped with powerful hardware components, including Intel Xeon processors and DDR4 memory, ensuring high-speed data processing and transfer. This allows for efficient storage and retrieval of large video files.
    2. Scalability: The VSky c100 is designed to be highly scalable, allowing you to easily expand your storage capacity as your video file collection grows. It supports up to 256 drives, providing ample space for storing extensive video libraries.
    3. Data Protection: The NAS Promise VSky c100 incorporates advanced RAID technology, such as RAID 6 and RAID 60, which offer data redundancy and protection against drive failures. This ensures the safety of your video files and minimizes the risk of data loss.
    4. High Availability: The VSky c100 supports dual active-active controllers, enabling continuous access to stored video files even in the event of a controller failure. This high availability feature ensures uninterrupted access to your video files, critical for applications such as video surveillance.
    5. Easy Management: The VSky c100 comes with an intuitive web-based management interface, making it easy to configure and monitor the storage system. It also supports various management protocols, such as SNMP and SSH, allowing for seamless integration into existing IT infrastructures.
    6. Cost-effective: The VSky c100 offers a cost-effective solution for saving video files, as it provides high storage capacity and performance at a competitive price point. Its scalability also helps in reducing upfront costs by allowing you to start with a smaller configuration and expand as needed.
    7. Compatibility: The VSky c100 is compatible with a wide range of video file formats, making it suitable for various video applications. It supports popular video codecs and formats, ensuring seamless playback and compatibility with different video players and devices.

    Overall, the NAS Promise VSky c100 provides a reliable, scalable, and high-performance storage solution for saving video files, offering data protection, easy management, and cost-effectiveness.

  • How does the NAS Promise VSky c100 ensure data security and reliability for video storage?

    The NAS Promise VSky c100 ensures data security and reliability for video storage through several mechanisms:

    1. Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID): The VSky c100 supports various RAID configurations, such as RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10. RAID provides data redundancy by distributing data across multiple disks, allowing for data recovery in case of a disk failure.
    2. Snapshot and Replication: The VSky c100 allows users to take snapshots of their data at specific points in time. These snapshots can be replicated to another VSky c100 system, providing an additional layer of data protection and allowing for quick recovery in case of data corruption or accidental deletion.
    3. Data Encryption: The VSky c100 supports AES 256-bit encryption, which ensures that data stored on the system is encrypted and secure. This prevents unauthorized access to the data, even if the physical disks are stolen.
    4. Access Control and User Authentication: The VSky c100 provides robust access control mechanisms, allowing administrators to define user permissions and restrict access to specific files or folders. User authentication protocols, such as LDAP and Active Directory, can be integrated to ensure only authorized users can access the data.
    5. Data Integrity and Scrubbing: The VSky c100 regularly checks the integrity of data stored on the disks using data scrubbing techniques. It identifies and corrects any data errors or inconsistencies, ensuring the reliability and accuracy of the stored video data.
    6. High Availability and Failover: The VSky c100 supports high availability configurations, where multiple systems are deployed in a cluster. In case of a hardware failure, the system automatically fails over to a redundant system, ensuring uninterrupted access to the video data.
    7. Data Backup and Archiving: The VSky c100 provides built-in backup and archiving features, allowing users to create regular backups of their data and archive it for long-term storage. This ensures that even if the primary storage system fails, the data can be restored from the backups.

    Overall, the NAS Promise VSky c100 employs a combination of data redundancy, encryption, access control, data integrity checks, and backup mechanisms to ensure both the security and reliability of video storage.

  • Can the NAS Promise VSky c100 efficiently handle large video files and support high-performance video streaming?

    Yes, the NAS Promise VSky c100 is designed to efficiently handle large video files and support high-performance video streaming. It is equipped with powerful hardware and software features that enable it to handle the demands of video processing and streaming.

    The VSky c100 utilizes a high-performance Intel Xeon processor and DDR4 memory, which ensures smooth and efficient operation when handling large video files. It also supports multiple high-speed Ethernet ports for fast data transfer and network connectivity.

    In addition, the VSky c100 incorporates advanced caching algorithms and SSD caching options, which further enhance its performance when dealing with large video files. These caching mechanisms help to optimize data access and retrieval, resulting in faster video streaming and improved overall system performance.

    Furthermore, the VSky c100 supports various video streaming protocols such as RTSP, HLS, and MPEG-DASH, enabling it to deliver high-quality video streaming experiences. It also offers flexible storage options, including support for high-capacity hard drives and scalable storage expansion, ensuring that there is ample space to store and stream large video files.

    Overall, the NAS Promise VSky c100 is well-suited for efficiently handling large video files and supporting high-performance video streaming requirements.