- Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
- Key Information About the NAS Promise VSky c102
- 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.
Are there any specific file system repair or recovery tools recommended for NAS Promise VSky c102 devices?
There are several file system repair and recovery tools that can be used for NAS Promise VSky c102 devices. Some of the recommended tools are:
- TestDisk: TestDisk is a powerful open-source data recovery tool that can recover lost partitions and repair damaged file systems.
- EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is a user-friendly tool that can recover deleted, formatted, or lost data from various storage devices, including NAS systems.
- R-Studio: R-Studio is a comprehensive data recovery and undelete program that supports a wide range of file systems, including NTFS, FAT, exFAT, and HFS+.
- GetDataBack: GetDataBack is a data recovery tool that specializes in recovering data from NAS systems and other storage devices. It supports various file systems, including NTFS, FAT, exFAT, and EXT.
- UFS Explorer: UFS Explorer is a versatile data recovery tool that supports a wide range of file systems, including NTFS, FAT, exFAT, EXT, and HFS+. It can recover lost data from NAS systems and other storage devices.
It is important to note that before using any file system repair or recovery tool, it is recommended to consult the user manual or contact Promise Technology support for specific recommendations and instructions for your VSky c102 device.
How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
Although the NAS VSky c102 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 VSky c102. 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
VSky c102 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:
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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 VSky c102 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 |
Yes, data recovery from a NAS Promise VSky c102 device can be performed even if there are issues with the storage pool or configurations. However, the success of the data recovery process will depend on the nature and extent of the issues.
In case of storage pool issues, such as corruption or failure, data recovery can be attempted by using specialized data recovery software or by seeking professional data recovery services. These methods can help in recovering data from the damaged storage pool or rebuilding the pool to access the data.
Similarly, if there are configuration issues, such as misconfigured settings or accidental deletion of configurations, data recovery can still be possible. In such cases, restoring the configurations from backups or seeking assistance from technical support can help in recovering the data.
It is important to note that data recovery from a NAS device can be a complex and time-consuming process. It is recommended to consult with a professional data recovery service or the manufacturer's technical support for guidance and assistance in recovering data from a NAS Promise VSky c102 device with storage pool or configuration issues.