RAID Disk File Access Without Working NAS Promise VTrak 15100: Practical Steps

Has your NAS Promise VTrak 15100 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?

RAID Disk File Access Without Working NAS Promise VTrak 15100: Practical Steps

Promise VTrak 15100 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 VTrak 15100. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

RAID Disk File Access Without Working NAS Promise VTrak 15100: Practical Steps

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 the use of deduplication or compression technologies impact data loss risks on NAS Promise VTrak 15100 devices?

Yes, the use of deduplication or compression technologies can impact data loss risks on NAS Promise VTrak 15100 devices.

Deduplication technology eliminates redundant data by identifying and removing duplicate copies of data. This can reduce the amount of data stored on the device, which can in turn reduce the risk of data loss. By eliminating duplicates, there are fewer copies of data that can be lost or corrupted.

Compression technology reduces the size of data by encoding it in a more efficient way. This can also reduce the amount of data stored on the device, which can reduce the risk of data loss. With less data to store, there are fewer opportunities for data loss to occur.

However, it's important to note that while deduplication and compression can help mitigate data loss risks, they are not foolproof solutions. Data loss can still occur due to various factors such as hardware failures, software errors, or human errors. Therefore, it is recommended to have additional data protection measures in place, such as regular backups and redundancy configurations, to further minimize the risk of data loss.

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

Although the NAS VTrak 15100 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 VTrak 15100. 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

VTrak 15100 has 15 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:

  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 VTrak 15100 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 VTrak 15100, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Zack Brooks
    Zack Brooks 8.09.2023 04:55 #
    Is it possible to recover data from a logically damaged NAS Promise VTrak 15100 device?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 8.09.2023 06:00 #

      Yes, it is possible to recover data from a logically damaged NAS Promise VTrak 15100 device. However, the success of the data recovery process may vary depending on the extent of the damage and the specific circumstances of the situation. It is recommended to contact a professional data recovery service provider who specializes in NAS devices to assess the situation and determine the best course of action for data recovery.

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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 capabilities of the NAS Promise VTrak 15100 that make it suitable for a surveillance system?

    The NAS Promise VTrak 15100 is a high-performance storage solution designed specifically for surveillance systems. Some key features and capabilities that make it suitable for this purpose are:

    1. Scalability: The VTrak 15100 offers scalable storage capacity, allowing it to accommodate the growing needs of surveillance systems. It supports up to 60 hard drives, providing ample space for storing large amounts of video footage.
    2. High Availability: The system is built with redundant components, including power supplies, fans, and controllers, ensuring continuous operation even in the event of hardware failures. This high availability is crucial for surveillance systems that require uninterrupted recording and monitoring.
    3. High Performance: The VTrak 15100 is equipped with high-speed SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) interfaces, enabling fast data transfer rates. This is essential for handling the large volumes of data generated by multiple high-resolution surveillance cameras simultaneously.
    4. RAID Protection: The system supports various RAID configurations, such as RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10, providing data redundancy and protection against drive failures. This ensures that surveillance footage remains intact and accessible even if a hard drive fails.
    5. Advanced Data Management: The VTrak 15100 offers advanced data management features, including thin provisioning and snapshot capabilities. Thin provisioning allows for efficient utilization of storage space, while snapshots enable the creation of point-in-time copies of data for backup and recovery purposes.
    6. Integration with Video Management Systems (VMS): The VTrak 15100 is compatible with leading VMS software, allowing seamless integration with surveillance systems. This enables easy management, monitoring, and retrieval of video footage from the storage system.
    7. Scalable Bandwidth: The system supports multiple 10GbE (Gigabit Ethernet) and 16Gb Fibre Channel host connections, providing high-speed data transfer and scalability. This ensures that the storage system can handle the bandwidth requirements of a surveillance system, even as it grows.

    Overall, the NAS Promise VTrak 15100 offers the necessary features and capabilities to meet the demanding storage requirements of a surveillance system, including scalability, high availability, performance, data protection, and integration with VMS software.

  • How does the NAS Promise VTrak 15100 ensure data security and reliability for surveillance footage storage?

    The NAS Promise VTrak 15100 ensures data security and reliability for surveillance footage storage through several features and technologies:

    1. RAID Protection: The VTrak 15100 supports various RAID levels, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60. RAID provides data redundancy and protection against drive failures, ensuring that surveillance footage remains intact even if one or more drives fail.
    2. Redundant Power Supplies: The system is equipped with redundant power supplies, which ensure continuous operation even if one power supply fails. This redundancy prevents any power-related interruptions that could lead to data loss.
    3. Snapshot and Volume Copy: The VTrak 15100 supports snapshot and volume copy features, allowing users to create point-in-time copies of the surveillance footage. These copies can be used for data recovery or to create additional backups, ensuring data reliability.
    4. Data Encryption: The system supports hardware-based AES-256 encryption, which encrypts the surveillance footage at rest. This encryption ensures that even if the drives are physically stolen or compromised, the data remains secure and inaccessible to unauthorized individuals.
    5. Data Integrity Check: The VTrak 15100 performs regular data integrity checks to identify and correct any potential data corruption issues. This feature ensures that the surveillance footage remains reliable and free from any data errors or inconsistencies.
    6. Scalability and Expansion: The VTrak 15100 offers scalability options, allowing users to expand the storage capacity as their surveillance footage requirements grow. This scalability ensures that the system can accommodate a large volume of footage without compromising data security or reliability.
    7. Access Control and User Management: The system provides access control mechanisms and user management features, allowing administrators to define user permissions and restrict unauthorized access to the surveillance footage. This ensures that only authorized individuals can access and modify the stored data, enhancing data security.

    Overall, the NAS Promise VTrak 15100 incorporates various features and technologies to ensure data security and reliability for surveillance footage storage, protecting against drive failures, power interruptions, data corruption, and unauthorized access.

  • Can you provide examples of successful deployments of the NAS Promise VTrak 15100 in surveillance systems, highlighting the benefits it offers in terms of scalability and performance?

    While I cannot provide specific examples of successful deployments of the NAS Promise VTrak 15100 in surveillance systems, I can highlight the benefits it offers in terms of scalability and performance. The NAS Promise VTrak 15100 is designed to provide high-performance storage solutions for demanding environments like surveillance systems. Here are some of the benefits it offers:

    1. Scalability: The VTrak 15100 offers scalability options that allow you to expand your storage capacity as your surveillance needs grow. It supports up to 144 hard drives, providing ample room for storing large amounts of video footage.
    2. Performance: The VTrak 15100 is built with high-performance hardware components and supports various RAID levels, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60. This ensures data redundancy, improved read/write speeds, and high availability, which are crucial for surveillance systems that require constant recording and quick access to video footage.
    3. High Bandwidth: The VTrak 15100 supports multiple high-speed connectivity options like 10GbE and 16Gb FC, enabling fast and reliable data transfers between the storage system and surveillance servers. This high bandwidth ensures smooth video streaming and reduces latency issues.
    4. Data Protection: The VTrak 15100 offers advanced data protection features such as snapshot technology, which allows you to take point-in-time copies of your surveillance data. This feature helps in quickly recovering from accidental deletions or data corruption.
    5. Management and Monitoring: The VTrak 15100 comes with comprehensive management and monitoring tools that provide administrators with detailed insights into the storage system's health, performance, and capacity utilization. This helps in proactive maintenance and ensures optimal system performance.

    Overall, the NAS Promise VTrak 15100 is a robust and scalable storage solution that can meet the demanding requirements of surveillance systems. Its high scalability, performance, data protection, and management capabilities make it an ideal choice for organizations looking to deploy reliable and efficient storage for their surveillance infrastructure.