How to Access Files on a RAID Disk When NAS Promise VTrak EFA5310 is Unavailable: Step-by-Step Guide

When your ⭐ NAS fails, access RAID disk files by connecting to a compatible PC, configuring RAID, and using recovery software to retrieve data.

How to Access Files on a RAID Disk When NAS Promise VTrak EFA5310 is Unavailable: Step-by-Step Guide

Promise VTrak EFA5310 NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from VTrak EFA5310.

How to Access Files on a RAID Disk When NAS Promise VTrak EFA5310 is Unavailable: Step-by-Step Guide

RAID Recovery™ 2.6
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
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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.

How can RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations impact data loss in NAS Promise VTrak EFA5310 devices?

RAID configurations can have a significant impact on data loss in NAS Promise VTrak EFA5310 devices. Here are a few ways RAID can affect data loss in these devices:

  1. Fault tolerance: RAID configurations, such as RAID 1 (mirroring) or RAID 5 (striping with parity), provide fault tolerance by distributing data across multiple disks. This means that if one disk fails, the data can still be accessed from the remaining disks. This helps to minimize data loss in case of disk failures.
  2. Rebuild time: When a disk fails in a RAID configuration, the system needs to rebuild the data from the remaining disks onto a replacement disk. During this rebuild process, there is an increased risk of data loss. If another disk fails during the rebuild, it can lead to permanent data loss. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the RAID array and replace failed disks promptly to minimize the risk.
  3. RAID level choice: The choice of RAID level can impact data loss. RAID 0 offers no fault tolerance and any disk failure will result in complete data loss. On the other hand, RAID 1, RAID 5, or RAID 6 provide varying levels of fault tolerance, reducing the risk of data loss. It is important to choose the appropriate RAID level based on the desired balance between performance, capacity, and fault tolerance.
  4. RAID controller failure: The RAID controller is responsible for managing the disks and data in a RAID array. If the RAID controller fails, it can result in data loss or inaccessibility. It is essential to have proper backup and redundancy measures in place to mitigate the impact of RAID controller failures.
  5. Human error: RAID configurations can be complex to set up and manage. Human errors, such as accidental deletion or formatting of the wrong disk, can lead to data loss. Regular backups, proper training, and caution while performing administrative tasks can help minimize the risk of data loss due to human error.

In summary, RAID configurations play a crucial role in minimizing data loss in NAS Promise VTrak EFA5310 devices. Proper RAID level selection, proactive monitoring, timely disk replacement, and backup strategies are essential to ensure data integrity and minimize the impact of failures.

How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?

Although NAS VTrak EFA5310 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:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.

  4. 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.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Promise VTrak EFA5310. 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.

Go to view
How to recover data from a Promise

How to recover data from a Promise

VTrak EFA5310 has 24 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;

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:

  1. Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.

  2. Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu ToolsSave Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.

  3. 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.

    Hetman Raid Recovery: Image Creation Wizard
  4. 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.

    Hetman Raid Recovery: hoose any disk connected to this PC, or save the image by FTP

Where are user’s files stored?

The Promise VTrak EFA5310 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

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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 VTrak EFA5310, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Ealdwulf Dewdney
    Ealdwulf Dewdney 8.09.2023 15:57 #
    Is the order of disks in a NAS Promise VTrak EFA5310 important for a RAID array?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 8.09.2023 16:59 #

      Yes, the order of disks in a NAS Promise VTrak EFA5310 is important for a RAID array. The RAID array configuration determines how the data is distributed and protected across multiple disks. If the disks are not in the correct order, the RAID controller may not be able to properly recognize and configure the array, leading to data loss or degraded performance. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions or guidelines for disk installation and configuration to ensure the RAID array functions correctly.

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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 is iSCSI and how does it differ from other storage protocols?

    iSCSI (Internet Small Computer System Interface) is a storage protocol that allows the transmission of SCSI commands over IP networks. It enables the use of IP networks to connect storage devices, such as disk arrays, tape libraries, and virtual tape libraries, to servers. Here are some key differences between iSCSI and other storage protocols:

    1. Fibre Channel (FC): FC is a dedicated storage networking protocol that requires specialized hardware like Fibre Channel switches and host bus adapters. iSCSI, on the other hand, utilizes existing Ethernet networks and does not require any specialized hardware.
    2. Cost: iSCSI is generally considered more cost-effective than FC because it uses standard Ethernet infrastructure, which is widely available and less expensive compared to Fibre Channel equipment.
    3. Scalability: FC is known for its high-performance and scalability, making it suitable for large enterprise environments with demanding workloads. While iSCSI can also scale to meet the needs of many organizations, FC is often preferred for high-performance storage requirements.
    4. Distance: FC is typically used for short-distance connections, usually within a data center or campus environment. iSCSI, being IP-based, can be used over long distances, allowing storage devices to be located remotely from servers.
    5. Management: FC has its own dedicated management tools and requires specialized knowledge to configure and manage the network. iSCSI, being based on IP, can leverage existing network management tools and can be managed by network administrators familiar with IP networking.
    6. Compatibility: iSCSI is compatible with a wide range of operating systems and platforms, including Windows, Linux, and VMware. FC, on the other hand, may require specific drivers and software for each operating system.

    Overall, iSCSI provides a more cost-effective and flexible approach to storage networking, particularly for small to medium-sized organizations or those with distributed environments. However, FC remains the preferred choice for high-performance and mission-critical storage requirements.

  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of using iSCSI for network storage?

    Advantages of using iSCSI for network storage:

    1. Cost-effective: iSCSI uses existing Ethernet infrastructure, eliminating the need for specialized hardware, which makes it a more affordable option for network storage.
    2. Flexibility: iSCSI allows for the use of existing IP networks, enabling storage to be easily integrated into an organization's existing infrastructure.
    3. Scalability: iSCSI supports both small and large-scale storage deployments, making it suitable for organizations of all sizes.
    4. Performance: iSCSI offers high-speed data transfer rates, ensuring efficient storage operations.
    5. Centralization: iSCSI allows for centralized storage management, making it easier to control and monitor storage resources.

    Disadvantages of using iSCSI for network storage:

    1. Network dependency: Since iSCSI relies on the IP network, any network issues or outages can affect storage accessibility and performance.
    2. Limited bandwidth: iSCSI shares the network bandwidth with other network traffic, which can result in slower data transfer rates compared to dedicated storage networks.
    3. Latency: Network latency can impact iSCSI performance, leading to slower response times for storage operations.
    4. Security concerns: As iSCSI uses IP networks, there is a potential for security vulnerabilities if not properly configured and secured.
    5. Complexity: Implementing and managing iSCSI storage can be complex, requiring specialized knowledge and expertise to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
  • Does the NAS Promise VTrak EFA5310 support iSCSI protocol, and if so, what are the specific features and capabilities it offers in relation to iSCSI?

    Yes, the NAS Promise VTrak EFA5310 does support the iSCSI protocol. Here are some of the specific features and capabilities it offers in relation to iSCSI:

    1. iSCSI Target: The VTrak EFA5310 can function as an iSCSI target, allowing it to present virtualized storage volumes to iSCSI initiators.
    2. Virtualization: It supports virtualization technologies like VMware vSphere and Microsoft Hyper-V, enabling efficient storage provisioning and management in virtualized environments.
    3. High Availability: The VTrak EFA5310 supports features like Multipath I/O (MPIO) and link aggregation, ensuring high availability and redundancy for iSCSI connections.
    4. Performance Optimization: It offers features like jumbo frames and flow control to optimize network performance and reduce latency in iSCSI environments.
    5. Security: The NAS Promise VTrak EFA5310 provides security features like CHAP (Challenge-Handshake Authentication Protocol) and IP address-based access control, ensuring secure access to iSCSI targets.
    6. Thin Provisioning: It supports thin provisioning, allowing storage capacity to be allocated dynamically and efficiently, reducing wastage of storage resources.
    7. Snapshot and Replication: The VTrak EFA5310 offers snapshot and replication capabilities for iSCSI volumes, enabling data protection, disaster recovery, and business continuity.
    8. Storage Management: It provides comprehensive storage management features, including volume management, RAID configuration, and monitoring tools, simplifying the management of iSCSI storage resources.

    Overall, the NAS Promise VTrak EFA5310 offers a robust set of features and capabilities for iSCSI storage, ensuring performance, availability, security, and ease of management in iSCSI environments.

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