- Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
- Key Information About the NAS Promise VTrak M310p
- 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.
What are the common causes of data loss in NAS Promise VTrak M310p devices?
There are several common causes of data loss in NAS Promise VTrak M310p devices, including:
- Hardware failure: This can include issues with the hard drives, power supply, or other components of the device. If any hardware component fails, it can lead to data loss.
- Human error: Accidental deletion of files or formatting of drives can result in data loss. It is important to be cautious while managing and operating the device to avoid such mistakes.
- Software corruption: Problems with the operating system or firmware can cause data loss. This can occur due to bugs, compatibility issues, or improper updates.
- Virus or malware attacks: If the NAS device is infected with a virus or malware, it can corrupt or delete the data stored on it.
- Power surges or outages: Sudden power surges or outages can cause the NAS device to shut down improperly, leading to data loss or corruption.
- Natural disasters: Fire, floods, earthquakes, or other natural disasters can physically damage the NAS device and result in data loss.
- Theft or physical damage: If the NAS device is stolen or physically damaged, the data stored on it may become inaccessible or lost.
To minimize the risk of data loss, it is recommended to regularly backup data, implement security measures like antivirus software, and ensure proper maintenance of the NAS device.
How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
Although the NAS VTrak M310p 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 VTrak M310p. 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
VTrak M310p has 12 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:
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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 VTrak M310p 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 VTrak M310p device can be performed even if there are issues with the storage pool or configurations. However, it is important to note that data recovery can be a complex and time-consuming process, and the success of the recovery depends on the specific issue and the extent of the damage.
In cases where there are issues with the storage pool or configurations, it is recommended to contact a professional data recovery service or the technical support of Promise Technology, the manufacturer of the NAS device. They will have the expertise and tools necessary to diagnose and resolve the issues, and if needed, perform data recovery.
It is important to cease any further attempts to fix the issue or recover data on your own, as improper actions can potentially worsen the situation and make data recovery more difficult or even impossible.