How to Access Files on a RAID Disk When NAS Promise VTrak M500f is Not Functioning: Practical Steps

To access RAID disk files when the ⭐ NAS is down, connect to a PC, configure RAID settings, and use recovery software to restore data.

How to Access Files on a RAID Disk When NAS Promise VTrak M500f is Not Functioning: Practical Steps

Promise VTrak M500f 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 M500f.

How to Access Files on a RAID Disk When NAS Promise VTrak M500f is Not Functioning: Practical Steps

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.

Can the use of deduplication or compression technologies impact data loss risks on NAS Promise VTrak M500f devices?

The use of deduplication or compression technologies can potentially impact data loss risks on NAS Promise VTrak M500f devices.

Deduplication technology eliminates redundant data by storing only unique data blocks and creating references to them. This can reduce storage requirements and increase efficiency. However, if the deduplication process is not implemented correctly or if there are issues with the deduplication algorithm, it can potentially lead to data loss if the references to the unique data blocks are lost or corrupted.

Compression technology reduces the size of data by encoding it in a more compact form. While compression can save storage space and improve performance, there is a risk of data loss if the compression algorithm used is not reliable or if there are errors during the compression process.

It is important to note that the impact of deduplication or compression technologies on data loss risks can vary depending on the specific implementation and configuration of the NAS Promise VTrak M500f devices. It is recommended to carefully evaluate and test these technologies before implementing them in production environments to ensure the integrity and availability of data.

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

Although NAS VTrak M500f 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 M500f. 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 M500f 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;

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 M500f 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 M500f, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Kurt Lovell
    Kurt Lovell 8.09.2023 10:54 #
    Can data recovery from a NAS Promise VTrak M500f device be done if the device is experiencing intermittent connectivity issues?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 8.09.2023 11:00 #

      Data recovery from a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device can be challenging, especially if the device is experiencing intermittent connectivity issues. However, it is still possible to recover data from such a device depending on the specific circumstances.

      Here are a few steps you can take to attempt data recovery:

      1. Troubleshoot Connectivity Issues: Before attempting data recovery, try to resolve the intermittent connectivity issues. Ensure that all cables are securely connected, restart the device, and check network settings. If possible, connect the NAS directly to a computer to eliminate any network-related issues.
      2. Access Data through Alternate Methods: If the NAS device has multiple interfaces or connectivity options (e.g., USB, eSATA), try accessing the data through an alternate method. This can help bypass the connectivity issues and retrieve the data.
      3. Use Data Recovery Software: If the connectivity issues prevent direct access to the NAS, you can try using data recovery software. Install the software on a computer connected to the same network and attempt to recover data from the NAS. Some data recovery software can scan and recover files even from inaccessible or damaged devices.
      4. Seek Professional Help: If the above steps do not work, or if the data on the NAS is critical and valuable, it is advisable to seek professional data recovery services. Data recovery experts have specialized tools and techniques to recover data from faulty NAS devices. They can disassemble the device, repair any hardware issues, and retrieve the data using specialized methods.

      Remember, in any data recovery scenario, it is crucial to avoid further data loss. Do not attempt to repair or modify the NAS device unless you have the necessary expertise.

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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 basic features of the Promise VTrak M500f NAS?

    The Promise VTrak M500f NAS (Network Attached Storage) has several basic features, including:

    1. Scalability: It offers scalable storage capacity, allowing users to expand the storage as per their needs. It supports up to 144 hard drives, providing a high level of scalability.
    2. High-performance: The VTrak M500f NAS is designed for high-performance storage requirements. It offers high-speed data transfer rates, ensuring quick access to stored data.
    3. RAID Support: It supports various RAID levels, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60. This allows users to configure the storage system for data redundancy and performance optimization.
    4. Data Protection: The M500f NAS provides data protection features like snapshot and replication. Snapshots enable users to take point-in-time copies of data, while replication allows data synchronization between multiple storage systems for disaster recovery purposes.
    5. Multiple Connectivity Options: It offers multiple connectivity options, including Fibre Channel, iSCSI, and SAS (Serial Attached SCSI). This allows users to connect the NAS to different server environments based on their requirements.
    6. Management and Monitoring: The VTrak M500f NAS comes with a user-friendly management interface that allows administrators to easily configure and monitor the storage system. It provides features like remote management, event notification, and performance monitoring.
    7. Redundant Components: It is equipped with redundant components like power supplies and cooling fans, ensuring high availability and minimizing the risk of system downtime.
    8. Compatibility: The M500f NAS is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. It can seamlessly integrate into existing IT infrastructures.
    9. Data Encryption: It supports data encryption to ensure the security of stored data. Encryption can be enabled to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.
    10. Energy Efficiency: The Promise VTrak M500f NAS is designed to be energy-efficient, helping to reduce power consumption and operating costs.

    Overall, the Promise VTrak M500f NAS offers a combination of high performance, scalability, data protection, and management features, making it suitable for demanding storage requirements in enterprise environments.

  • How does the VTrak M500f NAS ensure data integrity and reliability?

    The VTrak M500f NAS ensures data integrity and reliability through several mechanisms:

    1. Redundant Components: The system incorporates redundant components such as power supplies, fans, and controllers to minimize the risk of hardware failures. This redundancy ensures that the system remains operational even if one or more components fail.
    2. RAID Technology: The VTrak M500f supports various RAID levels, including RAID 5, 6, 10, and 50, which provide data redundancy and protection against drive failures. RAID technology distributes data across multiple drives, allowing for data reconstruction in case of a drive failure.
    3. Data Scrubbing: The NAS system performs regular data scrubbing, which involves reading and verifying data on all drives to identify and correct any inconsistencies or errors. This process helps to maintain data integrity and detect potential issues before they become critical.
    4. Snapshot and Replication: The VTrak M500f supports snapshot and replication functionalities, allowing for the creation of point-in-time copies of data. Snapshots provide a quick and efficient way to recover data in case of accidental deletion or corruption.
    5. Data Protection Features: The NAS system includes features like volume copy and remote replication that enable data protection and disaster recovery. Volume copy allows for creating duplicates of data volumes, while remote replication facilitates data replication to a remote location for additional redundancy and backup.
    6. Monitoring and Alerting: The VTrak M500f NAS continuously monitors the health and status of its components, including hard drives, fans, and power supplies. In case of any anomalies or failures, the system generates alerts and notifications to administrators, enabling proactive troubleshooting and maintenance.

    Overall, by combining redundant components, RAID technology, data scrubbing, snapshots, replication, and monitoring capabilities, the VTrak M500f NAS ensures data integrity and reliability, minimizing the risk of data loss or corruption.

  • Can you provide an overview of the management and monitoring capabilities of the Promise VTrak M500f NAS?

    The Promise VTrak M500f NAS is a network-attached storage solution designed for enterprise environments. It offers robust management and monitoring capabilities to ensure efficient storage operations. Here is an overview of its key features:

    1. Centralized Management: The VTrak M500f NAS provides a centralized management interface, allowing administrators to easily configure and monitor the storage system. This simplifies the management process and enables efficient resource allocation.
    2. Web-based GUI: The system features a web-based graphical user interface (GUI) that provides a user-friendly and intuitive platform for managing the NAS. Administrators can access the GUI from any web browser, enabling remote management and monitoring.
    3. RAID Configuration: The VTrak M500f NAS supports various RAID levels, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60. Administrators can configure the desired RAID level based on their performance and data protection requirements.
    4. Storage Pooling: The NAS supports storage pooling, allowing administrators to combine multiple drives into a single logical unit. This simplifies storage management by providing a unified storage pool that can be easily allocated to different applications or users.
    5. Thin Provisioning: The VTrak M500f NAS supports thin provisioning, which enables administrators to allocate storage space dynamically as needed. This helps optimize storage utilization by allocating resources on-demand, reducing wasted storage capacity.
    6. Snapshot and Replication: The system offers snapshot and replication capabilities for data protection and disaster recovery purposes. Administrators can create point-in-time snapshots of data and replicate them to remote locations for backup and recovery purposes.
    7. Performance Monitoring: The VTrak M500f NAS provides performance monitoring tools to track system performance and identify potential bottlenecks. Administrators can monitor metrics such as throughput, IOPS, and latency to ensure optimal storage performance.
    8. Alerting and Notifications: The NAS system can generate alerts and notifications for various events such as drive failures, system errors, or capacity thresholds. This enables administrators to proactively address issues and minimize downtime.
    9. Integration with Monitoring Tools: The VTrak M500f NAS can integrate with third-party monitoring tools, allowing administrators to centralize storage monitoring along with other infrastructure components. This simplifies the monitoring process and provides a holistic view of the IT environment.

    Overall, the Promise VTrak M500f NAS offers comprehensive management and monitoring capabilities to streamline storage operations in enterprise environments. Its centralized management interface, RAID configuration options, storage pooling, thin provisioning, snapshot and replication features, performance monitoring tools, and integration with monitoring tools make it a powerful storage solution.

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