- Why can’t ordinary software tools restore files from RAID?
- How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
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 QNAP also introduce some modifications to this process, and that is why data can be written to hard disk in a wide variety of ways.
Are there any common mistakes or oversights made by users that can lead to data loss on NAS QNAP VS-5020 devices?
While it is difficult to pinpoint specific mistakes or oversights that can lead to data loss on NAS QNAP VS-5020 devices, there are some common scenarios that users should be cautious about. Here are a few potential mistakes or oversights:
- Lack of proper backup: Many users rely solely on their NAS device for data storage without implementing a backup strategy. If the NAS experiences hardware failure, accidental deletion, or data corruption, it can result in permanent data loss. It is crucial to have a backup system in place to mitigate such risks.
- Insufficient RAID configuration: The QNAP VS-5020 supports various RAID configurations, such as RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, and JBOD. Users may mistakenly set up an inappropriate RAID level or fail to configure redundancy adequately. In case of multiple drive failures or data corruption, improper RAID configuration can lead to data loss.
- Neglecting firmware updates: Regularly updating the firmware of the NAS device is crucial for security patches, bug fixes, and performance improvements. Failure to update the firmware can leave the device vulnerable to potential threats or software issues that may result in data loss.
- Inadequate network security: Users may overlook the importance of securing their network and NAS device. Weak passwords, open ports, or lack of firewall protection can make the device susceptible to unauthorized access or malware attacks, potentially resulting in data loss.
- Accidental file deletion: Users may accidentally delete files or folders from their NAS device without realizing the consequences. If there is no backup or data recovery option in place, such accidental deletions can lead to permanent data loss.
To avoid these mistakes and oversights, it is recommended to regularly back up data, configure RAID properly, keep firmware up to date, implement strong network security measures, and be cautious while handling data on the NAS device.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS VS-5020 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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.
-
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
Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with QNAP VS-5020. 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.
VS-5020 has 5 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:
- RAID 6;
- RAID 5;
- RAID 10;
- RAID 0;
- RAID 1;
- JBOD;
NAS supports:
- ZFS;
- EXT4;
- EXT3;
- exFAT;
- FAT32 (External Disk Only);
- NTFS (External Disk Only);
- HFS+ (External Disk Read Only);
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:
-
Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.
-
Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.
-
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.
-
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.
Where are user’s files stored?
The QNAP VS-5020 network-attached storage keeps QTS (QuTS hero) 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 |
Yes, it is possible to recover data from a NAS QNAP VS-5020 device even if it is showing signs of overheating or cooling fan failure. However, it is important to address the overheating or fan failure issue first to prevent further damage to the device and the data stored on it.
If the device is overheating, it is recommended to power it off and allow it to cool down before attempting any data recovery. You may need to replace the cooling fan or clean it if it is clogged with dust.
Once the overheating or fan failure issue is resolved, you can try accessing the data on the NAS. If the device is still functional, you can connect to it using the appropriate network protocols or access it through the QNAP management interface.
If the device is no longer functional or the data is not accessible, you may need to consult a professional data recovery service. They have specialized tools and expertise to recover data from faulty NAS devices, even in cases of hardware failure or damage.