- 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 Qsan 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 recommended practices for off-site backup storage to prevent complete data loss in the event of a disaster?
Yes, there are several recommended practices for off-site backup storage to prevent complete data loss in the event of a disaster. Here are some key practices:
- Regular and automated backups: Implement a backup strategy that includes regular and automated backups of your critical data. This ensures that you have up-to-date copies of your data ready for recovery.
- Redundancy: Maintain multiple copies of your backups in different locations. This helps protect against a single point of failure and ensures that your data is not lost if one backup location is compromised.
- Off-site storage: Store your backups in a location that is physically separate from your primary data center or office. This could be a different building, a different city, or even a different country. This helps protect against disasters that may affect your primary location.
- Encryption: Encrypt your backups to protect the confidentiality of your data. This is especially important when your backups are stored off-site, as they may be more vulnerable to unauthorized access.
- Testing and verification: Regularly test your backup and recovery processes to ensure that your data can be successfully restored. Verify the integrity of your backups to ensure that they are not corrupted or incomplete.
- Use a reputable backup service provider: If you are using a third-party backup service provider, choose a reputable and reliable provider that offers secure and redundant storage options. Ensure that they have proper security measures in place to protect your data.
- Document your backup and recovery procedures: Maintain clear and detailed documentation of your backup and recovery procedures. This helps ensure that the process can be executed effectively during a disaster, even if key personnel are unavailable.
- Consider cloud backup solutions: Cloud-based backup solutions can provide additional benefits such as scalability, automatic backups, and built-in redundancy. They can also offer geo-redundant storage, where data is replicated across multiple data centers in different geographic locations.
By following these recommended practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of complete data loss in the event of a disaster.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS XCubeNAS XN8008RE 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:
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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.
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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.
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Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.
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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.
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Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Qsan XCubeNAS XN8008RE. 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.
How to recover data from a Qsan
XCubeNAS XN8008RE has 8 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:
- RAID 0;
- RAID 1;
- RAID 5;
- RAID 6;
- 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:
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Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.
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Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.
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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.
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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 Qsan XCubeNAS XN8008RE network-attached storage keeps SANOS 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 Qsan XCubeNAS XN8008RE device that has suffered a power loss or sudden shutdown. However, the success of data recovery depends on the extent of the damage caused by the power loss or sudden shutdown.
In most cases, the data stored on the NAS device should still be intact, as long as there is no physical damage to the hard drives. However, it is recommended to avoid further attempts to power on or access the device to prevent any potential data loss.
To recover the data, it is advisable to contact a professional data recovery service or a specialist in NAS recovery. They will have the necessary expertise and tools to assess the situation, diagnose the problem, and recover the data safely.