- 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 preventive measures to minimize the risk of data loss on NAS Qsan XCubeSAN XS1224 devices?
Yes, there are several preventive measures that can be taken to minimize the risk of data loss on NAS Qsan XCubeSAN XS1224 devices. Here are some of them:
- Regular backups: Implement a regular backup strategy to ensure that your data is backed up frequently. This can be done using built-in backup features or third-party backup software.
- RAID configuration: Configure your XS1224 device with a RAID level that provides redundancy, such as RAID 1, RAID 5, or RAID 6. This will help protect against data loss in case of a drive failure.
- UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply): Connect your XS1224 device to a UPS to protect against sudden power outages or fluctuations. This will help prevent data corruption or loss due to power-related issues.
- Firmware updates: Keep the firmware of your XS1224 device up to date. Manufacturers often release firmware updates that address security vulnerabilities and improve system stability.
- User access control: Implement strong user access control policies to restrict access to the NAS device. Only authorized users should have access to the data, and strong passwords should be enforced.
- Network security: Secure your network infrastructure to prevent unauthorized access to the NAS device. This can be done by using firewalls, VPNs, and strong network security protocols.
- Regular maintenance: Perform regular maintenance tasks, such as checking the health of hard drives, monitoring system logs, and cleaning dust from the device. This will help identify and address any potential issues before they cause data loss.
- Data encryption: Enable data encryption on your XS1224 device to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access. This will ensure that even if the physical drives are stolen, the data remains encrypted and unreadable.
By following these preventive measures, you can minimize the risk of data loss on NAS Qsan XCubeSAN XS1224 devices and ensure the safety and availability of your data.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS XCubeSAN XS1224 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 Qsan XCubeSAN XS1224. 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
XCubeSAN XS1224 has 24 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:
-
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 Qsan XCubeSAN XS1224 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, data recovery from a NAS Qsan XCubeSAN XS1224 device can be performed even if there are issues with the disk array or storage pool. However, the success of the data recovery process will depend on the specific issue and the severity of the data loss.
In case of disk array issues, such as a failed or degraded disk, it is possible to replace the faulty disk with a new one and rebuild the array. This process will require expertise and knowledge of the specific NAS device's configuration and management interface.
If there are issues with the storage pool, such as corruption or failure, data recovery can be more complex. It may involve repairing the storage pool, rebuilding the metadata, or using specialized software tools to recover the data.
In both cases, it is recommended to contact a professional data recovery service provider who specializes in NAS devices and has experience with Qsan XCubeSAN XS1224. They will have the necessary tools, expertise, and resources to perform the data recovery process safely and efficiently.