Expert Insights for RAID Array Data Recovery on NAS Raidon InTANK iR2022S Devices

Contents

• 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?
  • Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • Safe recovery from disk images
  • Where are user’s files stored?
  • Comparison of software for RAID recovery

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 Raidon also introduce some modifications to this process, and that is why data can be written to hard disk in a wide variety of ways.

How can a NAS Raidon InTANK iR2022S device's power management settings impact data availability and potential loss?

The power management settings of a NAS Raidon InTANK iR2022S device can impact data availability and potential loss in the following ways:

1. Power Failure: If the power management settings are not configured properly, the device may shut down unexpectedly during a power outage. This can lead to data loss or corruption if any ongoing read/write operations are interrupted.
2. Disk Spindown: Power management settings may include an option to spin down the hard drives after a certain period of inactivity. While this can save power, it can also cause delays when accessing data as the drives need to spin up again. If the spindown time is set too aggressively, it may impact the responsiveness of the NAS and result in slower access to data.
3. Scheduled Power Off/On: Some NAS devices offer the ability to schedule automatic power off or power on at specific times. If the power off schedule conflicts with critical data access requirements, it can lead to data unavailability during those periods. Similarly, if the power-on schedule is not properly configured, it may result in delays in accessing data when needed.
4. Battery Backup: Power management settings may also include options for configuring battery backup systems. If the battery backup is not properly configured or maintained, it may fail to provide sufficient power during an outage, leading to data loss or corruption.

To mitigate these risks, it is important to properly configure the power management settings of the NAS device, considering factors such as the importance of data availability, the frequency of power outages, and the performance requirements of the system. Regular backups should also be performed to ensure data can be recovered in case of any unexpected power-related issues.

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

Although NAS InTANK iR2022S 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.

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   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Raidon InTANK iR2022S. 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.

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How to recover data from a Raidon

InTANK iR2022S has 2 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

• RAID 0;
• RAID 1;
• JBOD;

NAS supports:

• APFS / HFS+;
• Ext2 / Ext3 / Ext4;

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 Tools – Save 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.

   

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.

   

Where are user’s files stored?

The Raidon InTANK iR2022S 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