- Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
- Key Information About the NAS Raidon InTANK iR2023
- How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
Conventional hard drives store user data by writing it sequentially across the disk surface, which means an entire file is typically located on a single drive. In contrast, when data is written to a RAID array, each file is split into multiple fragments. These fragments are then distributed and written in sequence across all the drives in the array. Depending on the configuration, fragment sizes can range from 2 KB to 2 MB, so every file is physically stored across several disks at once.
This approach significantly increases read and write performance — after all, writing two halves of a 1 GB file to two drives simultaneously is much faster than writing the full 1 GB to a single disk. However, this same mechanism makes file recovery far more complex.
Different RAID levels use different methods to distribute and protect data. On top of that, manufacturers like Raidon often add their own proprietary structures and variations. As a result, data can be written to disks in many different formats, and each requires a specific approach during recovery.
How can the number of drives in a NAS Raidon InTANK iR2023 device's RAID array impact data recovery and potential loss?
The number of drives in a NAS Raidon InTANK iR2023 device's RAID array can have an impact on data recovery and potential loss in the following ways:
- Data Recovery:
- More drives in the RAID array can increase the overall storage capacity and performance of the NAS device.
- In case of drive failure, a larger RAID array with more drives can provide better data recovery options. RAID arrays with redundancy (such as RAID 1, RAID 5, or RAID 6) can tolerate the failure of one or more drives without losing data.
- With more drives, the RAID array can have larger parity or redundancy information, which can aid in reconstructing data in the event of drive failure.
- Potential Loss:
- The more drives in a RAID array, the higher the probability of drive failure. Each drive in the array is a potential point of failure, and as the number of drives increases, so does the risk of a drive failing.
- If multiple drives fail simultaneously or in close succession, it can lead to data loss or complete array failure, especially in RAID levels without full redundancy (such as RAID 0).
- Rebuilding a RAID array with a large number of drives can take a significant amount of time. During this rebuilding process, there is an increased risk of another drive failure, which can result in data loss.
It is important to choose the appropriate RAID level based on the desired balance between performance, capacity, and data redundancy. Additionally, implementing regular backups and monitoring the health of the drives can help mitigate the risks associated with data loss in a RAID array.
How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
Although the NAS InTANK iR2023 can be accessed over the network, you still need to remove its hard disks and connect them directly to a Windows PC. Only then can the recovery software properly scan and analyze the drives. Follow these steps:
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Power off the NAS and disconnect it from the power source.
WARNING! Before removing any drives, carefully read the device manual. Improper actions may damage both the NAS enclosure and the hard disks in the RAID array.
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Remove the hard disks one by one, gently sliding each drive out of its slot. Remember that hard disks are highly sensitive: any impact or drop can cause serious physical damage.
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Label each hard disk according to its position inside the NAS. The order of the drives is crucial for correct RAID reconstruction.
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Connect the drives to your computer. In this video, we explain which ports you can use to connect hard disks and what to do if your PC does not have enough free connectors.
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Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery
This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Raidon InTANK iR2023. Each hard disk in the array contains technical metadata describing how files were written. When launched, Hetman RAID Recovery analyzes this metadata, automatically reconstructs the damaged array, and provides access to its contents. After that, you can browse the recovered disk and save your files. The program can also restore files that were accidentally deleted from the network drive.
How to recover data from a Raidon
InTANK iR2023 has 3 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:
- RAID 0;
- RAID 1;
- RAID 5;
- JBOD;
NAS supports:
- APFS / HFS+;
- Ext2 / Ext3 / Ext4;
How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images
This utility allows you to create a complete copy of a disk and work with the disk image instead of the physical drive. This approach helps protect your data from:
- Overwriting during the recovery process;
- Additional data loss caused by bad sectors;
- User errors.
To create a disk image, follow these steps:
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Ensure you have enough free space to store the image. Its size will typically match the size of the original disk.
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In the main window, select the target disk and choose Tools - Save Disk. You can also select multiple disks if needed.
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When the Image Creation Wizard opens, select whether you want to save the entire disk or only a specific region. Adjust the settings and click Next.
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Choose the directory where the image will be saved. You may select any available disk connected to your PC or upload the image via FTP.
Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?
The Raidon InTANK iR2023 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.
RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison
| Product | Operating system | RAID controller support | Supported file systems | Virtual RAID controller support | Data recovery from damaged RAID | File preview |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hetman RAID Recovery | Windows, Linux, MacOS | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, exFAT, NTFS, ReFS, APFS, HFS+, Ext4, Ext3, Ext2, ReiserFS, Btrfs, VMFS, Hikvision, XFS, UFS, ZFS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DiskInternals RAID Recovery | Windows | Yes, over 10 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
| R-Studio | Windows, Mac, Linux | Yes, over 20 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| UFS Explorer RAID Recovery | Windows, Mac, Linux | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| EaseUS Data Recovery | Windows | Yes, over 20 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
| ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery | Windows | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Data recovery from a NAS Raidon InTANK iR2023 device can potentially be done even if the device is showing signs of disk or storage media errors. However, the success of the recovery process depends on the extent of the errors and the underlying cause.
If the errors are minor and limited to a few sectors or files, data recovery software or tools may be able to recover the data. In such cases, it is recommended to immediately stop using the device and consult a professional data recovery service for assistance.
However, if the errors are severe and widespread, such as multiple failed disks or a complete RAID failure, the recovery process becomes more complex. In such situations, it is crucial to seek professional help from data recovery specialists who have experience in dealing with RAID systems.
It is important to note that attempting to recover data without proper knowledge or expertise can potentially worsen the situation and lead to permanent data loss. Therefore, it is advisable to consult professionals in data recovery to maximize the chances of successful recovery.