- 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 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 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 take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS InTANK iR2023 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 Raidon InTANK iR2023. 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 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;
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 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.
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 |
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.