Expert Steps for RAID Array Data Recovery on NAS Raidon InTANK iR2622 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 iR2622 device's cache settings impact data loss risks?

The cache settings of a NAS Raidon InTANK iR2622 device can impact data loss risks in the following ways:

1. Write-back vs. Write-through cache: The device may offer options to configure the cache as write-back or write-through. In the write-back mode, data is first written to the cache and then gradually flushed to the disks, providing faster write performance. However, if a power failure or system crash occurs before the data is written to the disks, there is a risk of data loss. In the write-through mode, data is simultaneously written to the cache and disks, reducing the risk of data loss but potentially impacting write performance.
2. Cache size: A larger cache size can improve performance by storing more frequently accessed data, reducing the need to fetch it from the disks. However, if data is only stored in the cache and not immediately written to the disks, a power failure or system crash can lead to data loss. Therefore, a larger cache size may increase the risk of data loss if not properly configured.
3. Battery backup unit (BBU): Some NAS devices, including the Raidon InTANK iR2622, may have a BBU option to protect the cache in case of power failure. The BBU ensures that the data in the cache is written to the disks even during a power outage, reducing the risk of data loss. Enabling the BBU can significantly mitigate data loss risks associated with cache settings.
4. Cache flush frequency: The device may allow you to configure the frequency at which the cache is flushed to the disks. A more frequent cache flush reduces the amount of data at risk in case of a failure but may impact performance. Finding the right balance between performance and data loss risk is crucial.

It is important to carefully consider the cache settings and their impact on data loss risks when configuring a NAS device. Implementing appropriate backup strategies, such as regular data backups to external storage or the cloud, can further mitigate the risk of data loss.

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

Although NAS InTANK iR2622 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 iR2622. 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 iR2622 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 iR2622 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