- 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.
Are there any recommended practices for off-site backup storage to prevent complete data loss in the event of a disaster?
Yes, there are several recommended practices for off-site backup storage to prevent complete data loss in the event of a disaster. Here are some of them:
- Choose a geographically distant location: Ensure that your off-site backup storage is located in a different geographic area than your primary data center. This reduces the risk of both locations being affected by the same disaster.
- Use secure and reliable storage facilities: Select a reputable off-site storage provider that offers secure and reliable facilities. Look for features like 24/7 security monitoring, fire suppression systems, climate control, and redundancy measures.
- Implement encryption: Encrypt your data before sending it to the off-site backup storage. This ensures that even if the data is compromised, it remains unreadable without the decryption key.
- Regularly test the restoration process: Periodically test the restoration process by retrieving data from the off-site backup. This helps ensure that the backup is working correctly and the data can be recovered when needed.
- Maintain multiple copies: Create multiple copies of your backups and store them in different off-site locations. This provides an additional layer of protection against potential failures or disasters.
- Use a combination of on-site and off-site backups: Implement a hybrid backup strategy that combines on-site backups with off-site backups. This allows for quicker data recovery from on-site backups while providing the safety net of off-site storage.
- Automate the backup process: Utilize automated backup solutions to ensure that backups are performed regularly and consistently. This reduces the risk of human error and ensures that the most up-to-date data is protected.
- Consider cloud storage: Cloud storage providers often offer built-in redundancy, high availability, and disaster recovery capabilities. Storing backups in the cloud can provide an additional level of protection against data loss.
Remember, it is crucial to regularly review and update your off-site backup strategy to adapt to changing business needs and technological advancements.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS InTANK iR2624 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 iR2624. 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.
InTANK iR2624 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 iR2624 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 |
It is possible to recover data from a physically damaged NAS Raidon InTANK iR2624 device, but it can be a complex and challenging process.
If the physical damage is limited to the external casing or power supply, it may be possible to remove the hard drives from the device and connect them to another computer or NAS device to access the data. However, if the internal components or hard drives themselves are damaged, professional data recovery services may be required.
Data recovery experts have specialized tools and techniques to recover data from physically damaged storage devices. They can disassemble the device, repair or replace damaged components, and extract the data from the hard drives. However, it is important to note that data recovery from physically damaged devices can be expensive and there is no guarantee of success.
If you are facing data loss from a physically damaged NAS Raidon InTANK iR2624 device, it is recommended to contact a professional data recovery service for assistance. They can evaluate the extent of the damage and provide you with the best course of action to recover your data.