Expert Methods for RAID Array Data Recovery on NAS Raidon InTANK iR8823 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.

Are there any recommended practices for regular testing and validation of data backups to prevent potential loss on NAS Raidon InTANK iR8823 devices?

Yes, there are several recommended practices for regular testing and validation of data backups to prevent potential loss on NAS Raidon InTANK iR8823 devices. Here are some key practices:

1. Regular Backup Schedule: Set up a regular backup schedule to ensure that all critical data is backed up at regular intervals. This can be done daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on the importance and frequency of data changes.
2. Multiple Backup Copies: Maintain multiple copies of backups to reduce the risk of data loss. It is recommended to keep at least two copies of data backups, preferably stored in different locations or on different storage devices.
3. Verify Backup Integrity: Perform regular integrity checks on backups to ensure that the data is intact and can be restored when needed. This can be done by using backup software that provides integrity verification features or by manually restoring a sample of backed-up data to verify its integrity.
4. Test Restores: Periodically test the restore process by restoring data from backups to a test environment. This helps ensure that the backups are valid and can be successfully restored in case of data loss. It is crucial to verify that the restored data is complete and usable.
5. Monitor Backup Logs: Monitor backup logs and error reports generated by the NAS device to identify any potential issues or failures in the backup process. Regularly reviewing these logs can help detect and address any problems before they result in data loss.
6. Offsite Backup: Consider storing a copy of critical data backups offsite, preferably in a secure location. This protects against physical damage or loss of data due to theft, natural disasters, or other unforeseen events.
7. Regular Firmware Updates: Keep the NAS device's firmware up to date to ensure that it has the latest security patches and bug fixes. This helps prevent vulnerabilities that could potentially lead to data loss.
8. Regularly Monitor RAID Health: Monitor the health of the RAID array on the NAS device to detect any potential issues with the storage drives. This can be done through the RAID management software provided by the manufacturer.

By following these recommended practices, you can minimize the risk of potential data loss and ensure the reliability and effectiveness of your backups on NAS Raidon InTANK iR8823 devices.

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

Although NAS InTANK iR8823 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 iR8823. 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 iR8823 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:

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 iR8823 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