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

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Raidon InTANK iR8823
• How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
  • Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images
  • Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?
  • RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison

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.

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 Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC

Although the NAS InTANK iR8823 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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Label each hard disk according to its position inside the NAS. The order of the drives is crucial for correct RAID reconstruction.

4. 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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   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Raidon InTANK iR8823. 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.

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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;

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:

1. Ensure you have enough free space to store the image. Its size will typically match the size of the original disk.

2. In the main window, select the target disk and choose Tools - Save Disk. You can also select multiple disks if needed.

3. 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.

   

4. 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 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.

RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison