Expert Methods for RAID Array Data Recovery on NAS Raidon SafeTANK GR3680-BA31 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 hardware failure lead to data loss in NAS Raidon SafeTANK GR3680-BA31 devices?

Hardware failure in NAS Raidon SafeTANK GR3680-BA31 devices can lead to data loss in several ways:

1. Disk failure: In a RAID configuration, multiple hard drives work together to store and protect data. If one or more disks fail due to mechanical issues, read/write errors, or other problems, it can result in data loss or corruption.
2. RAID controller failure: The RAID controller is responsible for managing the array of disks and ensuring data redundancy and integrity. If the RAID controller fails, it can disrupt the entire system and lead to data loss.
3. Power supply failure: A faulty power supply can cause sudden power surges or outages, which can result in data corruption or loss. It can also damage the internal components of the NAS device, including the hard drives.
4. Overheating: NAS devices generate a significant amount of heat during operation. If the cooling system fails or becomes inadequate, it can lead to overheating of the hard drives and other components. Excessive heat can cause hard drive failures and data loss.
5. Firmware or software issues: NAS devices rely on firmware and software to function properly. If there are bugs, glitches, or compatibility issues with the firmware or software, it can result in data loss or corruption.
6. Human error: Accidental deletion, formatting, or modification of files can occur due to human error. While not directly related to hardware failure, it can lead to data loss if proper backups are not in place.

To mitigate the risk of data loss, it is essential to regularly back up data from the NAS device to an external storage device or cloud storage. Additionally, monitoring the health of the hardware components, ensuring proper cooling and power supply, and keeping the firmware and software up to date can help minimize the chances of hardware failure and subsequent data loss.

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

Although NAS SafeTANK GR3680-BA31 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 SafeTANK GR3680-BA31. 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

SafeTANK GR3680-BA31 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 SafeTANK GR3680-BA31 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