Extracting Data from a RAID Disk When NAS Rasilient Pixel Stor PS312e / PS312e2 Won’t Start: Step-by-Step Guide

Has your NAS Rasilient Pixel Stor PS312e / PS312e2 suddenly lost its network drive and you’re unsure what to do next? Did the RAID array collapse, making your files inaccessible? Is the device throwing errors during startup? Perhaps you accidentally rebuilt the RAID array or several hard drives failed at the same time?

Extracting Data from a RAID Disk When NAS Rasilient Pixel Stor PS312e / PS312e2 Won’t Start: Step-by-Step Guide
Data Recovery Tool

Rasilient Pixel Stor PS312e / PS312e2 NAS Data Recovery in 2025

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from an Pixel Stor PS312e / PS312e2. We’ll walk through the most common causes of failure and demonstrate proven methods to restore files from a lost or degraded RAID array.

Extracting Data from a RAID Disk When NAS Rasilient Pixel Stor PS312e / PS312e2 Won’t Start: Step-by-Step Guide

RAID Recovery™ 2.8
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
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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 Rasilient 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 compatibility issues that can result in data loss for NAS Rasilient Pixel Stor PS312e / PS312e2 devices?

There are potential compatibility issues that can result in data loss for NAS Rasilient PixelStor PS312e / PS312e2 devices. Some of the common issues include:

  1. Incompatible firmware versions: If the NAS device is running on an outdated or incompatible firmware version, it may lead to data loss or corruption.
  2. Incompatible operating systems: The NAS device may not be compatible with certain operating systems or specific versions of operating systems. This can result in data loss if the NAS is unable to properly communicate with the operating system.
  3. Network configuration issues: Incorrect network configurations, such as incompatible network protocols or misconfigured network settings, can cause data loss or connectivity problems with the NAS device.
  4. Hardware compatibility: If the NAS device is not compatible with the hardware components of the network environment, it may result in data loss or performance issues.
  5. Power supply problems: Inadequate or unstable power supply to the NAS device can lead to data loss or corruption, especially during write operations.

To mitigate these compatibility issues, it is recommended to ensure that the NAS device is running on the latest firmware version, check for compatibility with the intended operating system, properly configure the network settings, ensure hardware compatibility, and provide a stable power supply to the device. Additionally, regular backups of important data should always be maintained to minimize the impact of any potential data loss.

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

Although the NAS Pixel Stor PS312e / PS312e2 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.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Rasilient Pixel Stor PS312e / PS312e2. 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.

Go to view
How to recover data from a Rasilient

How to recover data from a Rasilient

Pixel Stor PS312e / PS312e2 has 12 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • RAID 0;
  • RAID 1;
  • RAID 5;
  • RAID 6;
  • RAID 50;
  • RAID 60;
  • JBOD;

NAS supports:

  • exFAT, VFAT, FAT 12 / 16 / 32;
  • NTFS / ReFS;
  • APFS / HFS+;
  • Ext2 / 3 / 4 / ReiserFS / XFS / UFS / ZFS / Btrfs;
  • VMFS / HikvisionFS;

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.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Image Creation Wizard

  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.

    Hetman RAID Recovery: Choose a disk or save the image via FTP

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?

The Rasilient Pixel Stor PS312e / PS312e2 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

Product Operating system RAID controller support Supported file systems Virtual RAID controller support Data recovery from damaged RAID File preview
Hetman RAID Recovery Windows, Linux, MacOS Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, exFAT, NTFS, ReFS, APFS, HFS+, Ext4, Ext3, Ext2, ReiserFS, Btrfs, VMFS, Hikvision, XFS, UFS, ZFS Yes Yes Yes
DiskInternals RAID Recovery Windows Yes, over 10 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
R-Studio Windows, Mac, Linux Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
UFS Explorer RAID Recovery Windows, Mac, Linux Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes
EaseUS Data Recovery Windows Yes, over 20 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ No Yes Yes
ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery Windows Yes, over 100 controllers FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ Yes Yes Yes

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Comments (3)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 9.08.2022 12:31 #
    If you want to ask a question about data recovery, from NAS Pixel Stor PS312e / PS312e2, feel free to leave a comment!
    Reply
  • Zachary Maggart
    Zachary Maggart 10.09.2023 02:41 #
    Is it possible to recover data from a NAS Rasilient Pixel Stor PS312e / PS312e2 device if the device is experiencing slow performance or file access issues?
    Reply
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 10.09.2023 02:59 #

      Yes, it is possible to recover data from a NAS Rasilient PixelStor PS312e / PS312e2 device if the device is experiencing slow performance or file access issues. Here are a few steps you can try:

      1. Check the network connection: Ensure that the NAS device is properly connected to the network and there are no network issues causing slow performance or file access problems.
      2. Restart the device: Sometimes, a simple restart can fix temporary performance issues. Power off the NAS device, wait for a few seconds, and then power it back on.
      3. Update firmware: Check if there are any firmware updates available for your NAS device. Updating the firmware can often resolve performance-related issues.
      4. Check storage capacity: If the NAS device is running out of storage space, it can cause slow performance. Make sure there is enough free space on the device to ensure smooth operation.
      5. Test with a different network cable: Faulty network cables can cause slow performance or file access issues. Try using a different network cable to connect the NAS device to your network.
      6. Disable unnecessary services: Some NAS devices offer various services like media streaming, torrent downloading, etc., which can consume resources and impact performance. Disable any unnecessary services to see if it improves performance.
      7. Contact technical support: If the above steps don't resolve the issue, it is advisable to contact the manufacturer's technical support for further assistance. They may provide specific troubleshooting steps or recommend professional data recovery services if required.

      In case the slow performance or file access issues are due to hardware failure or data corruption, it is recommended to consult a professional data recovery service provider who specializes in NAS devices. They have the expertise and tools to recover data from faulty NAS devices.

      Reply
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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What are the key features and specifications of the NAS Rasilient Pixel Stor PS312e / PS312e2 for personal cloud storage?

    The NAS Rasilient Pixel Stor PS312e / PS312e2 is a personal cloud storage solution that offers several key features and specifications:

    1. Storage Capacity: The PS312e model comes with 12 drive bays, while the PS312e2 model has 24 drive bays. This allows for a significant amount of storage capacity, with support for various hard drive sizes.
    2. RAID Support: The NAS supports various RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10. This enables data redundancy and protection against drive failures.
    3. High Performance: The PS312e / PS312e2 is designed for high-performance storage, with support for up to 10GbE network connectivity. This ensures fast data transfer speeds and smooth access to files.
    4. Scalability: The NAS is highly scalable, allowing users to easily expand storage capacity as their needs grow. Additional drive bays can be added to accommodate more hard drives.
    5. Data Protection: The PS312e / PS312e2 offers data protection features such as snapshot replication, remote replication, and data deduplication. These features help safeguard data and provide disaster recovery options.
    6. User-Friendly Interface: The NAS comes with an intuitive web-based user interface, making it easy to set up and manage the personal cloud storage system. It also supports mobile apps for remote access and file sharing.
    7. Security: The PS312e / PS312e2 offers robust security features, including AES 256-bit encryption for data protection. It also supports access control lists (ACLs) and user authentication to ensure secure access to files.
    8. Backup and Sync: The NAS provides backup and synchronization options, allowing users to schedule automatic backups of their data. It also supports synchronization with cloud storage services like Dropbox and Google Drive.
    9. Virtualization Support: The PS312e / PS312e2 is compatible with virtualization environments, such as VMware and Hyper-V. It can be integrated seamlessly into existing virtualization setups.
    10. Energy Efficiency: The NAS is designed to be energy-efficient, with features like power-saving modes and scheduled power on/off. This helps reduce electricity consumption and lowers operating costs.

    Overall, the NAS Rasilient Pixel Stor PS312e / PS312e2 offers a robust and scalable personal cloud storage solution with high performance, data protection, and user-friendly features.

  • How does the NAS Rasilient Pixel Stor PS312e / PS312e2 ensure data security and protection for personal cloud storage?

    The NAS Rasilient PixelStor PS312e / PS312e2 provides several features to ensure data security and protection for personal cloud storage:

    1. RAID Protection: The NAS supports various RAID configurations (such as RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6) that provide data redundancy and protection against drive failures. In case of a drive failure, the system can automatically rebuild the data from the remaining drives.
    2. Encryption: The NAS supports AES 256-bit encryption, which encrypts the data stored on the drives. This ensures that even if someone gains unauthorized access to the drives, they won't be able to access the data without the encryption key.
    3. Access Control: The NAS allows you to set up user accounts and assign different access permissions to each user. This ensures that only authorized users can access the stored data and helps prevent unauthorized access.
    4. Firewall and Network Security: The NAS has built-in firewall capabilities to protect against network attacks and unauthorized access attempts. It also supports various network security protocols like SSL/TLS, SSH, and IPsec, which encrypt the data transmission over the network.
    5. Data Backup and Snapshot: The NAS supports scheduled backups to external storage devices or remote servers, ensuring that your data is protected even in the event of a NAS failure or disaster. It also offers snapshot functionality, allowing you to take point-in-time copies of your data, which can be useful in case of accidental data deletion or corruption.
    6. Antivirus and Malware Protection: The NAS can be configured to automatically scan the stored data for viruses and malware, helping to prevent the spread of malicious files within your personal cloud storage.
    7. Physical Security: The NAS itself is designed with physical security features like lockable drive bays and chassis, preventing unauthorized physical access to the drives and data.

    By combining these security features, the NAS Rasilient PixelStor PS312e / PS312e2 ensures data security and protection for personal cloud storage, safeguarding against drive failures, unauthorized access, network attacks, data loss, and other potential threats.

  • Can you provide some examples of how the NAS Rasilient Pixel Stor PS312e / PS312e2 can be effectively used for personal cloud storage and data management?

    Certainly! The NAS Rasilient PixelStor PS312e / PS312e2 can be effectively used for personal cloud storage and data management in various ways. Here are a few examples:

    1. Centralized File Storage: You can use the NAS to store and access all your personal files, such as documents, photos, videos, and music, in one centralized location. This allows you to easily organize and manage your data without relying on external hard drives or multiple devices.
    2. Remote Access: With the NAS connected to the internet, you can access your files from anywhere using a secure connection. This is particularly useful when you are away from home but need to retrieve or share important documents or media files.
    3. File Synchronization: The NAS supports file synchronization across multiple devices. You can sync files between your computer, smartphone, and tablet, ensuring that you always have the latest version of your files available on all devices.
    4. Data Backup: The NAS provides an efficient way to back up your important data. You can schedule automatic backups of your devices to the NAS, ensuring that your files are protected in case of device failure or accidental deletion.
    5. Media Streaming: The NAS can act as a media server, allowing you to stream movies, TV shows, and music to compatible devices such as smart TVs, gaming consoles, or media players. This eliminates the need for separate storage devices and enables seamless media playback.
    6. Data Sharing and Collaboration: You can create user accounts and set access permissions to share specific files or folders with family members, friends, or colleagues. This facilitates collaboration on projects or sharing family photos and videos while maintaining control over who can access and modify the data.
    7. Mobile Apps and Integration: The NAS typically comes with mobile apps that allow you to access and manage your files on the go. Additionally, it may integrate with popular cloud storage services like Dropbox or Google Drive, enabling seamless transfer of files between the NAS and these platforms.

    These are just a few examples of how the NAS Rasilient PixelStor PS312e / PS312e2 can be effectively used for personal cloud storage and data management. Its features and capabilities make it a versatile solution for individuals looking to securely store, access, and manage their data.
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