- 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 Seagate 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 user training or education help in minimizing data loss incidents on NAS Seagate Black Armor STCT4000200 devices?
User training or education can help in minimizing data loss incidents on NAS Seagate Black Armor STCT4000200 devices in the following ways:
- Understanding the Device: User training can help users understand the functionality and limitations of the NAS device. They will learn how to properly configure and use the device, including setting up user accounts, permissions, and access controls. This knowledge will reduce the chances of accidental data loss due to misconfiguration or improper use.
- Backup and Recovery: Users can be trained on the importance of regular backups and how to set up automated backup schedules on the NAS device. They will learn about different backup methods, such as incremental or full backups, and understand how to restore data in case of data loss incidents.
- Security Best Practices: Education on security best practices can help users protect their data from unauthorized access or cyber threats. They will learn about the importance of strong passwords, enabling encryption, and keeping the device's firmware up to date. This knowledge will minimize the risk of data loss due to security breaches.
- Data Management: Users can be educated on proper data management practices, such as organizing files and folders, avoiding duplication, and regularly archiving or deleting unnecessary data. This will not only improve data accessibility but also reduce the chances of accidental data loss.
- Troubleshooting: User training can cover basic troubleshooting techniques for common issues that may lead to data loss incidents. Users will learn how to identify and resolve hardware or software problems, preventing potential data loss situations.
- Awareness of Physical Risks: Users can be made aware of physical risks that may lead to data loss, such as power surges, water damage, or theft. They can be trained on preventive measures like using surge protectors, keeping the device in a secure location, and implementing off-site backup solutions.
Overall, user training or education plays a crucial role in minimizing data loss incidents on NAS Seagate Black Armor STCT4000200 devices by empowering users with the knowledge and skills needed to properly configure, use, and protect their data on the device.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS Black Armor STCT4000200 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 Seagate Black Armor STCT4000200. 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.
Black Armor STCT4000200 has 2 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:
- RAID 0;
- RAID 1;
- JBOD;
NAS supports:
- exFAT, VFAT, FAT 12 / 16 / 32;
- NTFS / ReFS;
- APFS / HFS+;
- Ext2 / 3 / 4 / ReiserFS / XFS / UFS / ZFS / Btrfs;
- VMFS / HikvisionFS;
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 Seagate Black Armor STCT4000200 network-attached storage keeps Seagate NAS OS 4 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 |
The steps involved in data recovery from a NAS Seagate Black Armor STCT4000200 are as follows:
It is important to note that data recovery from a NAS device can be a complex and delicate process. It is always recommended to consult a professional data recovery service to maximize the chances of successful recovery and minimize further damage to the device.