- 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.
Can the use of a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) help minimize data loss risks during power outages or disruptions for NAS Seagate Exos AP 5U84 devices?
Yes, the use of a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) can help minimize data loss risks during power outages or disruptions for NAS Seagate Exos AP 5U84 devices.
A UPS provides backup power to connected devices in the event of a power outage or disruption. It essentially acts as a battery backup, allowing the devices to continue running for a certain period of time until power is restored or until a proper shutdown procedure can be initiated.
By connecting your NAS Seagate Exos AP 5U84 device to a UPS, you can ensure that it remains powered on and operational during power outages. This helps to minimize the risk of data loss or corruption that may occur if the device suddenly loses power.
Additionally, a UPS can provide protection against other power-related issues such as voltage spikes, surges, or brownouts, which can also pose a risk to the integrity of your data.
It is important to choose a UPS with sufficient capacity to handle the power requirements of your NAS device and any other connected equipment. It is also recommended to properly configure the NAS device to initiate an automatic shutdown procedure when the UPS battery reaches a certain level to ensure a safe and controlled power-off process.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS Exos AP 5U84 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 Exos AP 5U84. 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.
How to recover data from a Seagate
Exos AP 5U84 has 84 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;
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 Exos AP 5U84 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
| 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 |
Yes, data recovery can be performed on a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device like the Seagate Exos AP 5U84 even if there are issues with the disk array or storage pool. However, the success and complexity of the recovery process may depend on the specific nature of the issues.
If there are problems with the disk array or storage pool, it is recommended to contact a professional data recovery service provider with expertise in NAS systems. They can assess the situation, diagnose the issues, and provide appropriate solutions to recover the data.
In some cases, the recovery may involve repairing or rebuilding the disk array or storage pool, which can be a complex and time-consuming process. It is important to note that attempting DIY recovery without proper knowledge and experience can potentially lead to further data loss or damage.
Therefore, it is advisable to seek professional assistance to ensure the best chances of successful data recovery from a NAS device with disk array or storage pool issues.