Tips and Tricks for NAS Seagate Exos X 2U24 Data Recovery

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Seagate Exos X 2U24
• 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 Seagate 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 Seagate Exos X 2U24 devices?

Yes, there are several recommended practices for regular testing and validation of data backups to prevent potential loss on NAS Seagate Exos X 2U24 devices. Here are some best practices:

1. Regularly schedule backup tests: Set up a regular schedule for testing your data backups. This can be done weekly, monthly, or quarterly, depending on your organization's needs.
2. Perform test restores: Test the restoration process by performing test restores on a regular basis. This will ensure that your backups are working properly and can be restored when needed.
3. Validate backup integrity: Use backup validation tools or software to verify the integrity of your backups. This will ensure that the backup files are not corrupted and can be restored successfully.
4. Monitor backup logs: Monitor the backup logs regularly to identify any errors or issues that may have occurred during the backup process. Address any errors promptly to prevent potential data loss.
5. Test backup and recovery procedures: Conduct regular drills to test your backup and recovery procedures. This will help identify any gaps in the process and allow you to make necessary improvements.
6. Store backups off-site: It's crucial to store backups off-site to protect against physical damage or loss. Consider using cloud storage or an off-site backup location to ensure data redundancy.
7. Implement a backup rotation strategy: Implement a backup rotation strategy to ensure that you have multiple backup copies available. This can include using different backup media or rotating backups between on-site and off-site locations.
8. Regularly update backup software and firmware: Keep your backup software and firmware up to date to ensure compatibility and access to the latest features and security updates.
9. Document backup and recovery procedures: Document your backup and recovery procedures in detail. This will help ensure consistency and provide a reference in case of any issues or personnel changes.

By following these recommended practices, you can help prevent potential data loss and ensure the reliability and effectiveness of your data backups on NAS Seagate Exos X 2U24 devices.

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

Although the NAS Exos X 2U24 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 Seagate Exos X 2U24. 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 Seagate

Exos X 2U24 has 24 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.

   

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 Seagate Exos X 2U24 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