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

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 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.

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

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

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 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.

Comparison of software for RAID recovery