Expert Insights for RAID Array Data Recovery on NAS Sharp BP-X1ST04 Devices

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Sharp BP-X1ST04
• 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 Sharp 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 limitations or restrictions on file or folder names that can cause potential data loss on NAS Sharp BP-X1ST04 devices?

Yes, there are limitations and restrictions on file and folder names that can potentially cause data loss on NAS Sharp BP-X1ST04 devices. Here are some common limitations and restrictions:

1. Invalid Characters: The file or folder names should not contain any invalid characters that are not supported by the file system. Common invalid characters include "", "/", ":", "*", "?", """, "<", ">", and "|".
2. File Name Length: The file name length should not exceed the maximum limit set by the file system. For example, if the file system has a maximum limit of 255 characters, exceeding this limit can cause data loss.
3. Case Sensitivity: The file system may be case-sensitive, meaning that "file.txt" and "File.txt" would be considered as two different files. It is important to be consistent with the case sensitivity when accessing files or folders.
4. Reserved Names: There are reserved names that cannot be used as file or folder names, as they are reserved for system use. Examples of reserved names include "CON", "PRN", "AUX", "NUL", "COM1", "COM2", "LPT1", etc.
5. Path Length: The total path length, including the file or folder name and the complete path to reach it, should not exceed the maximum limit set by the file system. Exceeding this limit can cause data loss or issues in accessing the files or folders.

It is important to follow these limitations and restrictions to avoid potential data loss or issues when using NAS Sharp BP-X1ST04 devices.

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

Although the NAS BP-X1ST04 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 Sharp BP-X1ST04. 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 Sharp

BP-X1ST04 has 4 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

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

NAS supports:

• APFS / HFS+;
• Ext2 / Ext3 / Ext4;

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 Sharp BP-X1ST04 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