Extracting Data from a RAID Disk When NAS TerraMaster D16-331 D16 Thunderbolt 3 is Not Booting: Step-by-Step Guide

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS TerraMaster D16-331 D16 Thunderbolt 3
• 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 TerraMaster 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 common mistakes or oversights made by users that can lead to data loss on NAS TerraMaster D16-331 D16 Thunderbolt 3 devices?

While it is difficult to provide an exhaustive list of all possible mistakes or oversights that can lead to data loss on NAS TerraMaster D16-331 D16 Thunderbolt 3 devices, here are some common ones to be aware of:

1. Failure to regularly back up data: Many users assume that storing data on a NAS device is sufficient for data protection. However, if the NAS experiences a hardware failure, accidental deletion, or any other issue, data loss can occur. Regularly backing up data to an external storage device or cloud storage is crucial to mitigate this risk.
2. Neglecting to update firmware: Firmware updates often include important bug fixes, security patches, and performance enhancements. Failing to update the firmware of your NAS device can leave it vulnerable to potential issues that may result in data loss.
3. Inadequate security measures: Weak passwords, lack of two-factor authentication, or failure to implement proper network security measures can make your NAS device susceptible to unauthorized access, data breaches, or ransomware attacks. It is important to follow best practices for securing your NAS device and data.
4. Improper shutdown procedures: Abruptly powering off the NAS device without following the proper shutdown procedures can lead to data corruption or loss. Always ensure that you shut down the device properly using the recommended procedures.
5. Insufficient RAID configuration: If the NAS device is configured with a RAID setup, it is important to choose the appropriate RAID level and ensure that it is properly configured. Incorrect RAID configurations or a failure to replace failed drives promptly can result in data loss.
6. Physical damage: Dropping the NAS device, exposing it to extreme temperatures, or subjecting it to other physical damage can lead to data loss. It is important to handle the device with care and keep it in a suitable environment.

To avoid data loss, it is recommended to thoroughly read the user manual provided by TerraMaster and follow the manufacturer's guidelines and best practices.

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

Although the NAS D16-331 D16 Thunderbolt 3 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 TerraMaster D16-331 D16 Thunderbolt 3. 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 TerraMaster

D16-331 D16 Thunderbolt 3 has 16 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

• RAID 0;
• RAID 1;
• RAID 5;
• RAID 6;
• RAID 50;
• RAID 60;
• JBOD;

NAS supports:

• Ext2;
• Ext3;
• Ext4;
• Btrfs;

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 TerraMaster D16-331 D16 Thunderbolt 3 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