How to recover data from TerraMaster D16-331 D16 Thunderbolt 3 NAS

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

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

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 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.

Comparison of software for RAID recovery