- 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?
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 preventive measures to minimize the risk of data loss on NAS TerraMaster D2-300 D2 Clone devices?
Yes, there are several preventive measures you can take to minimize the risk of data loss on NAS TerraMaster D2-300 D2 Clone devices:
- Regular Backup: Implement a regular backup strategy to ensure that your data is backed up on another storage device or cloud storage. This will help you recover your data in case of any data loss or device failure.
- RAID Configuration: Configure your NAS device in RAID mode, such as RAID 1 or RAID 5, which provides data redundancy. This means that even if one drive fails, your data will still be accessible from the remaining drives.
- Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): Connect your NAS device to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to protect it from power surges, fluctuations, or sudden power outages. This will prevent any potential damage to the device and data loss.
- Regular Firmware Updates: Keep your NAS device's firmware up to date by regularly checking for and installing any available updates. Firmware updates often include bug fixes and security patches that can help prevent data loss.
- Secure Network: Ensure that your NAS device is connected to a secure network and that you have implemented proper security measures such as strong passwords, firewall settings, and regular network monitoring. This will help protect your data from unauthorized access or cyberattacks.
- Physical Security: Place your NAS device in a secure location to prevent physical damage or theft. Additionally, ensure that only authorized personnel have access to the device to minimize the risk of data loss.
By implementing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of data loss on your NAS TerraMaster D2-300 D2 Clone devices.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS D2-300 D2 Clone 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:
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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.
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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.
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Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.
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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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Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with TerraMaster D2-300 D2 Clone. 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.
How to recover data from a TerraMaster
D2-300 D2 Clone has 2 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:
- RAID 0;
- RAID 1;
- 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:
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Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.
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Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.
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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.
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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 D2-300 D2 Clone 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
| Product | Operating system | License type | RAID controller support | Supported file systems | Virtual RAID controller support | Data recovery from damaged RAID | File preview |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hetman RAID Recovery | Windows | Paid | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DiskInternals RAID Recovery | Windows | Paid | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
| R-Studio | Windows, Mac, Linux | Paid | Yes, over 200 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| UFS Explorer RAID Recovery | Windows, Mac, Linux | Paid | Yes, over 1,000 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| EaseUS Data Recovery | Windows | Paid | Yes, over 20 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
| ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery | Windows | Free | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Yes, data recovery from a NAS TerraMaster D2-300 D2 Clone device can be performed even if there are issues with the firmware or device settings. In such cases, the data recovery process typically involves connecting the NAS device's hard drives to a computer and using specialized data recovery software to access and retrieve the data directly from the drives. This method bypasses the device's firmware and settings, allowing for data recovery regardless of any issues with the device itself. It is important to note that data recovery from a NAS device can be a complex and delicate process, so it is recommended to consult with a professional data recovery service if you are not familiar with the process.