- 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.
How can hardware failure lead to data loss in NAS TerraMaster D2-310 devices?
Hardware failure in NAS TerraMaster D2-310 devices can lead to data loss in several ways:
- Hard drive failure: The D2-310 is a dual-bay NAS device, which means it relies on two hard drives for storage. If one or both of the hard drives fail, it can result in data loss. This can happen due to mechanical issues, such as motor failure or read/write head failure, or electronic failures like controller board failure.
- Power supply failure: A faulty power supply can cause the NAS device to shut down abruptly or experience power surges, which can lead to data corruption or loss. Sudden power outages or voltage fluctuations can also damage the hard drives and result in data loss.
- RAID array failure: The D2-310 supports various RAID configurations, such as RAID 0, RAID 1, and JBOD. If the RAID array becomes corrupted or fails due to hardware issues, it can lead to data loss. For example, if one of the hard drives in a RAID 1 configuration fails, it may cause the entire array to fail and result in data loss.
- Network interface failure: The NAS device relies on its network interface to connect to the network and allow data transfer. If the network interface fails, it can prevent access to the data stored on the device, leading to data loss.
- Controller board failure: The controller board in the NAS device manages the communication between the hard drives, network interface, and other components. If the controller board fails, it can cause data corruption or prevent access to the data stored on the hard drives.
To mitigate the risk of data loss due to hardware failure, it is recommended to regularly back up the data stored on the NAS device to an external storage device or another NAS. Additionally, monitoring the health of the hard drives, using a reliable power supply, and ensuring proper cooling and ventilation can help prevent hardware failures and minimize the risk of data loss.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS D2-310 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 D2-310. 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
D2-310 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 D2-310 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 |
Data recovery from a NAS TerraMaster D2-310 device should not affect the existing data if done correctly. However, it is always recommended to take precautions and avoid any further data loss. It is advisable to consult with a professional data recovery service or follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure a safe and successful recovery process.