How to recover data from TerraMaster F2-220 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.

How can a NAS TerraMaster F2-220 device's power management settings impact data availability and potential loss?

The power management settings of a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device like the TerraMaster F2-220 can have a significant impact on data availability and potential loss. Here are a few ways power management settings can affect these aspects:

1. Power-on and power-off scheduling: NAS devices often provide the option to schedule automatic power-on and power-off times. If the power-off schedule is set too aggressively, it can lead to data unavailability during desired usage times. For example, if the NAS shuts down during regular working hours, users won't be able to access their data, causing productivity loss.
2. Sleep or standby mode: NAS devices typically have a sleep or standby mode to conserve power when not in active use. While this can reduce energy consumption, it can also impact data availability. If the sleep mode is set too aggressively or not configured properly, it may cause delays when accessing data as the device needs to wake up from sleep, resulting in slower response times.
3. Disk spin-down: NAS devices usually allow for the spin-down of hard drives when they are not in use. This feature helps save power and reduce wear and tear on the drives. However, frequent spin-up and spin-down cycles can decrease the lifespan of the drives and increase the risk of potential data loss due to mechanical failures.
4. Power loss protection: Some NAS devices offer power loss protection mechanisms, such as battery backup or built-in capacitors. These features ensure that data being written to the NAS is not lost in case of a sudden power outage. If power loss protection is not enabled or configured properly, there is a higher risk of data corruption or loss during unexpected power interruptions.
5. Redundant power supply: In more advanced NAS models, redundant power supplies may be available. This feature provides backup power in case one power supply fails. If redundant power supply configurations are not properly set up or maintained, a power supply failure could lead to complete data unavailability until the failed component is replaced.

It is crucial to carefully configure and manage power management settings on a NAS device to ensure a balance between power savings and data availability. Regular backups, implementing appropriate power loss protection mechanisms, and considering the specific needs of the users and organization are essential to minimize the risk of data loss and maximize data availability.

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

Although NAS F2-220 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 F2-220. 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

F2-220 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:

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 F2-220 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