How to Extract Data from a RAID Disk When NAS TerraMaster F2-220 Won’t Start

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS TerraMaster F2-220
• 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.

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

Although the NAS F2-220 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 F2-220. 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

F2-220 has 2 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

• RAID 0;
• RAID 1;
• 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 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.

RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison