- Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
- Key Information About the NAS TerraMaster F2-221
- How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
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.
Can the use of specific backup and recovery strategies help reduce potential data loss risks on NAS TerraMaster F2-221 devices?
Yes, the use of specific backup and recovery strategies can help reduce potential data loss risks on NAS TerraMaster F2-221 devices. Here are some strategies that can be employed:
- Regular backups: Implement a regular backup schedule to create copies of important data stored on the NAS device. This can be done using built-in backup software or third-party backup solutions.
- Offsite backups: Store backup copies of data in a different physical location or on cloud storage services. This ensures that even if the NAS device is damaged or stolen, the data remains safe and accessible.
- RAID configuration: Configure the NAS device with a RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) setup to provide data redundancy. RAID levels like RAID 1 or RAID 5 can help protect against disk failures by mirroring or striping data across multiple drives.
- Snapshot feature: Utilize the snapshot feature if available on the NAS device. Snapshots capture the state of the data at a specific point in time, allowing for easy recovery in case of accidental deletion or modification of files.
- Disaster recovery plan: Develop a comprehensive disaster recovery plan that outlines the steps to be taken in case of data loss or system failure. This plan should include procedures for restoring data from backups and getting the NAS device back up and running.
- Regular maintenance: Perform regular maintenance tasks such as firmware updates, disk health checks, and monitoring system logs for any signs of potential issues. This helps identify and address problems before they lead to data loss.
By implementing these backup and recovery strategies, the risk of data loss on NAS TerraMaster F2-221 devices can be significantly reduced.
How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
Although the NAS F2-221 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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
Label each hard disk according to its position inside the NAS. The order of the drives is crucial for correct RAID reconstruction.
-
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.
Go to view
Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery
This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with TerraMaster F2-221. 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.
How to recover data from a TerraMaster
F2-221 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:
-
Ensure you have enough free space to store the image. Its size will typically match the size of the original disk.
-
In the main window, select the target disk and choose Tools - Save Disk. You can also select multiple disks if needed.
-
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.
-
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 F2-221 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
| Product | Operating system | RAID controller support | Supported file systems | Virtual RAID controller support | Data recovery from damaged RAID | File preview |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hetman RAID Recovery | Windows, Linux, MacOS | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, exFAT, NTFS, ReFS, APFS, HFS+, Ext4, Ext3, Ext2, ReiserFS, Btrfs, VMFS, Hikvision, XFS, UFS, ZFS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DiskInternals RAID Recovery | Windows | Yes, over 10 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
| R-Studio | Windows, Mac, Linux | Yes, over 20 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| UFS Explorer RAID Recovery | Windows, Mac, Linux | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| EaseUS Data Recovery | Windows | Yes, over 20 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
| ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery | Windows | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
It is possible to recover deleted files from a NAS TerraMaster F2-221 device, but it depends on various factors. When a file is deleted from a NAS device, it is typically moved to a recycle bin or trash folder within the NAS system. If the file is still present in the recycle bin, it can be easily restored.
However, if the file has been permanently deleted or the recycle bin has been emptied, the chances of recovery decrease. In such cases, you may need to use specialized data recovery software or seek professional assistance to attempt file recovery.
It's important to note that the success of file recovery also depends on factors like the file system used on the NAS device, the amount of time that has passed since the file was deleted, and whether the storage space has been overwritten with new data.
To maximize the chances of recovering deleted files, it is recommended to immediately stop using the NAS device and avoid writing new data to it.