- 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.
Can the use of specific data recovery software or services impact the success rate of data retrieval from NAS TerraMaster F2-423 devices?
Yes, the use of specific data recovery software or services can impact the success rate of data retrieval from NAS TerraMaster F2-423 devices. The success of data recovery depends on various factors such as the type and severity of data loss, the quality and effectiveness of the recovery software or service, and the expertise of the person performing the recovery.
Using professional data recovery software or services specifically designed for NAS devices like TerraMaster F2-423 can increase the chances of successful data retrieval. These specialized tools are equipped with features and algorithms that can handle the unique file systems and storage configurations of NAS devices, improving the success rate of recovery.
However, it is important to note that not all data recovery software or services are created equal. Some may have better compatibility, advanced recovery algorithms, or more extensive file system support, which can significantly impact the success rate. It is recommended to choose reputable and reliable software or services with a proven track record in NAS data recovery.
Additionally, the expertise and experience of the person using the software or providing the recovery service also play a crucial role. A skilled data recovery specialist who is familiar with NAS devices and has experience with TerraMaster F2-423 can maximize the chances of successful data retrieval.
Overall, the use of specific data recovery software or services tailored for NAS TerraMaster F2-423 devices can positively impact the success rate of data retrieval, but it is important to select reliable and reputable options and ensure the expertise of the person performing the recovery.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS F2-423 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 F2-423. 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
F2-423 has 4 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:
- RAID 0;
- RAID 1;
- RAID 5;
- RAID 6;
- 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 F2-423 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 F2-423 device can be performed even if there are issues with the disk array or storage pool. However, it is important to note that data recovery from a faulty disk array or storage pool can be a complex and challenging process. It is recommended to seek professional assistance from data recovery specialists who have experience with NAS systems and RAID configurations.
In some cases, the data recovery process may involve rebuilding the RAID array, repairing the storage pool, or extracting data directly from the individual hard drives. This requires specialized knowledge and tools to ensure the integrity of the recovered data.
It is crucial to avoid attempting any DIY solutions or running disk repair utilities without proper understanding, as these actions can potentially worsen the situation and lead to permanent data loss.
Yes, data recovery from a NAS TerraMaster F2-423 device can be performed even if there are issues with the storage drive or media errors. However, the success of data recovery depends on the extent of the issues and the severity of the errors.
If there are minor issues or errors, data recovery software or tools can be used to recover the data from the NAS device. These software solutions can often handle logical errors, file system corruption, or deleted files.
However, if there are physical issues with the storage drive, such as mechanical failure or bad sectors, professional data recovery services may be required. These services have specialized equipment and expertise to handle physical drive issues and recover data from damaged drives.
It is important to note that attempting DIY data recovery on a NAS device with physical issues can potentially worsen the situation and lead to permanent data loss. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with a professional data recovery service in such cases.