How to Extract Data from a RAID Disk When NAS TerraMaster U12-722-2224 Won’t Power Up

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS TerraMaster U12-722-2224
• 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.

Are there any compatibility issues or limitations when connecting NAS TerraMaster U12-722-2224 devices to different operating systems or platforms?

The TerraMaster U12-722-2224 NAS device is compatible with various operating systems and platforms, but there might be some limitations or compatibility issues depending on the specific requirements and features of each operating system or platform. Here are some potential considerations:

1. Windows: The TerraMaster NAS devices generally work seamlessly with Windows operating systems, including Windows 7, 8, and 10. However, certain advanced features like Windows ACL (Access Control List) permissions might require additional configuration or software installation.
2. macOS: TerraMaster NAS devices are compatible with macOS, allowing users to access and manage files using Finder or other file management applications. However, some advanced features like Time Machine backups might require specific setup or configuration.
3. Linux: TerraMaster NAS devices can be accessed from Linux systems, allowing file sharing and management. However, compatibility with specific Linux distributions and file systems might vary, and advanced features like NFS (Network File System) or Samba sharing might require additional configuration.
4. Mobile platforms: TerraMaster provides dedicated mobile apps for iOS and Android devices, allowing users to access files, stream media, and manage the NAS remotely. However, the availability and functionality of certain features might differ between the mobile apps and the desktop client applications.
5. Third-party software and protocols: TerraMaster NAS devices support various third-party software and protocols, such as Plex Media Server, Docker, FTP, and more. However, compatibility with specific versions or configurations of these software or protocols might vary.

It's always recommended to check the official documentation, user forums, or contact TerraMaster support for the most up-to-date information regarding compatibility and limitations when connecting the NAS device to different operating systems or platforms.

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

Although the NAS U12-722-2224 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 U12-722-2224. 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

U12-722-2224 has 12 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

• RAID 0;
• RAID 1;
• RAID 5;
• RAID 6;
• RAID 50;
• RAID 60;
• 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 U12-722-2224 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