Extracting Data from a RAID Disk When NAS TerraMaster U24-722-2224 Does Not Power On: Step-by-Step Guide

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.

Are there any preventive measures to minimize the risk of data loss on NAS TerraMaster U24-722-2224 devices?

Yes, there are several preventive measures you can take to minimize the risk of data loss on NAS TerraMaster U24-722-2224 devices:

1. Regularly backup your data: Set up a backup schedule to automatically backup your important data to an external storage device or cloud storage. This ensures that even if your NAS device fails or data gets corrupted, you have a backup copy.
2. Use RAID configuration: Utilize RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) technology to create a redundant storage system. With RAID, if one drive fails, your data remains accessible and can be rebuilt onto a new drive. Configure RAID levels like RAID 1 or RAID 5 for data redundancy.
3. Implement a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply): Power outages or sudden power surges can damage your NAS device and lead to data loss. By connecting your NAS to a UPS, you provide it with backup power and protection against power fluctuations.
4. Keep your NAS firmware up to date: Regularly check for firmware updates provided by TerraMaster and apply them. Firmware updates often include bug fixes, security patches, and performance improvements, reducing the risk of data loss due to software vulnerabilities.
5. Use secure passwords and enable firewall: Set strong and unique passwords for your NAS device and user accounts. Additionally, enable the built-in firewall on your NAS to protect against unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
6. Enable data scrubbing and SMART tests: Data scrubbing helps identify and fix errors on your hard drives, reducing the risk of data corruption. Enable regular data scrubbing and SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) tests to monitor the health and performance of your drives.
7. Secure your network: Ensure that your network is secure by using encryption protocols like WPA2 for Wi-Fi and implementing a strong Wi-Fi password. Additionally, consider using a virtual private network (VPN) for remote access to your NAS, adding an extra layer of security.
8. Physically protect your NAS: Place your NAS device in a secure location, away from potential hazards like water, extreme temperatures, and physical damage. Consider using a lockable cabinet or rack to prevent unauthorized access.

By following these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of data loss on your NAS TerraMaster U24-722-2224 device.

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

Although NAS U24-722-2224 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 U24-722-2224. 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

U24-722-2224 has 24 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;

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 U24-722-2224 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.

Comparison of software for RAID recovery