Practical Steps to Extract Data from a RAID Disk if NAS TerraMaster U8-722-2224 Won’t Start

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 recommended practices for off-site backup storage to prevent complete data loss in the event of a disaster?

Yes, there are several recommended practices for off-site backup storage to prevent complete data loss in the event of a disaster. Here are some of them:

1. Choose a geographically distant location: Select an off-site backup storage location that is far enough from your primary site to minimize the risk of being affected by the same disaster. This reduces the chances of simultaneous data loss.
2. Use a secure facility: Ensure that the off-site storage facility has proper security measures in place, including restricted access, surveillance systems, and environmental controls (temperature, humidity, etc.) to protect your backups from physical damage or unauthorized access.
3. Regularly backup your data: Implement a regular backup schedule to ensure that your data is consistently backed up to the off-site location. This can be done manually or through automated backup solutions.
4. Utilize encryption: Encrypt your data before sending it to the off-site storage facility. This adds an extra layer of security and ensures that even if someone gains unauthorized access to the backups, they won't be able to access the data without the encryption key.
5. Test the restoration process: Periodically test the restoration process by retrieving data from the off-site backup storage. This helps ensure that the backups are working properly and can be restored in case of a disaster.
6. Use redundant off-site storage: Consider utilizing multiple off-site backup storage locations to further protect against data loss. This can involve using different providers or having backups in different regions.
7. Document and update your backup procedures: Maintain clear documentation of your backup procedures, including the location, schedule, and encryption methods used. Regularly review and update these procedures to ensure they remain effective and aligned with your organization's needs.
8. Consider cloud-based backup solutions: Cloud storage providers offer off-site backup solutions with built-in redundancy and disaster recovery capabilities. Consider utilizing these services as they often provide secure and scalable options for storing your backups.

By following these recommended practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of complete data loss and ensure that your critical information is protected in the event of a disaster.

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

Although NAS U8-722-2224 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 U8-722-2224. 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

U8-722-2224 has 8 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 U8-722-2224 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