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

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS TerraMaster U8-722-2224
• 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 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 Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC

Although the NAS U8-722-2224 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.

   Go to view

   

   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 U8-722-2224. 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.

Go to view

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;

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 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.

RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison