Steps to Recover Your NAS Thecus 1U4200XXX RAID Array When It Breaks

When your ⭐ NAS RAID array breaks down, follow these essential steps to recover your data and restore your system.

Steps to Recover Your NAS Thecus 1U4200XXX RAID Array When It Breaks

Thecus 1U4200XXX NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from 1U4200XXX.

Steps to Recover Your NAS Thecus 1U4200XXX RAID Array When It Breaks

RAID Recovery™ 2.6
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
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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 Thecus also introduce some modifications to this process, and that is why data can be written to hard disk in a wide variety of ways.

How can conducting regular backups on external storage devices mitigate data loss risks for NAS Thecus 1U4200XXX devices?

Conducting regular backups on external storage devices can mitigate data loss risks for NAS Thecus 1U4200XXX devices in the following ways:

  1. Redundancy: By regularly backing up data to external storage devices, you create redundant copies of your important files. In case of any data loss event on the NAS device, you can restore the lost data from the backups.
  2. Protection against hardware failure: NAS devices like Thecus 1U4200XXX can experience hardware failures such as hard drive crashes or controller malfunctions. Regularly backing up data to external storage devices ensures that even if the NAS device fails, your data remains safe and accessible.
  3. Protection against data corruption: Data corruption can occur due to various reasons like software bugs, power surges, or malware attacks. By regularly backing up your data to external storage devices, you can minimize the risk of data corruption. If the data on the NAS device gets corrupted, you can restore the clean backup copies.
  4. Disaster recovery: In the event of a natural disaster like fire, flood, or theft, the NAS device and the data stored on it may be damaged or lost. Conducting regular backups to external storage devices allows you to have an off-site copy of your data, ensuring that you can recover your files even if the NAS device is destroyed or stolen.
  5. Easy data migration: If you need to upgrade or replace your Thecus 1U4200XXX device, having regular backups on external storage devices simplifies the data migration process. You can easily transfer the backed-up data to the new device, minimizing the risk of data loss during the transition.

To ensure effective mitigation of data loss risks, it is essential to follow best practices for backups, such as performing regular backups at scheduled intervals, verifying the integrity of backups, and storing the external storage devices in a secure location.

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

Although NAS 1U4200XXX 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.

    Go to view
    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

    How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

Hetman Raid Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Thecus 1U4200XXX. 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 Thecus

How to recover data from a Thecus

1U4200XXX has 4 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • RAID 0;
  • RAID 1;
  • RAID 5;
  • RAID 6;
  • RAID 10;
  • JBOD;

NAS supports:

  • EXT3;
  • EXT4;
  • XFS;

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 ToolsSave 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.

    Hetman Raid Recovery: Image Creation Wizard
  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.

    Hetman Raid Recovery: hoose any disk connected to this PC, or save the image by FTP

Where are user’s files stored?

The Thecus 1U4200XXX 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

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Comments (3)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 9.08.2022 12:31 #
    If you want to ask a question about data recovery, from NAS 1U4200XXX, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Roman Harman
    Roman Harman 14.09.2023 01:56 #
    Can data recovery from a NAS Thecus 1U4200XXX device be done if the device is not accessible or not recognized by the network?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 14.09.2023 02:59 #

      If a NAS device like Thecus 1U4200XXX is not accessible or not recognized by the network, it can make data recovery more challenging. However, there are still some potential options to recover the data:

      1. Check physical connections: Ensure that all cables and connections are properly connected and functioning. Sometimes, a loose cable or faulty connection can cause the NAS to be inaccessible.
      2. Power cycle the NAS: Power off the NAS, disconnect it from the power source, wait for a few minutes, and then reconnect and power it on. This can help resolve temporary issues that may be causing the device to be unrecognized.
      3. Connect directly to a computer: If the NAS has multiple network ports, try connecting it directly to a computer using an Ethernet cable. This can help determine if the issue lies with the network or the NAS device itself.
      4. Use data recovery software: If the NAS device is still not accessible, you can try using data recovery software specifically designed for NAS devices. These software tools can scan the NAS drives and attempt to recover the data even if the device is not recognized by the network.
      5. Seek professional help: If the data is critical and you are unable to recover it using the above methods, it is recommended to consult with a professional data recovery service. They have specialized tools and expertise to recover data from various storage devices, including NAS devices.

      Note: It is important to avoid any further attempts to recover data if you are not confident in your abilities, as it can potentially cause further damage to the data or the NAS device itself.

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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What are the key features and specifications of the NAS Thecus 1U4200XXX that make it suitable for use as a media center?

    The Thecus 1U4200XXX is a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device that can be used as a media center. Here are some key features and specifications that make it suitable for this purpose:

    1. Storage capacity: The 1U4200XXX supports up to four hard drives, allowing for a large storage capacity. This is important for storing a large collection of media files such as movies, TV shows, music, and photos.
    2. RAID support: The NAS supports various RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, and JBOD. RAID provides data redundancy and improves performance, ensuring the safety and accessibility of your media files.
    3. HDMI output: The NAS has an HDMI port, allowing you to connect it directly to a TV or monitor. This enables you to play media files directly from the NAS to your display without the need for an additional media player.
    4. Media server functionality: The Thecus 1U4200XXX has built-in media server software that supports popular media streaming protocols such as DLNA, UPnP, and iTunes. This allows you to stream your media files to compatible devices such as smart TVs, game consoles, and media players.
    5. Transcoding capability: The NAS is capable of transcoding media files on-the-fly. This means it can convert media files to a suitable format and resolution for playback on different devices. This is particularly useful if your media files are in a format not natively supported by your playback device.
    6. Remote access and mobile apps: The Thecus NAS comes with mobile apps for iOS and Android devices, allowing you to access your media files remotely. You can stream or download media files to your mobile device, making it convenient to enjoy your media collection on the go.
    7. Backup and synchronization: The NAS provides various backup and synchronization options to protect your media files. You can schedule automatic backups to external drives or cloud storage services, ensuring your media is safe from data loss.

    Overall, the Thecus 1U4200XXX offers a combination of storage capacity, media server functionality, transcoding capability, and remote access features that make it suitable for use as a media center.

  • How does the NAS Thecus 1U4200XXX handle media streaming and playback? Can it support popular media formats and provide a seamless media center experience?

    The Thecus 1U4200XXX NAS is primarily designed for data storage and backup purposes rather than media streaming and playback. It may not provide a seamless media center experience like dedicated media streaming devices or media servers.

    However, the Thecus 1U4200XXX does have some basic media server capabilities. It supports DLNA, which allows you to stream media files to DLNA-compatible devices such as smart TVs, game consoles, or media players. It can also act as an iTunes server, allowing you to stream music and videos to iTunes clients.

    In terms of media format support, it can handle popular formats like MP3, AAC, AVI, MKV, and MP4. However, it may struggle with certain high-definition or 4K formats due to its hardware limitations.

    Overall, while the Thecus 1U4200XXX NAS can handle basic media streaming and playback, it may not provide the same level of functionality and user experience as dedicated media center devices or media servers.

  • Are there any limitations or considerations to keep in mind when using the NAS Thecus 1U4200XXX as a media center, such as storage capacity, compatibility with media devices, or network connectivity requirements?

    Yes, there are several limitations and considerations to keep in mind when using the Thecus 1U4200XXX as a media center:

    1. Storage Capacity: The Thecus 1U4200XXX has a maximum storage capacity of 4 hard drives, so you need to ensure that the total storage capacity meets your requirements for storing media files. Additionally, the NAS may have limitations on the maximum individual file size it can handle.
    2. Compatibility with Media Devices: The NAS should be compatible with the media devices you plan to use for accessing and playing media files. Ensure that the media center software or apps you intend to use are supported by the NAS. Also, check if the NAS supports popular media formats like MP4, MKV, AVI, etc., to ensure compatibility with your media files.
    3. Network Connectivity: The Thecus 1U4200XXX requires a stable network connection to stream media files to your devices. Ensure that your network infrastructure, including routers and switches, can handle the required bandwidth for streaming media without interruptions or buffering issues.
    4. Network Speed: The speed of your network connection will impact the performance of media streaming from the NAS. If you plan to stream high-definition or 4K content, a fast and reliable network connection (such as Gigabit Ethernet) is recommended to ensure smooth playback.
    5. Transcoding Limitations: Some media devices may require transcoding of media files to a compatible format or resolution. The Thecus 1U4200XXX may have limitations on its transcoding capabilities, so ensure it can handle the required transcoding tasks if necessary.
    6. User Interface: The user interface and ease of use of the NAS's media center software should be considered. Ensure that the software is intuitive and user-friendly to make the media browsing and playback experience enjoyable.
    7. Software Updates and Support: Check the availability of software updates and ongoing support from Thecus for the NAS model you plan to use as a media center. Regular updates can bring new features, bug fixes, and security enhancements.

    It is advisable to thoroughly research and review the specifications, user manuals, and user experiences of the Thecus 1U4200XXX NAS before using it as a media center to ensure it meets your specific requirements.

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