- 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?
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.
What are the risks of data loss due to firmware or software malfunctions in NAS Thecus N0204 miniNAS devices?
There are several risks of data loss due to firmware or software malfunctions in NAS Thecus N0204 miniNAS devices:
- Corrupted firmware: If the firmware of the NAS device becomes corrupted or fails to update properly, it can lead to data loss. This can happen during firmware upgrades or due to bugs or glitches in the firmware.
- Software bugs or glitches: The software running on the NAS device may have bugs or glitches that can cause data loss. These issues can result in data corruption, file system errors, or even complete loss of data.
- Incompatibility with third-party software: If the NAS device is not compatible with certain third-party software or applications, it can lead to data loss. This can happen if the software is not properly integrated with the NAS or if there are compatibility issues between the two.
- Hardware failure during firmware or software operations: There is always a risk of hardware failure during firmware or software operations. If the NAS device experiences a hardware failure, such as a power outage or a faulty component, it can result in data loss.
- Human error during firmware or software operations: If the firmware or software is not properly installed, configured, or operated by the user, it can lead to data loss. Human errors, such as accidental deletion of files or misconfiguration of settings, can result in irreversible data loss.
To mitigate these risks, it is important to regularly update the firmware of the NAS device, ensure compatibility with third-party software, maintain proper backups of the data, and follow best practices for data management and security.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS N0204 miniNAS 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:
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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.
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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.
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Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.
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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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Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Thecus N0204 miniNAS. 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.
How to recover data from a Thecus
N0204 miniNAS has 2 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:
- RAID 0;
- RAID 1;
- 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:
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Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.
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Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.
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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.
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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 Thecus N0204 miniNAS 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 |
It is possible to recover data from a physically damaged NAS device, but it depends on the extent of the damage. If the internal components or hard drives are damaged, it may require professional data recovery services.
In the case of a fall or impact, the first step would be to assess the physical damage. If the device's casing is cracked or broken, it may be necessary to replace it before attempting any data recovery. If the hard drives are damaged, they may need to be repaired or replaced as well.
If the physical damage is limited to the external casing and the hard drives are intact, it may be possible to remove the drives and connect them to a computer or another NAS device to recover the data. However, it is recommended to consult with a professional data recovery service to ensure the best chance of successful recovery and to avoid further damage to the drives.