- Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
- Key Information About the NAS Thecus N0204 miniNAS
- How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
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 Thecus 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.
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 Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
Although the NAS N0204 miniNAS 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:
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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.
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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.
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Label each hard disk according to its position inside the NAS. The order of the drives is crucial for correct RAID reconstruction.
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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.
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Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery
This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Thecus N0204 miniNAS. 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.
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;
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:
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Ensure you have enough free space to store the image. Its size will typically match the size of the original disk.
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In the main window, select the target disk and choose Tools - Save Disk. You can also select multiple disks if needed.
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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.
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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 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.
RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison
| Product | Operating system | RAID controller support | Supported file systems | Virtual RAID controller support | Data recovery from damaged RAID | File preview |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hetman RAID Recovery | Windows, Linux, MacOS | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, exFAT, NTFS, ReFS, APFS, HFS+, Ext4, Ext3, Ext2, ReiserFS, Btrfs, VMFS, Hikvision, XFS, UFS, ZFS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DiskInternals RAID Recovery | Windows | Yes, over 10 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
| R-Studio | Windows, Mac, Linux | Yes, over 20 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| UFS Explorer RAID Recovery | Windows, Mac, Linux | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| EaseUS Data Recovery | Windows | Yes, over 20 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
| ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery | Windows | 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.