- 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.
Can remote access to NAS Thecus N12000 devices pose additional data loss risks?
Remote access to NAS Thecus N12000 devices can potentially pose additional data loss risks if proper security measures are not in place. Here are some potential risks:
- Unauthorized access: If remote access is not properly secured, it can provide an entry point for hackers or unauthorized users to gain access to the NAS device. They may be able to delete or modify data, or even steal sensitive information.
- Weak passwords: Weak or easily guessable passwords can make it easier for attackers to gain unauthorized access to the NAS device. It is important to use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication if available.
- Network vulnerabilities: If the network used for remote access is not secure, it can expose the NAS device to various network-based attacks, such as man-in-the-middle attacks or packet sniffing. This can lead to data interception or unauthorized access.
- Malware and ransomware attacks: If a remote user's device is infected with malware or ransomware, it can potentially spread to the NAS device when connected remotely. This can result in data encryption, deletion, or other forms of damage.
- Data transfer issues: Remote access relies on network connectivity, and any interruptions or issues during data transfer can result in data loss or corruption. Unstable or unreliable internet connections can increase the risk of data loss during remote access.
To mitigate these risks, it is important to follow best practices for securing remote access to NAS devices:
- Enable strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
- Regularly update the NAS firmware and software to patch any security vulnerabilities.
- Implement secure remote access protocols, such as VPN (Virtual Private Network).
- Use encryption for data transfer, such as SSL/TLS.
- Restrict remote access to authorized users only.
- Monitor and log remote access activities for any suspicious behavior.
- Regularly backup data from the NAS device to an off-site location to protect against data loss.
By implementing these security measures, the additional data loss risks associated with remote access to NAS Thecus N12000 devices can be minimized.
How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
Although NAS N12000 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 N12000. 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
N12000 has 12 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:
- RAID 0;
- RAID 1;
- RAID 5;
- RAID 6;
- RAID 50;
- RAID 60;
- 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:
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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 N12000 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 |
Yes, data recovery from a NAS Thecus N12000 device can be performed even if there are issues with the operating system or firmware. In such cases, the data recovery process typically involves connecting the hard drives from the NAS device to a separate computer and using specialized data recovery software to recover the files and folders. This method bypasses any issues with the operating system or firmware of the NAS device and allows direct access to the underlying storage media. However, it is recommended to consult with a professional data recovery service to ensure the best chance of successful recovery and to avoid further data loss.