- Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
- Key Information About the NAS Thecus N12000
- 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.
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 Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
Although the NAS N12000 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 N12000. 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
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;
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 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.
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 |
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.