RAID Array Recovery on NAS Thecus N2100: How to Recover When It’s Broken

Your ⭐ NAS RAID array broke? Here’s how to recover your data and restore your system to full operation.

RAID Array Recovery on NAS Thecus N2100: How to Recover When It’s Broken

Thecus N2100 NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from N2100.

RAID Array Recovery on NAS Thecus N2100: How to Recover When It’s Broken

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 the number of concurrent users or clients accessing a NAS Thecus N2100 device affect data loss risks?

The number of concurrent users or clients accessing a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device like Thecus N2100 can affect data loss risks in the following ways:

  1. Increased risk of data corruption: When multiple users access and modify files simultaneously, there is a higher chance of conflicts and data corruption. If two users try to modify the same file at the same time, it can result in data inconsistencies and potential loss.
  2. Higher network traffic: More concurrent users mean increased network traffic, which can put a strain on the NAS device and the network infrastructure. This increased load can lead to performance issues, slower response times, and potential data loss if the system becomes overwhelmed.
  3. Increased chances of accidental deletions or modifications: With more users accessing the NAS, the probability of accidental file deletions or modifications also increases. A user might mistakenly delete or overwrite important files, leading to permanent data loss if proper backup measures are not in place.
  4. Limited resources: NAS devices have finite resources like processing power, memory, and storage capacity. When multiple users access the NAS concurrently, these resources can get exhausted quickly, leading to system instability, crashes, and potential data loss.
  5. Security vulnerabilities: The more users accessing a NAS device, the more potential entry points for security breaches. If proper access controls, user permissions, and security measures are not implemented, malicious users or hackers may gain unauthorized access to the NAS and compromise or delete data.

To mitigate these risks, it is essential to:

  • Implement proper user access controls and permissions to ensure that only authorized users can access and modify files.
  • Regularly backup the data stored on the NAS to an off-site location or cloud storage to protect against accidental deletions, modifications, or hardware failures.
  • Monitor the NAS device's performance and network traffic to ensure it can handle the concurrent user load efficiently.
  • Implement security measures like firewalls, encryption, and regular firmware updates to protect against unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
  • Educate users about best practices for file sharing and data management to minimize the chances of accidental data loss.

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

Although NAS N2100 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 N2100. 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.

Go to view
How to recover data from a Thecus

How to recover data from a Thecus

N2100 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:

  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 N2100 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 N2100, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Bramwell Coe
    Bramwell Coe 14.09.2023 20:51 #
    Can data recovery from a NAS Thecus N2100 device be performed if there are issues with the network router or switch?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 14.09.2023 20:59 #

      Yes, data recovery from a NAS Thecus N2100 device can still be performed even if there are issues with the network router or switch. The NAS device itself stores the data on its hard drives, and it can be accessed directly through its own network interface. As long as the NAS device is functional and the hard drives are not damaged, data recovery can be performed by connecting the NAS directly to a computer or another network switch/router.

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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

  • How do I set up and enable support for iTunes on my Thecus N2100 NAS device?

    To set up and enable support for iTunes on your Thecus N2100 NAS device, you can follow these steps:

    1. Connect your Thecus N2100 NAS device to your network and ensure it is powered on.
    2. Access the NAS device's web interface by entering its IP address into a web browser. The default IP address is typically "192.168.1.100".
    3. Login to the web interface using your admin credentials.
    4. Navigate to the "Applications" or "Services" section of the web interface.
    5. Look for an option related to iTunes or media server support. It may be labeled as "iTunes Server," "Media Server," or something similar.
    6. Enable the iTunes or media server support option.
    7. Configure any additional settings or preferences for the iTunes server, such as setting a server name or specifying which folders or files to include in the server.
    8. Save the settings and wait for the NAS device to restart or apply the changes.
    9. Open iTunes on your computer or device and look for the NAS device under the "Shared" or "Library" section. It should appear as a separate library or server.
    10. You should now be able to access and play media files from your Thecus N2100 NAS device through iTunes.

    Note: The steps may vary slightly depending on the firmware version or specific model of your Thecus N2100 NAS device. It's recommended to consult the user manual or support documentation provided by Thecus for more detailed instructions.

  • What are the benefits and limitations of using iTunes on a Thecus N2100 NAS?

    Benefits of using iTunes on a Thecus N2100 NAS:

    1. Centralized media storage: iTunes on the NAS allows you to store all your music, movies, and TV shows in one central location, making it easy to access and stream from any device connected to the network.
    2. Multi-device synchronization: iTunes can sync your media library across multiple devices, ensuring that all your devices have the same content and playback progress.
    3. Remote access: With iTunes on the NAS, you can access your media library remotely, even when you are not at home. This allows you to stream your content from anywhere with an internet connection.
    4. Backup and redundancy: The Thecus N2100 NAS provides storage redundancy and backup options, ensuring that your media library is protected from data loss.

    Limitations of using iTunes on a Thecus N2100 NAS:

    1. Limited storage capacity: The Thecus N2100 NAS has a limited storage capacity compared to dedicated media servers or cloud storage services. Depending on your needs, you may need to upgrade or expand the storage capacity of the NAS.
    2. Performance limitations: The performance of iTunes on the NAS may be limited by the processing power and network speed of the NAS device. This could result in slower loading times or buffering when streaming media.
    3. Compatibility issues: iTunes is primarily designed for Mac and Windows operating systems. While it may be possible to access iTunes on other devices, compatibility issues may arise, especially with non-Apple devices or software.
    4. Dependency on iTunes software: To fully utilize iTunes on the Thecus N2100 NAS, you will need to have iTunes software installed on your devices. This may not be ideal for users who prefer alternative media players or streaming platforms.
    5. Lack of advanced features: Thecus N2100 NAS may not offer all the advanced features and functionalities of dedicated media servers or streaming devices. This could limit the customization options or additional features available for managing and streaming media.
  • Are there any specific requirements or compatibility issues to consider when using iTunes on a Thecus N2100 NAS?

    There are several factors to consider when using iTunes on a Thecus N2100 NAS:

    1. Compatibility: The Thecus N2100 NAS supports iTunes server functionality, allowing you to stream media files to iTunes clients on your network. However, it is important to ensure that your iTunes client is compatible with the version of iTunes server running on the NAS. Generally, it is recommended to use the latest version of iTunes on your computer.
    2. NAS Firmware: Ensure that your Thecus N2100 NAS is running the latest firmware version. The firmware updates often include bug fixes and compatibility improvements, which can enhance the overall iTunes server experience.
    3. Media File Formats: iTunes supports a wide range of audio and video file formats. However, it is important to ensure that the media files stored on your Thecus N2100 NAS are in a compatible format. iTunes supports formats like MP3, AAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, and MP4, among others. If your media files are in unsupported formats, you may need to convert them using a third-party software before adding them to iTunes.
    4. Network Configuration: To access the iTunes server on your Thecus N2100 NAS, ensure that your NAS and iTunes client are connected to the same local network. Additionally, check your network settings to ensure that there are no firewall or port forwarding restrictions that may prevent the iTunes server from being accessible.
    5. Storage Capacity: The Thecus N2100 NAS has limited storage capacity, so it is important to manage your media library size accordingly. Ensure that you have enough storage space on the NAS to accommodate your iTunes library and any future additions.

    By considering these factors and ensuring compatibility, you can use iTunes effectively on a Thecus N2100 NAS.

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