Avoiding Data Loss on NAS Thecus N2810 (v2) and Recovering Deleted Files: Practical Guide

Contents

• 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?
  • Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • Safe recovery from disk images
  • Where are user’s files stored?
  • Comparison of software for RAID recovery

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.

Are there any specific precautions to take while migrating data between NAS Thecus N2810 (v2) devices?

When migrating data between NAS Thecus N2810 (v2) devices, it is important to take some precautions to ensure a smooth and error-free process. Here are some specific precautions to consider:

1. Backup your data: Before initiating the migration process, it is crucial to create a backup of all your data. This ensures that even if something goes wrong during the migration, you will not lose any important files or information.
2. Check compatibility: Ensure that both the source and destination NAS devices are compatible in terms of firmware versions, hardware specifications, and supported features. Verify that the new NAS device supports all the features and functionalities required by your data.
3. Network stability: Make sure that your network connection is stable and reliable during the migration process. A weak or intermittent network connection can lead to data corruption or loss during the transfer.
4. Verify storage capacity: Check if the new NAS device has enough storage capacity to accommodate all your data. If the new NAS has a smaller capacity, you may need to prioritize and transfer only the most essential files or consider expanding the storage capacity before migration.
5. Plan for downtime: Migrating data between NAS devices may cause temporary service disruptions. Inform your users or clients in advance about the expected downtime and plan accordingly to minimize any inconvenience.
6. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines: Consult the official documentation or user manual provided by Thecus for specific instructions on data migration. The manufacturer may provide detailed step-by-step guidelines or tools specifically designed for migrating data between their NAS devices.
7. Test the migration: Before performing the actual migration, it is advisable to test the process using a small amount of data. This helps identify any potential issues or errors and allows you to refine your migration strategy.

By following these precautions, you can minimize the risk of data loss, ensure a smooth transition, and maintain the integrity of your data during the migration process.

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

Although NAS N2810 (v2) 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.

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   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Thecus N2810 (v2). 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.

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How to recover data from a Thecus

N2810 (v2) 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 Tools – Save 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.

   

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.

   

Where are user’s files stored?

The Thecus N2810 (v2) 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