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

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Thecus N2810 (v2)
• How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
  • Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images
  • Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?
  • RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison

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.

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 Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC

Although the NAS N2810 (v2) 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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Label each hard disk according to its position inside the NAS. The order of the drives is crucial for correct RAID reconstruction.

4. 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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   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

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

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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;

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:

1. Ensure you have enough free space to store the image. Its size will typically match the size of the original disk.

2. In the main window, select the target disk and choose Tools - Save Disk. You can also select multiple disks if needed.

3. 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.

   

4. 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 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.

RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison