Steps to Recover Your NAS Thecus N299 RAID Array: Recovery Tips When It Breaks

If your ⭐ NAS RAID array breaks, follow these steps to recover your data and get your system running smoothly.

Steps to Recover Your NAS Thecus N299 RAID Array: Recovery Tips When It Breaks

Thecus N299 NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from N299.

Steps to Recover Your NAS Thecus N299 RAID Array: Recovery Tips When It Breaks

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.

Are there any known limitations or performance bottlenecks that can increase data loss risks for NAS Thecus N299 devices?

There are a few known limitations and performance bottlenecks that can potentially increase data loss risks for Thecus N299 NAS devices:

  1. Hardware limitations: The Thecus N299 is equipped with a Marvell 88F6281 processor, which has a relatively low processing power compared to more advanced NAS devices. This can result in slower data transfer speeds and potentially affect the device's overall performance.
  2. Lack of redundancy: The N299 is a 2-bay NAS device, meaning it can only accommodate two hard drives for data storage. Without a RAID configuration or any redundancy mechanism, if one drive fails, there is a higher risk of data loss. It is recommended to use a RAID configuration or implement regular backups to mitigate this risk.
  3. Limited memory: The N299 typically comes with 256MB of RAM, which may limit its ability to handle multiple concurrent tasks or large file transfers. This can impact the overall performance and potentially increase the risk of data loss during intensive operations.
  4. Compatibility issues: Some users have reported compatibility issues with certain hard drive models or firmware versions, which can lead to data corruption or loss. It is recommended to check for firmware updates and ensure compatibility with the specific hard drives being used.
  5. Network limitations: The N299 has a 10/100 Ethernet port, which may limit the network transfer speeds. This can potentially result in slower data transfers and increase the risk of data loss if the network connection becomes a bottleneck.

To minimize data loss risks, it is advisable to regularly backup data, implement a RAID configuration for redundancy, keep the firmware up to date, and ensure compatibility with recommended hardware components.

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

Although NAS N299 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 N299. 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

How to recover data from a Thecus

N299 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 N299 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 N299, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Charlton Blackett-Ord
    Charlton Blackett-Ord 14.09.2023 17:39 #
    How to make backup for NAS Thecus N299?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 14.09.2023 19:00 #

      To make a backup for Thecus N299 NAS, you can follow these steps:

      1. Connect an external storage device (such as a USB drive or external hard drive) to one of the USB ports on the NAS.
      2. Log in to the Thecus N299 NAS web interface using your admin credentials.
      3. Navigate to the "Backup" section or "External Devices" section, depending on the firmware version of your NAS.
      4. Select the external storage device you connected in step 1 from the list of available devices.
      5. Choose the folders or files you want to back up from the NAS. You can select specific folders or choose to back up the entire NAS.
      6. Configure the backup settings, such as backup frequency (daily, weekly, etc.), backup type (full backup, incremental backup, etc.), and backup destination (the external storage device).
      7. Set up a schedule for the backup job if desired. You can choose to run the backup job immediately or schedule it to run at specific times.
      8. Review the backup settings and click on the "Start Backup" or "Apply" button to initiate the backup process.
      9. Wait for the backup process to complete. The time required will depend on the size of the data being backed up.
      10. Once the backup is finished, verify the backup files on the external storage device to ensure they are complete and accessible.

      By following these steps, you should be able to create a backup for your Thecus N299 NAS. It is recommended to periodically check and update the backup to ensure the safety of your data.

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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

  • What are the recommended methods for data backup on Thecus N299 NAS?

    There are several recommended methods for data backup on Thecus N299 NAS:

    1. RAID Configuration: The N299 NAS supports various RAID configurations (RAID 0, 1, JBOD) which provide data redundancy and protection against drive failures. By setting up RAID, you can ensure that your data is automatically backed up and distributed across multiple drives.
    2. Local Backup: The N299 NAS has built-in backup software that allows you to schedule automatic backups of your data to external USB drives or other storage devices connected to the NAS. You can choose to perform full backups or incremental backups to save time and storage space.
    3. Remote Backup: The N299 NAS supports remote backup to other NAS devices or cloud storage services. You can set up scheduled backups to a remote NAS located in a different physical location, ensuring that your data is protected in case of a disaster or physical damage to the primary NAS.
    4. Snapshot Technology: The N299 NAS supports snapshot technology, which allows you to take point-in-time copies of your data. Snapshots can be useful for quickly recovering from accidental file deletions or modifications.
    5. Third-Party Backup Software: Thecus N299 NAS is compatible with various third-party backup software solutions. You can use software like Acronis True Image, Veeam Backup, or others to create customized backup plans and perform more advanced backup and recovery operations.

    It is recommended to use a combination of these methods to ensure comprehensive data backup and protection on Thecus N299 NAS.

  • How can I schedule automatic backups on Thecus N299 NAS to ensure regular data protection?

    To schedule automatic backups on Thecus N299 NAS, you can follow these steps:

    1. Log in to the Thecus N299 NAS web interface using your admin credentials.
    2. Navigate to the "Backup" section or "Backup Manager" in the menu.
    3. Click on "Create" or "Add" to start creating a new backup task.
    4. Select the source folder or files that you want to back up. You can choose specific folders or select the entire NAS volume.
    5. Choose the destination for the backup. It can be another NAS, an external USB drive, or a remote server using protocols like FTP, SFTP, or Rsync.
    6. Set the backup schedule. You can choose to run the backup task daily, weekly, monthly, or at a specific time interval.
    7. Configure any additional backup options, such as compression, encryption, or incremental backups.
    8. Review the settings and click on "Apply" or "Save" to create the backup task.
    9. The backup task will now run automatically based on the schedule you set. You can monitor the progress and check the backup logs in the "Backup" section of the web interface.

    Note: The specific steps and options may vary slightly depending on the firmware version of your Thecus N299 NAS. It is recommended to refer to the user manual or documentation provided by Thecus for detailed instructions.

  • Are there any specific considerations or best practices for backing up data on Thecus N299 NAS to ensure maximum reliability and recoverability in case of a system failure?

    Yes, there are several considerations and best practices to ensure maximum reliability and recoverability when backing up data on Thecus N299 NAS. Here are some recommendations:

    1. Use RAID: Configure your NAS with a RAID level that suits your needs. RAID provides redundancy and helps protect against data loss in case of a hard drive failure.
    2. Regular backups: Implement a regular backup schedule to ensure that critical data is backed up frequently. This can be done using the built-in backup features of the NAS or through third-party backup software.
    3. Offsite backups: It is recommended to store a copy of your data offsite, preferably in a different location. This protects against disasters like fire, flood, or theft that could affect the NAS and the local backups.
    4. Multiple backup destinations: Consider backing up your data to multiple destinations, such as external hard drives, cloud storage, or another NAS. This provides an additional layer of redundancy and increases the chances of recoverability.
    5. Test backups regularly: Perform periodic tests to verify the integrity and recoverability of your backups. This ensures that you can restore your data successfully in case of a system failure.
    6. Encryption: If your data contains sensitive or confidential information, consider enabling encryption for your backups. This adds an extra layer of security and protects against unauthorized access.
    7. Document your backup strategy: Maintain documentation of your backup strategy, including the schedule, destinations, and any encryption or compression settings. This documentation will be helpful in case you need to restore your data or make changes to the backup setup.
    8. Monitor your NAS: Regularly monitor the health and performance of your NAS. This can be done through the NAS management interface, which provides information about hard drive health, system temperature, and other important metrics. Monitoring helps identify potential issues early and take appropriate actions to prevent data loss.

    By following these considerations and best practices, you can ensure maximum reliability and recoverability when backing up data on Thecus N299 NAS.

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