RAID Array Recovery on NAS Thecus N3200: How to Handle a Breakdown

Facing a broken ⭐ NAS RAID array? Follow these steps to recover your data and restore system performance.

RAID Array Recovery on NAS Thecus N3200: How to Handle a Breakdown

Thecus N3200 NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from N3200.

RAID Array Recovery on NAS Thecus N3200: How to Handle a Breakdown

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 regular system monitoring and alerting help in early detection and prevention of data loss events on NAS Thecus N3200 devices?

Regular system monitoring and alerting can help in early detection and prevention of data loss events on NAS Thecus N3200 devices in the following ways:

  1. Monitoring Disk Health: Regular monitoring of the NAS device's disks can help identify any potential issues such as bad sectors or imminent disk failures. By using disk monitoring tools, you can receive alerts when disk health deteriorates, allowing you to take immediate action to replace the failing disk and prevent data loss.
  2. RAID Array Monitoring: The Thecus N3200 supports various RAID configurations. Monitoring the RAID array's status is crucial to ensure data redundancy and protection. Regular monitoring can help detect any degraded or failed RAID arrays, enabling you to rebuild or replace the faulty disks promptly and prevent data loss.
  3. Network Traffic Monitoring: Monitoring network traffic on the NAS device can help identify any unusual or suspicious activities that may indicate unauthorized access attempts or data breaches. By setting up alerts for abnormal network behavior, you can detect potential security threats early on and take necessary measures to prevent data loss.
  4. File System Monitoring: Monitoring the file system on the NAS device can help detect any corruption or errors that may lead to data loss. Regularly checking the integrity of the file system and receiving alerts for any inconsistencies can help you take corrective actions before data loss occurs.
  5. Backup Monitoring: If you have implemented a backup strategy for your NAS device, monitoring the backup process is essential. Regularly verifying the success of backups and receiving alerts for failed or incomplete backups can help ensure that your data is adequately protected and can be restored in case of data loss events.
  6. Temperature and Environmental Monitoring: Monitoring the temperature and environmental conditions of the NAS device can help prevent data loss caused by overheating or other environmental factors. By setting up alerts for abnormal temperature levels or environmental conditions, you can take preventive actions such as improving ventilation or relocating the device to a cooler area.

By implementing regular system monitoring and alerting on your Thecus N3200 NAS device, you can proactively identify and address potential issues that may lead to data loss, minimizing the risk of data loss events and ensuring the safety of your data.

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

Although NAS N3200 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 N3200. 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

N3200 has 3 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • RAID 0;
  • RAID 1;
  • RAID 5;
  • 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 N3200 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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We will be happy to answer your questions!

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 N3200, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Cole Camidge
    Cole Camidge 14.09.2023 17:45 #
    Can data recovery from a NAS Thecus N3200 device be done if the device is experiencing intermittent connectivity issues?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 14.09.2023 18:59 #

      Yes, data recovery from a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device like Thecus N3200 can be possible even if the device is experiencing intermittent connectivity issues. However, the success of the data recovery process would depend on the specific nature of the connectivity issues and the extent of damage to the device.

      Here are a few steps you can take to attempt data recovery:

      1. Troubleshoot Connectivity Issues: Try to diagnose and fix the intermittent connectivity issues. Ensure that the network cables are securely connected, check the network settings, and restart the device. If possible, try connecting the NAS to a different network port or router.
      2. Use Data Recovery Software: If the connectivity issues persist, you can try using data recovery software. Connect the NAS to a computer using a USB cable or remove the hard drives from the NAS and connect them to a computer directly. Then, use data recovery software like Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, or Disk Drill to scan the drives and recover the lost data.
      3. Seek Professional Help: If the above steps don't work or if the data is critical, it is advisable to seek professional data recovery services. There are specialized data recovery companies that can handle NAS devices and recover data even from physically damaged drives. They have the expertise and tools required to recover data from complex storage systems.

      Remember to avoid further writes or modifications to the NAS drives to prevent overwriting any recoverable 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 key features and benefits of using the NAS Thecus N3200 for centralized photo management?

    The key features and benefits of using the NAS Thecus N3200 for centralized photo management are:

    1. Storage Capacity: The Thecus N3200 offers up to 6TB of storage capacity, allowing you to store a large number of photos in one centralized location.
    2. RAID Support: The NAS supports various RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, and JBOD, providing data redundancy and protection against drive failures.
    3. Easy File Management: The N3200 comes with a user-friendly web-based interface that allows you to easily organize and manage your photo files. You can create folders, move files, and rename them with just a few clicks.
    4. Remote Access: With the N3200, you can access your photo collection from anywhere using a web browser or mobile app. This allows you to share your photos with others or access them while on the go.
    5. Data Backup: The NAS supports scheduled backups, allowing you to automatically back up your photo collection to external drives or cloud storage services. This ensures that your photos are safe and protected in case of any unforeseen events.
    6. Multimedia Support: The Thecus N3200 supports various multimedia formats, including popular photo formats like JPEG, PNG, and RAW. You can view your photos directly from the NAS or stream them to compatible devices like smart TVs or media players.
    7. Data Security: The N3200 offers advanced security features such as AES 256-bit encryption, firewall protection, and user access controls. This ensures that your photo collection is secure and only accessible to authorized users.
    8. Energy Efficiency: The NAS is designed to be energy-efficient, consuming less power compared to traditional desktop computers or servers. This helps to reduce electricity costs and minimize your environmental footprint.

    Overall, the Thecus N3200 provides a reliable and convenient solution for centralized photo management, offering ample storage capacity, easy file organization, remote access, data backup, and enhanced security features.

  • How does the NAS Thecus N3200 facilitate the organization, storage, and accessibility of photos in a centralized manner?

    The NAS Thecus N3200 facilitates the organization, storage, and accessibility of photos in a centralized manner through several features:

    1. Storage Capacity: The N3200 is a Network Attached Storage device that provides ample storage capacity for photos. It typically comes with multiple hard drive bays, allowing users to install multiple drives and create a RAID configuration for data redundancy and increased storage capacity.
    2. Centralized Storage: By connecting the N3200 to a local network, it becomes a centralized storage solution for all photos. Users can upload their photos directly to the NAS, eliminating the need to store them on individual devices or external hard drives. This ensures that all photos are stored in one location, making it easier to manage and access them.
    3. File Organization: The N3200 offers various file organization features to help users categorize and arrange their photos. It supports folder structures, allowing users to create separate folders for different events, dates, or categories. This enables users to keep their photos organized and easily locate specific images when needed.
    4. Remote Access: The N3200 provides remote access capabilities, allowing users to access their photos from anywhere with an internet connection. Users can use a web browser or dedicated mobile apps to connect to the NAS and browse through their photo collection. This enables easy sharing and access to photos even when users are away from their physical storage device.
    5. Multimedia Features: The N3200 also offers multimedia features to enhance the accessibility and viewing experience of photos. It supports various media streaming protocols, such as DLNA and UPnP, allowing users to stream their photos directly to compatible devices like smart TVs or media players. Additionally, the NAS may also have built-in photo viewing applications or integrations with popular photo management software, making it easier to view and manage photos.

    Overall, the NAS Thecus N3200 provides a centralized and efficient solution for storing, organizing, and accessing photos. It eliminates the need for scattered storage devices and allows users to easily manage and share their photo collection from a single location.

  • Can you provide examples of how the NAS Thecus N3200 enhances photo management workflows and simplifies the process of sharing and collaborating on photos within a centralized system?

    Certainly! The NAS Thecus N3200 enhances photo management workflows and simplifies the process of sharing and collaborating on photos within a centralized system in the following ways:

    1. Centralized Storage: The N3200 provides a centralized storage solution for all your photos, eliminating the need to store them on multiple devices or external hard drives. This ensures that all photos are easily accessible from a single location.
    2. Easy File Organization: With the N3200, you can create folders and subfolders to organize your photos in a logical manner. This makes it simple to categorize and find specific photos when needed.
    3. User Access Control: The N3200 allows you to set user access permissions, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access and modify the photo collection. This feature is particularly useful when collaborating with others, as you can control who can view, edit, or delete photos.
    4. Remote Access: The N3200 supports remote access, allowing you to access your photo collection from anywhere with an internet connection. This is especially beneficial when you need to share or collaborate on photos with individuals who are not physically present.
    5. Photo Sharing: The N3200 provides various methods for sharing photos. You can generate shareable links to specific photos or albums, making it easy to share them with others via email or messaging apps. Additionally, you can create user accounts for individuals who frequently collaborate on photos, enabling them to access the collection directly.
    6. Version Control: The N3200 offers version control capabilities, which means you can keep track of changes made to photos over time. This is particularly useful when collaborating on editing projects, as you can easily revert to previous versions if needed.
    7. Backup and Sync: The N3200 allows you to schedule automatic backups of your photo collection to an external storage device or cloud service. This ensures that your photos are safely stored and protected from data loss. Additionally, you can sync your photo collection with other devices, such as smartphones or tablets, to access them on the go.

    Overall, the NAS Thecus N3200 streamlines photo management workflows by providing a centralized, secure, and accessible system for storing, organizing, sharing, and collaborating on photos.

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