RAID Array Recovery on NAS Thecus N4100PRO: Steps to Recover Your Data When It Breaks

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 N4100PRO: Steps to Recover Your Data When It Breaks

Thecus N4100PRO NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from N4100PRO.

RAID Array Recovery on NAS Thecus N4100PRO: Steps to Recover Your Data 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 specific network security measures to implement for safeguarding NAS Thecus N4100PRO devices against data loss?

Yes, there are several network security measures that can be implemented to safeguard NAS Thecus N4100PRO devices against data loss. Here are some important ones:

  1. Secure Passwords: Ensure that strong and unique passwords are used for all user accounts, including the administrator account. Avoid using default or easily guessable passwords.
  2. Firmware Updates: Regularly update the firmware of the NAS device to ensure that it has the latest security patches and bug fixes. Check the manufacturer's website for updates.
  3. Firewall Configuration: Enable and configure a firewall on the NAS device to restrict unauthorized access to the network. Only allow necessary services and ports to be accessible from the internet.
  4. User Access Control: Implement proper user access control by assigning appropriate permissions and access levels to different users. Restrict access to sensitive data and folders.
  5. Network Segmentation: Segment your network and place the NAS device in a separate network segment, isolated from other sensitive systems. This helps to minimize the impact of a potential breach.
  6. Encryption: Enable data encryption on the NAS device to protect the data stored on it. This ensures that even if the device is stolen or compromised, the data remains unreadable.
  7. Backup and Disaster Recovery: Regularly backup the data stored on the NAS device to an off-site location or another NAS device. Implement a proper disaster recovery plan to ensure data can be restored in case of data loss or device failure.
  8. Antivirus and Malware Protection: Install and regularly update antivirus and anti-malware software on the NAS device to detect and prevent any malicious software or files from infecting the device.
  9. Disable Unused Services: Disable any unnecessary services or protocols on the NAS device to minimize potential attack vectors. Only enable the services that are required for your specific use case.
  10. Regular Monitoring and Auditing: Monitor the NAS device for any suspicious activity or unauthorized access attempts. Enable logging and regularly review the logs for any security incidents.

It is important to note that these measures should be implemented in conjunction with other network security best practices to ensure comprehensive protection against data loss and unauthorized access.

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

Although NAS N4100PRO 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 N4100PRO. 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

N4100PRO has 4 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

  • RAID 0;
  • RAID 1;
  • RAID 5;
  • RAID 6;
  • RAID 10;
  • 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 N4100PRO 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 N4100PRO, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Charley Beddington
    Charley Beddington 14.09.2023 12:49 #
    Will data recovery from a NAS Thecus N4100PRO device affect the existing data?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 14.09.2023 14:00 #

      Data recovery from a NAS device should not affect the existing data if it is done correctly. However, it is always recommended to take precautions and ensure that you have a backup of your data before attempting any data recovery process. In some cases, improper recovery attempts or using unreliable recovery tools can cause data loss or corruption. It is advisable to consult with a professional data recovery service or seek guidance from Thecus support to ensure a safe and successful data recovery process.

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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 supported network protocols on the NAS Thecus N4100PRO?

    The Thecus N4100PRO supports the following network protocols:

    1. TCP/IP (IPv4 and IPv6)
    2. CIFS/SMB (Samba)
    3. AFP (Apple File Protocol)
    4. NFS (Network File System)
    5. FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
    6. TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol)
    7. HTTP/HTTPS (Web-based file access)
    8. SSH (Secure Shell)
    9. SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)
    10. NTP (Network Time Protocol)
    11. iSCSI (Internet Small Computer System Interface)
    12. UPnP (Universal Plug and Play)
    13. Bonjour (Zero-configuration networking)
    14. DDNS (Dynamic Domain Name System)
    15. VLAN (Virtual LAN)
    16. Link Aggregation (802.3ad)
    17. Jumbo Frame (up to 9K MTU)
  • How do you configure network protocols on the NAS Thecus N4100PRO?

    To configure network protocols on Thecus N4100PRO NAS, follow these steps:

    1. Connect your NAS to the network using an Ethernet cable and power it on.
    2. Open a web browser on your computer and enter the IP address of the NAS in the address bar. The default IP address is usually "192.168.1.100" or "192.168.1.102". Press Enter.
    3. Login to the NAS using your administrator username and password.
    4. Once logged in, navigate to the "Network" or "Network Services" section in the NAS management interface.
    5. Look for the "Protocols" or "Network Protocols" tab and click on it.
    6. Here, you will find various network protocols such as TCP/IP, FTP, SMB, NFS, etc. Enable or disable the protocols as per your requirement by checking or unchecking the corresponding checkboxes.
    7. Configure the settings for each protocol if necessary. For example, if you enable FTP, you may need to set the FTP port, enable anonymous access, specify user access rights, etc.
    8. Save the changes and exit the network protocol settings.
    9. Restart the NAS for the changes to take effect.

    Note: The exact steps and options may vary depending on the specific firmware version of the Thecus N4100PRO NAS. It is recommended to refer to the user manual or documentation provided by Thecus for detailed instructions on configuring network protocols.

  • Can the NAS Thecus N4100PRO support multiple network protocols simultaneously?

    Yes, the NAS Thecus N4100PRO can support multiple network protocols simultaneously. It supports protocols such as SMB/CIFS, AFP, NFS, FTP, HTTP, and more. This allows for flexibility in accessing and sharing data across different devices and operating systems.

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