Preventing Data Loss on NAS Thecus N4510U and Recovering Deleted Files: Advanced Tips

Protect ⭐ NAS data with RAID setups and backup schedules to recover deleted files and avoid data loss.

Preventing Data Loss on NAS Thecus N4510U and Recovering Deleted Files: Advanced Tips

Thecus N4510U NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from N4510U.

Preventing Data Loss on NAS Thecus N4510U and Recovering Deleted Files: Advanced Tips

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 data redundancy techniques such as mirroring or replication enhance data availability and protect against loss on NAS Thecus N4510U devices?

Data redundancy techniques such as mirroring or replication can enhance data availability and protect against loss on NAS Thecus N4510U devices in the following ways:

  1. Mirroring: Mirroring, also known as RAID 1, involves creating an exact copy (mirror) of data on multiple drives. In the case of Thecus N4510U, it supports RAID 1 configuration. If one drive fails, the mirrored drive can take over seamlessly, ensuring uninterrupted access to data. This redundancy technique enhances data availability as the system can continue to function even if one drive fails.
  2. Replication: Replication involves creating multiple copies of data on different NAS devices or locations. Thecus N4510U supports various replication methods such as Rsync, real-time remote replication (RTRR), and cloud backup. By replicating data to another NAS device or off-site location, it provides an additional layer of protection against data loss. If one NAS device fails, the replicated data can be accessed from the backup location, ensuring data availability.
  3. Hot-Swappable Drives: The Thecus N4510U supports hot-swappable drives, which means that failed drives can be replaced without shutting down the system. This feature enhances data availability by reducing downtime during drive replacement and ensuring continuous access to data.
  4. Data Recovery: In the event of data loss or corruption, Thecus N4510U devices provide data recovery mechanisms. These include features like snapshot backup, which allows you to restore data to a previous point in time, and data recovery software like Thecus Data Guard, which helps recover lost or accidentally deleted files.
  5. High Availability (HA): The Thecus N4510U supports High Availability (HA) clustering, where two identical NAS devices are connected to provide redundancy. If one NAS fails, the other takes over seamlessly, ensuring uninterrupted access to data. This redundancy technique enhances data availability by eliminating single points of failure.

Overall, by implementing data redundancy techniques like mirroring, replication, hot-swappable drives, data recovery mechanisms, and High Availability clustering, Thecus N4510U devices can enhance data availability, protect against loss, and ensure continuous access to critical data.

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

Although NAS N4510U 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 N4510U. 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

N4510U 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 N4510U 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 N4510U, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Wayne Haigh
    Wayne Haigh 13.09.2023 18:48 #
    Is it possible to recover data from a NAS Thecus N4510U device that has been affected by a file system corruption or partition error?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 13.09.2023 19:00 #

      Yes, it is possible to recover data from a NAS device that has been affected by file system corruption or partition errors. However, the success of data recovery depends on the extent of the damage and the actions taken to recover the data.

      Here are some steps you can take to attempt data recovery from a NAS device:

      1. Disconnect the affected NAS device from the network and power source to prevent further damage.
      2. Do not attempt to repair the file system or partition errors yourself, as this may lead to further data loss. Seek professional help or consult the manufacturer's support team for guidance.
      3. If you have a backup of the data stored on the NAS, restore the data from the backup. This is the easiest and safest way to recover your data.
      4. If you don't have a backup, consider using data recovery software specifically designed for NAS devices. These tools can help recover data from corrupt or inaccessible file systems. However, be cautious while using such software, as improper use can lead to permanent data loss.
      5. If software-based recovery methods fail, you may need to consult a professional data recovery service. They have specialized tools and expertise to recover data from physically damaged NAS devices or severely corrupted file systems.

      Remember, it is always recommended to have a backup of your important data to avoid such situations.

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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 advantages of using a NAS Thecus N4510U compared to regular external hard drives for data storage and backup?

    There are several advantages of using a NAS (Network Attached Storage) like Thecus N4510U compared to regular external hard drives for data storage and backup:

    1. Centralized storage: A NAS provides a centralized storage solution that can be accessed by multiple devices simultaneously. It acts as a file server, allowing multiple users to access and share files over a network, making it ideal for small businesses or homes with multiple devices.
    2. Network accessibility: Unlike external hard drives, a NAS is connected to the network, allowing users to access their files from any device connected to the same network. This makes it convenient for remote access and sharing files with others.
    3. Scalability: NAS devices generally offer multiple drive bays, allowing for easy expansion of storage capacity. You can start with a few drives and add more as your storage needs grow, without the need to purchase additional external hard drives.
    4. Redundancy and data protection: NAS devices often support RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations, which provide data redundancy and protection against drive failures. With RAID, your data is spread across multiple drives, and even if one drive fails, your data remains accessible and can be recovered.
    5. Advanced features: NAS devices like Thecus N4510U often come with advanced features such as automated backups, remote access, media streaming, and support for various applications like file syncing, cloud integration, and surveillance systems. These features enhance the functionality and usability of the NAS, making it more than just a storage device.
    6. Data sharing and collaboration: NAS devices allow easy file sharing and collaboration among users. You can set up user permissions, create shared folders, and control access to files, making it efficient for collaborative work environments.
    7. Energy efficiency: NAS devices are designed to be energy-efficient, consuming less power compared to running multiple external hard drives. This not only reduces electricity costs but also contributes to a greener environment.

    Overall, a NAS like Thecus N4510U offers a more robust and feature-rich solution for data storage and backup compared to regular external hard drives. It provides centralized storage, network accessibility, scalability, data protection, advanced features, and efficient data sharing, making it a preferred choice for many individuals and businesses.

  • How does the NAS Thecus N4510U provide better data security and accessibility compared to traditional external hard drives?

    The NAS Thecus N4510U provides better data security and accessibility compared to traditional external hard drives in several ways:

    1. RAID Support: The N4510U supports various RAID configurations (RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and JBOD), which allows for data redundancy and protection against drive failures. In case of a drive failure, the data can be rebuilt from the remaining drives without any loss.
    2. Centralized Storage: The NAS acts as a central storage hub, allowing multiple users to access and share files simultaneously. This eliminates the need for transferring files between individual external hard drives, reducing the risk of data loss or inconsistency.
    3. User Access Control: The N4510U offers user access control features, allowing administrators to set permissions and restrictions on who can access specific files and folders. This ensures that sensitive data is only accessible to authorized individuals, enhancing data security.
    4. Data Encryption: The NAS supports data encryption, which means that the stored data is encrypted and can only be accessed with the correct decryption key. This provides an additional layer of security, especially in case of theft or unauthorized physical access to the NAS.
    5. Remote Access: With the N4510U, users can access their data remotely over the internet. This allows for easy file sharing and access from anywhere, without the need to physically connect the external hard drive to a computer.
    6. Backup Solutions: The NAS offers various backup solutions, including scheduled backups, incremental backups, and cloud backups. These features ensure that data is regularly backed up and can be easily restored in case of accidental deletion, hardware failure, or other data loss scenarios.

    Overall, the NAS Thecus N4510U provides better data security and accessibility compared to traditional external hard drives by offering features like RAID support, centralized storage, user access control, data encryption, remote access, and backup solutions.

  • In what ways does the NAS Thecus N4510U offer enhanced performance and scalability over regular external hard drives for business or personal use?

    The NAS Thecus N4510U offers several ways in which it provides enhanced performance and scalability over regular external hard drives for both business and personal use:

    1. Network Attached Storage (NAS) Functionality: Unlike regular external hard drives, the Thecus N4510U is a dedicated NAS device. It connects to the network, allowing multiple users to access and share data simultaneously. This enables seamless collaboration and file sharing within a business environment.
    2. RAID Support: The Thecus N4510U supports various RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, and JBOD. RAID provides data redundancy, improved performance, and increased storage capacity by combining multiple hard drives into a single logical unit. Regular external hard drives do not offer RAID functionality.
    3. Higher Storage Capacity: The Thecus N4510U is designed to accommodate multiple hard drives, allowing for higher storage capacities compared to regular external hard drives. It can support up to four hard drives, providing potentially terabytes of storage space for business or personal use.
    4. Advanced Data Management Features: The Thecus N4510U offers a range of advanced data management features, such as snapshot backups, remote replication, and cloud backup integration. These features enhance data protection, disaster recovery, and data accessibility.
    5. Centralized Management: The Thecus N4510U can be centrally managed through an intuitive web-based interface. This allows for easy configuration, monitoring, and administration of the NAS device and its connected storage. Regular external hard drives lack centralized management capabilities.
    6. Expandability and Scalability: The Thecus N4510U supports expansion through additional storage modules or expansion units. This enables businesses or individuals to easily scale up their storage capacity as their needs grow. Regular external hard drives do not offer such expandability options.
    7. Enhanced Data Security: The Thecus N4510U provides advanced security features like AES 256-bit encryption, antivirus integration, and access control. These features help protect sensitive data from unauthorized access or potential malware threats. Regular external hard drives generally lack these security measures.

    Overall, the Thecus N4510U offers superior performance, scalability, data management capabilities, and security features compared to regular external hard drives, making it a more suitable choice for business or personal use.

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