How to Prevent Data Loss on NAS Thecus N4800 and Recover Deleted Files: Pro Tips

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Thecus N4800
• 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.

How can the use of specific file-sharing protocols impact data loss risks on NAS Thecus N4800 devices?

The use of specific file-sharing protocols can have an impact on data loss risks on NAS Thecus N4800 devices in the following ways:

1. Security vulnerabilities: Different file-sharing protocols have varying levels of security. Some protocols may have known vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to the NAS device and potentially cause data loss. It is important to choose protocols that have strong security measures in place to minimize the risk of data loss.
2. Encryption: File-sharing protocols that support encryption can help protect data during transit. Encryption ensures that even if the data is intercepted, it cannot be easily understood or accessed by unauthorized individuals. Choosing protocols that support encryption can significantly reduce the risk of data loss.
3. User authentication and access control: Some file-sharing protocols offer robust user authentication and access control mechanisms. These protocols allow administrators to define user permissions and restrict access to specific files or folders. By implementing strict access controls, the risk of accidental or intentional data loss due to unauthorized access can be minimized.
4. Data integrity checks: Certain file-sharing protocols include features that verify the integrity of the transferred data. These protocols can detect and correct any errors or inconsistencies in the data, reducing the risk of data loss due to corrupted files.
5. Backup and versioning support: Some file-sharing protocols provide built-in backup and versioning support, allowing users to easily create backups of their data and restore previous versions if needed. This can be crucial in mitigating the impact of data loss events, as it provides an additional layer of protection against accidental deletions or data corruption.

Overall, choosing file-sharing protocols that prioritize security, encryption, access control, data integrity, and backup support can significantly reduce the risks of data loss on NAS Thecus N4800 devices. It is essential to carefully evaluate and select protocols that align with the specific security requirements and data protection needs of the organization.

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

Although the NAS N4800 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 N4800. 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

N4800 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;

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 N4800 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