RAID Array Recovery on NAS Thecus N5500: Best Practices for Recovery When It Breaks

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

RAID Array Recovery on NAS Thecus N5500: Best Practices for Recovery When It Breaks

Thecus N5500 NAS Data Recovery in 2024

In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to rebuild your RAID and recover data from N5500.

RAID Array Recovery on NAS Thecus N5500: Best Practices for Recovery When It Breaks

RAID Recovery™ 2.6
Recover data from damaged RAID arrays inaccessible from a computer.
Download

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 N5500 devices against data loss?

Yes, there are several network security measures that you can implement to safeguard NAS Thecus N5500 devices against data loss. Here are a few important ones:

  1. Secure Network Configuration: Ensure that your NAS device is connected to a secure network and configure proper firewall rules to restrict unauthorized access.
  2. Strong User Authentication: Enforce strong passwords for all user accounts and enable two-factor authentication if available. Regularly review and update user access permissions.
  3. Regular Firmware Updates: Keep the firmware of your NAS device up to date with the latest security patches and bug fixes. This helps protect against known vulnerabilities.
  4. Data Encryption: Enable encryption for sensitive data stored on the NAS device. This ensures that even if the device is compromised, the data remains protected.
  5. Backup and Disaster Recovery: Implement a regular backup strategy to ensure that data is regularly backed up to an off-site location. This helps in recovering data in case of device failure or data loss.
  6. Access Control: Configure access control lists (ACLs) to restrict access to the NAS device based on IP addresses, user groups, or specific users. Only allow necessary access to minimize the attack surface.
  7. Intrusion Detection and Prevention: Enable intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS) to monitor network traffic and detect any suspicious activity. This helps in identifying and mitigating potential threats.
  8. Antivirus and Malware Protection: Install and regularly update antivirus and anti-malware software on the NAS device. This helps in detecting and removing any malicious software that could compromise data.
  9. Physical Security: Ensure that the NAS device is physically secured in a locked room or cabinet, limiting physical access to authorized personnel only.
  10. Regular Monitoring and Auditing: Monitor the NAS device logs regularly for any suspicious activity. Implement an auditing system to track and review any changes made to the device's configuration or data.

Implementing these network security measures will significantly enhance the protection of your NAS Thecus N5500 devices against data loss.

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

Although NAS N5500 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 N5500. 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

N5500 has 5 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 N5500 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

Feedback

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 N5500, feel free to leave a comment!
  • Jace Madgwick
    Jace Madgwick 14.09.2023 14:42 #
    Is it possible to recover data from a NAS Thecus N5500 device that has been affected by a disk failure or spindle motor malfunction?
    • Hetman Software
      Hetman Software 14.09.2023 16:00 #

      Yes, it is possible to recover data from a NAS device that has been affected by a disk failure or spindle motor malfunction. However, the success of data recovery depends on the extent of the damage and the specific circumstances of the failure.

      In such cases, it is recommended to seek the assistance of a professional data recovery service. They have the expertise and specialized equipment to recover data from failed NAS devices. They can diagnose the issue, repair or replace the faulty components, and retrieve the data from the affected disks.

      It is important to note that attempting DIY data recovery methods or using unverified software tools may further damage the disks and make data recovery more difficult or even impossible.

Post comment
User
Leave a reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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.

Share

Questions and answers

  • What are the steps involved in using the NAS Thecus N5500 to copy data from different devices?

    To copy data from different devices using the NAS Thecus N5500, follow these steps:

    1. Connect the Thecus N5500 to your network: Connect the NAS to your router or switch using an Ethernet cable. Ensure that the NAS is powered on and connected to a power source.
    2. Access the NAS web interface: Open a web browser on a computer connected to the same network and enter the IP address of the NAS in the address bar. Press Enter to access the web interface.
    3. Log in to the NAS: Enter the username and password for the NAS. If this is your first time logging in, the default username is "admin" and the default password is also "admin." It is recommended to change the default password for security purposes.
    4. Configure the NAS: Once logged in, you will be presented with the NAS management interface. Configure the network settings, create user accounts, and set up shared folders according to your requirements. This step ensures that the NAS is ready to receive data from different devices.
    5. Connect the devices: Connect the devices from which you want to copy data to the same network as the NAS. Ensure that they are powered on and connected to the network either via Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
    6. Access the NAS shared folders: From the NAS management interface, create shared folders where you want to store the copied data. Note down the path or name of these shared folders.
    7. Copy data from devices to the NAS: Access the devices from which you want to copy data, such as computers, laptops, or mobile devices. Use the file explorer or file manager of the respective devices to locate the data you want to copy. Select the files or folders and choose the option to copy or move them.
    8. Paste the data to the NAS: In the file explorer or file manager of the device, navigate to the shared folders on the NAS. Paste the copied data into the desired shared folder. The data will be transferred over the network to the NAS.
    9. Monitor the copying process: Depending on the size of the data being copied and the network speed, the copying process may take some time. Monitor the progress of the copying process to ensure it completes successfully.
    10. Verify the copied data: Once the copying process is complete, access the NAS shared folders from the NAS management interface or any device connected to the network. Verify that the copied data is present and intact.

    By following these steps, you can use the NAS Thecus N5500 to copy data from different devices and store it securely on the NAS.

  • How does the NAS Thecus N5500 facilitate the process of copying data from various devices?

    The NAS Thecus N5500 facilitates the process of copying data from various devices through its multiple connectivity options and file-sharing capabilities.

    1. Network Connectivity: The N5500 has multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports that allow it to connect to the local network. This enables users to access and copy data from any device connected to the same network, such as computers, laptops, smartphones, or tablets.
    2. USB Ports: The NAS is equipped with multiple USB ports, both on the front and back panel. These ports can be used to connect external storage devices, such as USB drives or external hard drives. Users can simply plug in their device and copy data directly to or from the NAS.
    3. eSATA Port: The N5500 also features an eSATA port, which provides a high-speed connection for external storage devices. Users can connect an eSATA-enabled device, such as an external hard drive, and quickly copy data between the NAS and the device.
    4. Data Synchronization: The NAS supports various data synchronization methods, such as Rsync, which allows users to copy data from other devices or NAS systems over the network. This feature is particularly useful for backing up or mirroring data from different sources to the N5500.
    5. File Sharing: The N5500 supports various file-sharing protocols, including SMB/CIFS, AFP, and FTP. These protocols enable users to share files and folders with other devices on the network, making it easy to copy data to and from the NAS.

    Overall, the NAS Thecus N5500 provides multiple connectivity options, data synchronization capabilities, and file-sharing protocols to facilitate the process of copying data from various devices.

  • Can the NAS Thecus N5500 copy data from devices with different operating systems or file formats?

    Yes, the NAS Thecus N5500 can copy data from devices with different operating systems or file formats. It supports various file systems such as NTFS, FAT32, EXT3, and XFS, allowing it to be compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. Additionally, it supports file sharing protocols like SMB/CIFS, AFP, and NFS, which enable data transfer between different devices and operating systems.

Hello! This is AI-based Hetman Software virtual assistant, and it will answer any of your questions right away.
Start Chat