
- Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
- Key Information About the NAS Thecus N5810
- How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
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 regular software updates and patches enhance the security and stability of NAS Thecus N5810 devices?
Regular software updates and patches can enhance the security and stability of NAS Thecus N5810 devices in the following ways:
- Security patches: Software updates often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities and address potential security risks. By regularly updating the software on the NAS device, these security patches can be applied, reducing the chances of unauthorized access, data breaches, or malware infections.
- Bug fixes: Updates and patches also address software bugs and glitches that may affect the stability and performance of the NAS device. By fixing these issues, the device becomes more reliable and less prone to crashes or unexpected behavior.
- Compatibility with new technologies: Updates ensure that the NAS device remains compatible with the latest technologies, protocols, and file systems. This allows for seamless integration with other devices, networks, and software applications, enhancing overall functionality and usability.
- Improved features and functionality: Software updates often introduce new features, enhancements, and performance optimizations. These updates can offer additional security options, improved encryption, better user management, or more efficient resource utilization, thereby enhancing the overall security and stability of the NAS device.
- Stay ahead of emerging threats: Regular updates help the NAS device to stay up to date with the latest security practices and defenses against emerging threats. As new vulnerabilities and attack techniques are discovered, software updates can provide necessary countermeasures to protect the device and its data.
- Vendor support: By keeping the NAS device updated, users can ensure they receive continued support from the vendor. This includes access to technical assistance, troubleshooting, and firmware updates. Staying within the supported software version is crucial for receiving timely assistance and ensuring the long-term stability and security of the device.
Overall, regular software updates and patches for NAS Thecus N5810 devices are essential to maintain the security, stability, and optimal performance of the device, protecting valuable data and ensuring a reliable network storage solution.
How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
Although the NAS N5810 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:
-
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.
-
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.
-
Label each hard disk according to its position inside the NAS. The order of the drives is crucial for correct RAID reconstruction.
-
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.
Go to view
Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Thecus N5810. 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.
How to recover data from a Thecus
N5810 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;
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:
-
Ensure you have enough free space to store the image. Its size will typically match the size of the original disk.
-
In the main window, select the target disk and choose Tools - Save Disk. You can also select multiple disks if needed.
-
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.

-
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 N5810 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
| Product | Operating system | RAID controller support | Supported file systems | Virtual RAID controller support | Data recovery from damaged RAID | File preview |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hetman RAID Recovery | Windows, Linux, MacOS | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, exFAT, NTFS, ReFS, APFS, HFS+, Ext4, Ext3, Ext2, ReiserFS, Btrfs, VMFS, Hikvision, XFS, UFS, ZFS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DiskInternals RAID Recovery | Windows | Yes, over 10 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
| R-Studio | Windows, Mac, Linux | Yes, over 20 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| UFS Explorer RAID Recovery | Windows, Mac, Linux | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| EaseUS Data Recovery | Windows | Yes, over 20 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
| ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery | Windows | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |


If a NAS device like Thecus N5810 is showing signs of excessive noise or vibration, it may indicate a hardware issue. In such cases, it is recommended to immediately stop using the device to prevent any further damage.
Data recovery from a NAS device with hardware issues can be challenging and may require professional assistance. It is important to contact a data recovery specialist or the manufacturer's support team for guidance. They will have the expertise and tools necessary to assess the situation and determine if data recovery is possible.