Avoiding Data Loss on NAS Thecus N7770-10G and Recovering Deleted Files: Advanced Guide

Contents

• Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
• Key Information About the NAS Thecus N7770-10G
• 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.

Can improper network configuration or firewall settings result in data loss on NAS Thecus N7770-10G devices?

Improper network configuration or firewall settings can potentially lead to data loss on NAS devices, including Thecus N7770-10G. Here are a few scenarios where this could occur:

1. Inadequate network configuration: If the NAS device is not properly connected to the network or if there are network issues such as intermittent connectivity or high latency, it may result in data loss. Unstable connections can cause file transfer errors or interruptions during backup processes, leading to incomplete or corrupted data.
2. Firewall blocking necessary services: If the firewall settings on the NAS or the network infrastructure block essential services required for data access or backup, it can prevent users from accessing or backing up their data. This can lead to data loss if users are unable to retrieve their files or if backups fail to complete.
3. Misconfigured access controls: Incorrectly configured access controls on the NAS device can result in unauthorized access or accidental deletion/modification of data. If users are granted excessive privileges or if the permissions are not properly set, it can lead to data loss due to accidental deletions or unauthorized modifications.
4. Firmware or software vulnerabilities: If the NAS device's firmware or software is outdated or contains security vulnerabilities, it can be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized access or perform destructive actions. This can result in data loss if the attackers delete or encrypt the data, rendering it inaccessible.

To mitigate the risk of data loss due to network configuration or firewall issues, it is essential to follow best practices such as:

• Properly configure the network settings and ensure stable connectivity.
• Allow necessary network services and ports through the firewall.
• Regularly update the NAS firmware and software to address security vulnerabilities.
• Implement secure access controls and regularly review and update user permissions.
• Maintain regular backups of critical data to an off-site location or separate storage device.

It is recommended to consult the official documentation or seek assistance from Thecus support for specific configuration details and troubleshooting steps for the N7770-10G model.

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

Although the NAS N7770-10G 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 N7770-10G. 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

N7770-10G has 7 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 N7770-10G 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